Early Humans and the Beginning of Civilization Mr. McCubbin
Early Humans Modern humans - believed to have originated in Africa about 50,000 years ago, and then spread to other continents. They lived by hunting and gathering, and developed tools such as hammers, axes, and spears.
Early Humans, cont. lived in temporary structures, and moved as their food needs demanded. (Our knowledge of early humans is limited to archaeological evidence, due to the lack of written records.)
The Neolithic Revolution the gradual shift from gathering and hunting food to producing food (agriculture). Agriculture was used in the middle east as far back as 8000 BC, and in China and the Americas as far back as 4000 BC.
The Neolithic Revolution, cont. Along with growing crops, farmers raised animals for meat, milk and eggs. Farming caused people to stay longer in one place and gave them a more steady food supply, but this meant working harder.
The Neolithic Revolution, cont. developed where there was fertile soil and abundant water. Technological advances- including the wheel, clay bricks, metal jewelry and weapons.
Civilization Neolithic villages slowly evolved into civilizations. Civilization: a highly organized society marked by advanced knowledge of trade, government, arts, and science. Civilization = the rise of cities.
Civilization, cont. Early cities were all formed in river valleys: The Nile River valley (Egypt) The Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Iraq) The Indus River valley (Pakistan) The Huang He River valley (China)
Civilization, cont. All of these civilizations arose between 4000 BC and 1500 BC, but there were still agricultural villages and nomadic societies in addition. Civilizations depended on farmers growing surplus crops that they could sell, freeing other people to earn their living in other ways.
New Developments of Civilization Massive irrigation systems for watering crops Specialization of labor Long-distance trade by animal caravans or ships Organized government to direct the labor force and protect the cities – kings came into being Writing
Characteristics of Early Civilizations
1. Cities
Ur (Mesopotamia)
Uruk (Mesopotamia)
Memphis (Egypt)
Thebes (Egypt)
Harappa (Indus Civilization)
Mohenjo-Daro (Indus Civilization)
Anyang (China)
2. Organized Governments Mesopotamia City-states each had a king Babylonian Empire would have the first comprehensive set of laws: Hammurabi’s Code. Egypt King (pharaoh) who was viewed as a god, bureaucracy led by a vizier
2. Organized Governments, etc. Indus Civilization Features unknown, but were able to organize and protect complex cities. China King (not yet an emperor) ruled, used torture and human sacrifice.
3. Complex Religion Both Mesopotamia and Egypt Indus Civilization Polytheistic, believed in afterlife, built temples. Indus Civilization Probably polytheistic, certain animals were sacred. China Polytheistic (gods and nature spirits), prayer to spirits of ancestors, sacrifice.
4. Job Specialization Not particularly different for each civilization.
5. Social Classes (from top to bottom) Mesopotamia Ruling family, officials and high priests Lesser priests, scribes, merchants and artisans Peasants Egypt Pharaoh and royalty Government officials and priests Merchants, scribes and artisans Peasants (farmers)
5. Social Classes, cont. Indus Civilization China Unknown Royal family and noble warriors Artisans, merchants Peasants
6. Art and Architecture 7. Public Works
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Egypt
Egypt
Indus Civilization
Indus Civilization
Indus Civilization
China
China
China
8. Writing
Mesopotamia: Cuneiform
Egypt: Hieroglyphics
Indus Civilization
China