Early Man Definitions

Neanderthals: Early humans found in Palaeolithic Europe, they later became extinct due to the influx of Homo sapiens sapiens. Known for their heavy brow and short, muscular bodies.

Cro-Magnon: Early modern humans of the Paleolithic period who crafted relationships with other bands and settled over hundreds of kilometers in Europe.

Homo sapiens: The first modern human, with physicals similar to humans today. They represent the ‘great leap forward’ in that their advances allowed them to gain superiority over their environment.

Prehistory: Refers to the early human societies that did not leave written records.

Barter: A means of trade in early human society, before the advent of money. Goods were exchanged on a necessity basis, and the value was based on supply and demand.

The “great leap forward”: Acknowledges the era about 35,000 years ago when two fundamental changes occurred: the development of modern anatomy, and the beginning of innovative behaviour. These two changed allowed humans to surpass their rivals and gain dominance over their environment.

Paleolithic Society: Also known as the Old Stone Age, this is a period in which humans developed complex and integrated social patterns such as marriage, alliances, a social hierarchy, religious rituals, and artistic sophistication.

Neolithic Revolution: Also known as the New Stone Age, it refers to a period after 9000 B.C.E. Humans began to use more-sophisticated tools and began to abandon their nomadic lifestyle for a sedentary one.

Society: A system of human organizations that generates distinctive cultural patterns and usually provides protection, security, and continuity for its members.

Urban Revolution: Characterized by large, densely packed urban centers that have a recognized hierarchy and a diverse economy. This is recognized as the era in which society became civilized and is one of the seven characteristics of a civilization.

- Innovative behaviour - Different pelvic structure What evidence suggests that the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens sapiens were not the same people. - Modern anatomy - Innovative behaviour - Different pelvic structure - Advanced tool and weapon making - Neanderthals were more of a scavenger - Homo sapiens mastered water travel - Development of trade amongst Homo sapiens suggests an extensive communication network.

Describe how a Neanderthal would look compared with modern humans. Neanderthals were heavy set and muscular. Forearms and lower legs were shorter than ours, and heavily muscled. Their faces indicate heavy muscle development around the eyes and jaw. Lower jaws sunk back towards their chest.

Why was innovative behaviour important to the development of early human societies? Innovative behaviour allowed early humans to surpass competing species for survival. It allowed them to establish sedentary communities that extended their life span. It led to establishment of early civilizations.