Ch. 1.1

 Archeologists and scientists investigate the lives of early humans without access to written records  Archeologists learn about early humans by excavating traces of early settlements  Artifacts are remains, such as tools, jewelry, and other human-made objects  These items give us valuable information about prehistoric times

 In 1978 Mary Leakey found prehistoric footprints in Tanzania, East African Nation  Explorers in Ethiopia found a complete skeleton of an adult female hominid, earliest hominid to date  Walking upright helped early hominids travel distances easier, also developed opposable thumbs, which was important for picking up objects and making tools

 Most impressive achievements in human history include: invention of tools, mastery of fire, development of language  2 parts of the Stone Age: Paleolithic and Neolithic  Paleolithic Age = Ice Age  Homo habilis: man of skill, first to make tools  Homo erectus: developed technology, used fire and cooked food, developed language

 Homo sapiens is the species name for modern humans  Traditionally classified Neanderthals and Cro- Magnons as Homo sapiens, but they are not ancestors of modern humans  Remains of Neanderthals have been found in Germany, other areas of Europe, and Southwest Asia

 Neanderthals tried to explain and control their world.  They developed religious beliefs and performed rituals, they were resourceful in surviving, using animal skins and temporary shelters made of wood to protect themselves during the ice age  Cro-Magnons’ were more advanced skill in spoken language and more difficult projects than the Neanderthals

 1994: fossils found in Ethiopia of a 2.33 million year old jaw, making it the oldest fossil belonging to the species of modern humans  1996: Neanderthal bone flute was found in Canada  As time progressed, early human’s skills and tools for surviving and adapting to their environment became more sophisticated.