WORLD CIVILIZATIONS What was the Neolithic Revolution & Why Was it Important?

Neolithic What???? Neolithic Revolution=General time period in which early man learned how to perform basic farming techniques & began domesticating animals. NOTE: These process occurred over thousands of years & there were several independent revolutions that took place around the world at various times.

So What? People begin to settle down (no need to follow animals) = permanent dwellings Staying in one place = more predictable weather More food + sedentary lifestyle = population growth (healthier population) More food = ability to store/preserve food for winter More time = development of culture (i.e. art, religion, hobbies) People can do other things aside from hunting = job specialization

What Else? More jobs = greater production of goods = more trade = stronger economy Different jobs = different amounts of wealth/prestige = social classes Greater wealth = jealousy = need for security (military) More people = need for laws = need for government to enforce laws & lead people Government = commissions public works More people + no way to remove waste = growth of diseases

What is Necessary for a Civilization? 1. Organized Governments 2. Complex Religions 3. Job Specialization 4. Social Classes 5. Arts & Architecture 6. Public Works 7. Writing