A look back at the earliest of humans and their settlements Pre-History A look back at the earliest of humans and their settlements

Bell-ringer What do you know about the earliest “People” on Earth? Write a paragraph or two about everything you can tell me about the earliest beings to walk the Earth”. What were they like, what did they do? How are they different than us today.

Before History Most of what we know about pre-history comes from the work of both Archaeologists and Anthropologists. They are both Scientists who analyze and study artifacts and human fossils to construct theories about the development of human beings. Hominids lived in Africa as long ago as 3-4 million years ago. Hominids- human and human-like creatures that walk upright

Before History Hominids made simple stone tools to use. Homo erectus (upright human being) developed around 1.5 million years ago They were known for making use of larger and more varied tools. Homo sapiens (wise human being) are thought to have developed around 250,000 years ago. Neanderthals and Homo sapien sapiens are both part of this group.

Neanderthals Named from where they were discovered. The Neander Valley in Germany Dated back to between 100,000 and 30,000 B.C. Fossils have been found all over Europe and Southwest Asia Had and used stone tools for a variety of things Are thought to be the first people to bury the dead.

Homo Sapiens Sapiens Means “Wise, wise human beings” Appeared in Africa between 150,000-200,000 years ago. By 10,000 BC, they had spread to places all over the world. All human beings today would be decendants of Homo Sapiens Sapiens.

Old Stone Age Period from 2.5 million BC to 10,000 BC Marked by the period of time when humans used simple stone tools. Also called the Paleolithic Age These people were hunters/ gatherers who would eventually work together in small communities Nomads- people who moved from place place) Cave Paintings show what their life would have been like

New Stone Age Period from 8,000 to 4,000 BC Marked more by the keeping of animals for food and the growing of vegetables. Also called the Neolithic Age These people learned how to grow crops and raise animals to keep from having to move with the animals. Systemic Agriculture- growing food on a regular basis. Domestication- adaptation of animals for human use. PERMANENT SETTLEMENTS

Civilization The Neolithic age led to permanent settlements By 3,000 BC, large numbers of people were living together in fertile river valleys like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, and throughout China Water was a common theme for these early civilizations Civilization- complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common elements.

Civilization 6 basic characteristics Cities Government Religion Social structure Writing Art