Overview of Early Man: The Hunter-Gatherer Societies Foundations Lesson 1

Main Ideas: Activities of pre-farming man were focused entirely on the acquisition of foodActivities of pre-farming man were focused entirely on the acquisition of food By the end of the last Ice Age (10,000 B.C.E.), most hunter-gatherer societies exhibited a rudimentary level of social developmentBy the end of the last Ice Age (10,000 B.C.E.), most hunter-gatherer societies exhibited a rudimentary level of social development

Eras of Early Human History Paleolithic Era (1 million- 40,000 yrs. ago)Paleolithic Era (1 million- 40,000 yrs. ago) – simple stone tools – simple shelters – cave paintings Neolithic (10,000 yrs. ago)Neolithic (10,000 yrs. ago) – farming – innovation – complex societies – defined polytheistic ideologies

Ice Age Man Nomadic lifestyleNomadic lifestyle – following food supplies – avoiding temperature extremes Food & ShelterFood & Shelter – typical diet Were they constantly hungry? Were they constantly hungry? – Summer & winter shelters

Theories of Migration & Settlement “Out of Africa” Theory“Out of Africa” Theory – humans follow animal herds & settle other continents during last Ice Age – most accepted theory Independent Development TheoryIndependent Development Theory – human development occurs relatively simultaneously in key areas Africa Africa Central Europe Central Europe SE Asia SE Asia Northern China Northern China Central America Central America

Complex Activities Clan-like social developmentClan-like social development – leadership based on dominance – other authorities Tool-makingTool-making – “The Stone Age”

Complex Activities Basic religious functionsBasic religious functions – talismans & “medicine bags” – ritualized burials

Drawing the Pre-Historic Line History: the recorded experience of human developmentHistory: the recorded experience of human development – Were hunter- gatherer societies “pre-historic”?

The Lascaux Caves

What are they “recording”?What are they “recording”? What does this tell us about their lives and experiences?What does this tell us about their lives and experiences? Consider painting locations and Ice Age life—why did they do this?Consider painting locations and Ice Age life—why did they do this? How are we similar today?How are we similar today?

Reading: The Clan of the Cave Bear Read excerpt from The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)Read excerpt from The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel) Answer questions over reading (due tomorrow)Answer questions over reading (due tomorrow)