1. The Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages

2. Paleolithic Age Paleolithic means “old stone”
used simple stone tools
Earliest humans were nomadic
Moved from place to place to survive.
Followed animal herds and warmer weather.
First lived in caves
Later began to create shelters from wood and animal hides.
Hunted and gathered for food.
Learned what animals to hunt and what plants to eat.
How?
Created art
Mostly depictions of animals

3. Use of Fire Humans developed use of fire by about 500,000 BC
Benefits?
Provides warmth
Keeps larger animals away.
Cooks food
Tasted better
Easier to chew
Lasted longer
Better nutrition
+ better quality of life
= more people!
Use of fire was especially important during the last Ice Age
100,000 to 8000 BC

4. Beginnings of Civilization
End of last Ice Age was followed by the Neolithic Revolution BC
“The shift from hunting animals and gathering food to keeping animals and growing food.”
Systematic Agriculture
Growing of food on a regular basis.
Domestication
Adapting animals for human use.

5. Effects of Neolithic Revolution
Because there is enough food, humans could give up their nomadic ways of life.
Begin to live in settled communities.
Gives people more control over their lives.
More time?

6. Effects of the Neolithic Revolution
Development of food surpluses meant not everyone needed to farm.
Division of labor
Different jobs for different people.
People do the job they are the best at.
Development of trade
Construction of storehouses and walls
Protect food surplus
Development of armies?
Society improves quickly…

7. A quickly changing world…
Neolithic Age
8000 – 4000 BC
Bronze Age
3000 – 1200 BC
Iron Age
After 1000 BC