Early Human Development World History I

Early Stages of Development The earliest humanlike creatures lived in Africa as long as 3-4 million years ago. – Called australopithecines, or southern apes, they were the first hominids to make simple tools. Hominid – humans and other creatures that walk upright. – A second stage of human development occurred with the appearance of Homo erectus (upright human being). Homo erectus appeared about 1.5 million years ago and was the first to leave Africa and settle Asia and Europe. They made use of larger and more varied tools. They used fire to remain warm in colder areas.

Early Stages of Development, cont. About 250,000 years ago, a new species, Homo sapiens emerged. – Homo sapiens – “wise human being” There were two subgroups of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals and homo sapiens sapiens. – By 30,000 BC, the homo sapiens sapiens replaced the Neanderthals. – Homo sapiens sapiens were the first group of early humans to look like us. By 100,000 BC, they moved from Africa into Europe and Asia. – Moved only 2-3 miles per generation, but by 10,000 years ago could be found throughout the world.could be found throughout the world. All people today belong to this subgroup of humans.

The Old Stone Age Paleolithic Age - The early period of human history in which humans used simple stone tools. – Paleolithic is Greek for “Old Stone” Paleolithic People relied on hunting and gathering to get food. – They were nomads, or people who moved from place to place. – The development of better tools led to more success hunting and fishing.

The Old Stone Age, cont. Men traveled far away from camp to hunt large animals. – Women stayed closer and gathered nuts, berries, and grain. – They found shelter in caves or built it from sticks and animal hides. As they moved into the colder regions they began to use fire. – Uses for fire: Early fires were started by friction.

Old Stone Age, cont. Fire was especially important to ensure human survival during the most recent Ice Age. – It lasted from about 100,000 BC through 8,000 BC. The importance of art to early people is evidenced through cave paintings. – The paintings, including those of large animals, showed us how early humans lived. – Paint was made by crushing mineral ores and combining them with animal fat. – Famous Cave Paintings – Lascaux, France Famous Cave Paintings – Lascaux, France