Early Humans and the Agricultural Revolution

Bell Ringer: Explain Evidence and why is it important? What are two types of evidence that we look for and why?

Bell Ringer Who was Lucy? What was significant about the find?

Paleolithic Age The Stone Age is the period of the early human history. This is a time where tools were made of stone. Paleolithic is the earliest period or “Old Stone Age.” Began about 2.5 million years ago and lasted until around 8000 BC (about 4,500 years earlier than recorded time, which starts about 5,500 years ago).

Nomads were people who moved about in search of food in order to survive. They traveled in groups of 20 or 30. They survived by hunting and gathering their food. The had to hunt animals and gathered plants to eat. They hunted buffalo, bison, wild goats, reindeer, and other animals depending on where they lived. Along coastal areas, they fished. They gathered berries, fruits, wild grains, and green plants.

Life in the Neolithic Age People begin to settle down in permanent homes. Located near fields so people could plant, grow, and harvest their crops. People located near water sources –rivers.

Villages developed throughout Europe, India, Egypt, China, and Mexico. Biggest and earliest known communities were found in Southwest Asia. Jericho (JAIR-ih-koh) grew in an area between present-day Israel and Jordan called the West Bank. Well established by 8000 BC Area of sun-dried brick houses was surroundedby walls that were several feet thick.m

Catahuyuk (Chah-tahl-hoo-YOOK) in present day Turkey. Little evidence remains today. Covered about 32 acres and home to about 6,000 people. People lived in simple mudbrick homes that were built next to each other Instead of a front door, you entered into the home through the roof. People could walk to their neighbors from roof top to roof top.

Shrines (holy places) were built in Catalhuyuk. Decorated with images of gods and goddesses. Statues of women giving birth have also been found. Religion was seen growing in Neolithic people Farmers grew fruits, nuts, and different grains on land outside of Catalhuyuk. Raised sheep, goats, and cattle that provided milk and meat. They ate fish and bird eggs from nearby low laying wetlands called marshes. Scenes from on the city’s walls show people also hunted.

Neolithic people needed protection from the weather and wild animals. Settling down in communities provided greater security. Better food supplies. As food supplies grew, the population could grow.

Specialization is the act of training for a particular job. For the first time, we see specialization occur. Artisans or skilled workers Jewelry that was traded with nearby communities Pottery from grain to store grain and food. Baskets from plant fibers and cloth. Iceman wore a cape made from woven grass fibers.

Growth in some communities did not go well. In present day Jordan, rapid population growth caused resources (too much wood use) caused the areas to become deserts and the communities died out.

End of the Neolithic Age People became more and more technological advanced. Toolmakers created better tools for the farmers. Hoes for digging soil, sickles for cutting grain, and millstones for grinding flour. Some areas, people began to work with metals such as copper. Heated rocks and discovered melted copper inside them. Experimented with making copper tools and weapons. Copper tools were easier to work with than stone tools.

Western Asia craftsmen discovered mixing copper and tin formed bronze. Bronze is stronger than copper. Bonze widely used between 3000 and 1200 BC Bronze Age Note: some people still used stone tools/weapons because they couldn’t afford bronze.

Civilizations Emerge By the beginning of the Bronze Age, communtiies were widespread. Four great river valleys developed: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. Rivers provided fish and water. People formed governments to protect themselves and their food supplies. Monarchy is a government whose ruler, a king or queen, inherits the position.

Religions Religions were created to help explain their lives. Gods were responsible for a community’s survival. Priest performed religious ceremonies to try to win the support of the gods. Rulers claimed that their own power was ased on the approval of the gods.

Social Structures People were organized into groups. Defined by the type of work done, wealth, or power. Rulers/priest, government officials, and warriors made up the highest social class. They set the rules and made the important decisions. The largest groups: free people, farmers, artisans, and craftspeople. Lowest group: slaves who were captured from enemies during war.

Writing and Art To pass information down, people invented ways of writing. Symbols were used instead of letters and words. Writing became important to the new civilizations. Writing used to keep records. Art was created for enjoyment and practical purposes. Artist created paintings and sculptures portraying gods and forces of nature. People designed massive buildings that served as places of worship or burial toms for kings.