Early Humans and the Beginning of Civilization A WH1 Presentation by Mr. Hess

Introduction The entire time that humans have existed can be divided into three periods: 1.Early humans (so-called “cave men”) 2.Neolithic Revolution (when farming began) 3.Civilization

1. Early Humans Modern humans are believed to have originated in Africa about 50,000 years ago, and then spread to other continents. They lived by hunting and gathering, and developed tools such as hammers, axes, and spears.

Early Humans, cont. Early humans lived in temporary structures, and moved as their food needs demanded. Our knowledge of early humans is limited to archaeological evidence, due to the lack of written records.

2. The Neolithic Revolution The Neolithic revolution was the gradual shift from gathering and hunting food to producing food (agriculture). Agriculture was used in the middle east as far back as 8000 BC, and in China and the Americas as far back as 4000 BC.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont. Along with growing crops, farmers raised animals for meat, milk and eggs. Farming caused people to stay longer in one place and gave them a more steady food supply, but this meant working harder.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont. Agricultural villages began to develop in places where there was fertile soil and abundant water. Technological advances included the wheel, clay bricks, and metal jewelry and weapons.

3. Civilization Neolithic villages slowly evolved into civilizations. Civilization: a highly organized society marked by advanced knowledge of trade, government, arts, and science. Civilization = the rise of cities.

Civilization, cont. Early cities were all formed in river valleys: The Nile River valley (Egypt) The Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Iraq) The Indus River valley (Pakistan) The Huang He River valley (China)

Civilization, cont. All of these civilizations arose between 4000 BC and 1500 BC, but there were still agricultural villages and nomadic societies in addition. Civilizations depended on farmers growing surplus crops that they could sell, freeing other people to earn their living in other ways.

New Developments of Civilization Massive irrigation systems for watering crops Specialization of labor Long-distance trade by animal caravans or ships Organized government to direct the labor force and protect the cities – kings came into being Writing