The Neolithic Revolution Chapter 2 The Neolithic Revolution 1

BIG IDEA Systematic agriculture brought giant economic, political, and social change for early humans. The development of systematic agriculture and civilization were dramatic change, or revolution, during the Neolithic Age. The transition of humans from nomadic hunters to farmers and herders is part of the Neolithic Revolution. This revolution led to the development of traditional economies based on agriculture with limited trade. 2

The Neolithic Revolution occurred at the end of the last ice age, about 8,000 B.C.E. The Neolithic Age lasted from 8,000 to 4,000 B.C.E. The Neolithic Revolution is characterized by the shift from hunting and gathering for food to the keeping of animals and growing food on a regular basis (Systematic Agriculture).

The DOMESTICATION of animals used for: A regular source of food Doing work Since there was now enough food. Humans could have more control over their lives. No longer were they forced to roam to hunt and gather, they could settle into communities.

Systematic agriculture is considered to be the single most important revolution in the development of human history.

The Growing of Crops In 8,000 B.C.E., in Southwest Asia, people began growing wheat and barley and domesticating pigs, cows, goats and sheep. In central Africa a separate farming system emerged. Root crops called tubers (such as yams) and tree crops (like bananas) were found and grown.

The Growing of Crops (cont.) In 5,000 B.C.E., Southwest Asians began growing rice. From there it spread to China. 7,000 B.C.E. to 5,000 B.C.E., (present day Mexico and Central America) people began growing beans, squash, and maize.

Neolithic Farming Villages appeared in Europe, India, Egypt, China and Mesoamerica. The oldest and biggest of these, however, was located in Southwest Asia. Jericho near the Dead Sea, existed by 8000 B.C.E.

Çatalhüyük (chah•TAHK hoo•YOOK) In modern Turkey, was even larger than Jericho. It covered 32 acres and between 6,700 B.C.E. and 5,700 B.C.E. the city had about 6,000 inhabitants.

Their simple mud brick houses were built so close together that there were few streets. People walked on the roofs and entered their homes through holes in the rooftops. 10

Their simple mud brick houses were built so close together that there were few streets. People walked on the roofs and entered their homes through holes in the rooftops. 11

Archaeologists have found a dozen products that were grown outside the city walls including fruit, nuts, and three kinds of wheat. Domesticated animals provided meat, milk and hides. The result was a food surplus. This meant that not all people needed to farm. Some people became artisans, or skilled workers. Artisans made goods to trade with neighboring people. This was beginning of a traditional economy based on agriculture and limited trade.

Effects of the Neolithic Revolution Once people began settling in villages, they saw the need to build walls for protections and storehouses for goods. Storing surplus products encouraged trade. Trade encouraged more people to learn crafts. This led to the division of labor. The roles of men and women began to change.

The End of the Neolithic Age Between 4,000 B.C.E. and 3,000 B.C.E. craftspeople discovered that by heating metal-bearing rocks they could turn the metal into liquid. The use of metals marked a new level of control over the environment. Bronze Age: 3,000 B.C.E. to 1,200 B.C.E. Iron Age: After 1,000 B.C.E.

Civilization Emerges When humans settled in permanent villages, their cultures evolved. A civilization is a complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common characteristics. These characteristics feature 7 important key themes (remember?)

 Patterns of population (cities) The first civilizations were developed in river valleys.

Economic networks (GOVERNMENT) The need to maintain a food supply and the need for defense soon led to the growth of government. Governments organize and regulate human activity. The first civilizations were led by monarchs-kings or queens who ruled a kingdom.

RELIGION (spiritualism) Civilizations developed religions to help themselves explain forces of nature and their place in the world. They believed that gods and goddesses were important to the community’s success. Priests supervised rituals aimed at pleasing the gods and goddesses.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE (have and have nots) Social structure is based on economic power. Rulers, priests, government officials, and warriors dominated society. Free people—farmers, artisans, and craftspeople. Slaves. Organized trade began to grow.

WRITING (science & technology) Were used to keep accurate records for the upper class. Eventually used for creative expression.

ART (expressing identity) Architects built temples and pyramids as places for worship or sacrifice, or for the burial of kings and other important people. Art also featured depictions of the rulers and gods they worshiped.

7. Use and abuse of power Power, in many forms, has been used for great good and benefit. Power, in many forms, has been misused by some, for a variety of reasons.

Chapter 1 Summary: Cause and Effect Early humans learn to make tools and fire. Tools make hunting easier. Early humans become more efficient hunters. Cooking food over fire improves nutrition. Fire keeps humans warm in cooler climates.

Chapter 1 Summary: Cause and Effect After the Ice Age ends, temperatures rise and humans begin to practice systematic agriculture—the keeping of animals and the growing of food on a regular basis. A steady food supply leads humans to settle in farming villages. Surplus food is stored. The villagers and food supply must be protected.

Chapter 1 Summary: Cause and Effect Civilizations begin to develop in river valleys in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. Governments develop to organize and protect the cities. Not all villagers are needed for farming, so some become artisans, government workers, priests, artists, and scribes. Division of labor leads to a social structure. Surplus food and products are traded with other settlements.