1. The Neolithic Revolution
Prehistoric Man and
The Neolithic Revolution

2. The Neolithic Revolution
Around 8,000 BC, Ice Age glaciers began to melt, and the Earth began to warm.
An agricultural (farming), revolution began called the Neolithic Revolution.
Neolithic means “New Rock.”

3. The Neolithic Revolution
Neolithic= New rock or stone.
Rocks/Stones were now used to make tools for FARMING.
These stone tools were used as axes, digging tools.

4. The Neolithic Revolution
Point out that roughly during the same time frame, agricultural communities sprang up around the globe. This brought forth many changes during the Neolithic Revolution that will make the first true civilizations a reality.

5. The Neolithic Revolution
REGION
TIME
FOOD PRODUCTS
ANIMALS DOMESTICATED
Southwest Asia
Southeast Asia, China
8,000 BC
5,000 BC
Wheat, barley
Rice
Pigs, cows, goats, sheep.
Pigs and dogs, chicken.
Nile Valley, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia
6,000 BC
Wheat, barley.
Yams and bananas.
Donkey, cows, cats.
Central India
7,000-5,000 BC
Cow, chicken, water buffalo.
Mesoamerica
5,500 BC
Beans, squash, maize.
Dogs and chickens.
Llama

6. The Neolithic Revolution
Neolithic Revolution - The shift of hunting of animals and gathering of food to the domestication of animals and the systematic growing of food.

7. Neolithic Revolution Terms
Systematic agriculture – growing food on a regular basis.
Domestication of animals- adapting animals for human use.
Bronze Age - Use of bronze tools. Copper + tin=bronze.

8. Effects of a Food Surplus
Food Surplus – plenty of food to survive. EFFECTS?
Food surplus= population increases.
Enough food to sustain the 1st cities and shelters.

9. Effects of a Food Surplus
Job specialization -people get jobs other than farming.
Example – Artisans – skilled workers who crafted weapons, tools, or jewelry.

10. Effects of a Food Surplus
Food was stored, which allowed for the world’s 1st economy – the barter economy.
Barter economy - barter or TRADE for the food or goods needed to survive. Trade began between people and neighboring cultures.

11. Effects of a Food Surplus
Population density – the average number of people living in an area increased dramatically.
The Neolithic Age also saw the 1st diseases passed between humans and animals.(Flu, smallpox, measles).

12. Effects of a Food Surplus

13. Effects of the Neolithic Age
Culture – The customs or way of life a group of people follow.

14. Excavation site of Catal Hoyuk in modern day Turkey.
Neolithic Farming Villages
BC- Catal Hoyuk had a population of up to 6,000 people.
They lived in mud brick houses, farmed many grains, and domesticated animals.
Excavation site of Catal Hoyuk in modern day Turkey.

15. Burial site at Catal Hoyuk
Neolithic Farming Villages
Burial site at Catal Hoyuk

16. Neolithic Structures
Stonehenge in England, was built by Neolithic peoples around years ago. It is the most famous circle of stones or megalithic monument. Image courtesy of Wikpedia Commons.

17. View of the 1st Civilization, Sumer
Effects of the Neolithic Age
The 1st large cities formed, and the characteristics for a developed civilization emerged.
Civilization – a complex culture in which a large number of people share the same characteristics.
View of the 1st Civilization, Sumer

18. 6 Characteristics of a Civilization
1. Growth of Government
2. Religion
3. Writing
4. Artistic Activity
5. Social Structure
6. Rise of Cities

19. Key Achievements of the Neolithic Revolution
Can you think of 3 things that were mastered by man during the Neolithic Revolution?
Key Achievements of the Neolithic Revolution