Early Periods of History

Paleolithic Age (2,500,000 – 10,000 BC) Also called the “Old Stone Age” Hunters and Gatherers for survival Nomadic (moved from place to place) to follow animals and vegetation Lived in groups of 20-30 men (necessary for hunting large animals) Lived in caves (especially in cold areas) or sticks with animal skins draped over them Invention of fire necessary as moved into colder regions

Ice Age (100,000 BC – 8,000 BC) Thick sheets of ice cover large parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Fire and ability to adapt to the environment were essential for survival

Ice Age (100,000 BC – 8,000 BC) Homo Erectus- 1st to deliberately make fire Methods for making fire Friction (rubbing 2 sticks together) Striking iron pyrite against another hard stone makes a spark Fire provides… Warmth, Sense of Community, Protection, Flush animals out of woods, Cook food

The Neolithic Age (8,000 BC – 4,000 BC) Also called the New Stone Age Neolithic Revolution ends Paleolithic Age Neolithic Revolution Move from hunting & gathering food to… Systematic agriculture (Growing food on a regular basis) Domestication (Taming animals for human use)

The Neolithic Age (8,000 BC – 4,000 BC) Changes caused by Neolithic Revolution Settle in one place (Not nomadic) Creates food surpluses Extra time for artisans (skilled workers making weapons, jewelry, etc. for trade) New/improved weapons & tools Men become more dominant (women stay home)

Civilization Begins! Around 3,000 BC, begin to use stronger metal –BRONZE (made by mixing tin and copper) Bronze Age Begins (3,000 BC – 1,200 BC) First Civilizations created! Prehistory ends!

Civilizations Are Created! 6 Characteristics of a Civilization Rise of cities Growth of Governments Development of Religious Beliefs Social Structure (organization of who holds power) Writing System Art (Cave Art)

Cave Art Art (Cave Art) Found in France & Spain Animals drawn in detail & humans (stick figures) Scientists believe paintings were rituals for success in hunting

Student Activity #1 Assume that you were a witness to one of the changes shown above, and you experienced its social consequences. Write a journal entry describing your role in the society and your reaction to the change.

Student Activity # 2 To show the emergence of civilizations as a chain of causes and effects, fill in the flow chart by putting the following events in the correct order. Then continue the chain of causes and effects by adding 2 events. The earliest civilizations arose in river valleys. People looked for places where water was plentiful and soil was fertile to establish permanent farming communities. Farming replaced hunting and gathering as a means of procuring food. Farming peoples settled in river valleys like those of the Nile and Indus. Neolithic people domesticated plants and animals.