1. The Stone Ages and Early Cultures
Chapter 2 Section 1

2. The First People
Until 5,000 years ago, we have no written record. Historians call this time before humans learned to write, “prehistory”. Anthropologists and archeologists have discovered bones of early hominids (an early ancestor of humans) in east Africa that led many to believe humans have existed on earth for more than 3 million years.

3. One of the most important finds was that of Donald Johnson in 1974
One of the most important finds was that of Donald Johnson in He discovered the bones of “Lucy” and concluded that hominids of that period could walk upright.

5. Hominids and Early Humans
In the early 1960s Louis Leakey found hominid remains that he called Homo habilis, or “handy man.” Leakey and his son Richard believed that Homo habilis was more closely related to modern humans than Lucy and had a larger brain.

6. Scientists believe that another group of hominids appeared in Africa about 1.5 million years ago. This group is called Homo erectus, or “upright man.” Scientists think these people walked completely upright like modern people do.

7. Scientists believe that Homo erectus knew how to control fire
Scientists believe that Homo erectus knew how to control fire. Once fire was started by natural causes, such as lightning, people used it to cook food. Fire also gave them heat and protection against animals.

8. Eventually hominids developed characteristics of modern humans
Eventually hominids developed characteristics of modern humans. Scientist are not exactly sure when or where the first modern humans lived. Many think that they first appeared in Africa about 200,000 years ago. Scientists call these people Homo sapiens, or “wise man.” Every person alive today belongs to this group.

9. The Paleolithic Era (The Old Stone Age) Beginnings to 10,000 years ago.
Stone Age Tools The ability to make and use tools is one of the most important skills that separates humans from non-humans. The earliest tools were mostly used for processing food, cutting, chopping, scraping, etc.. Later tools such as spears and hand axes showed a growing sophistication and help mankind hunt and live better. One important “tool” was fire. Early man used fire (started by lightning) for cooking, heating and protection.

10. Hunter-Gatherer Societies
Society – A community of people who share a common culture. Early humans lived in small groups in hunter-gatherer societies. They stayed in one area for a period of time until plants and animals became scarce. One of the most important developments during this period was language. Language helped early humans hunt, distribute food and form relationships.