Prehistory Paleolithic Period becomes Neolithic Period An Overview

Prehistory Paleolithic Period becomes Neolithic Period An Overview

The prehistoric periods n n c. 4. 5 MYA-3700 BC Major accomplishments q q Tool manufacture and use Communication n n q Domestication of animals n q Verbal Written? And plants? Finally: agriculture n The “First Wave”

The Paleolithic period n n n “old stone age” c. 500, 000 BC - c. 4000 BC Basic features q q q q Hunting and gathering Nomadic Remarkable art Simple tools of chipped stone Simple shelters Fire n c. 150, 000 BC? Language

The nomadic life

Extraordinary art!

Cave art n What general theme is evident here?

Cave artists

Paleolithic religion?

Early stone tools q q q B. A. Homo habilis B. Homo erectus C. Neanderthal A. C.

Beginning of Civilization n Six Characteristics q q q Cities Government Religion Social Structure Writing Art

The Neolithic period n Began in Middle East around 6000 BC q n to c. 1700 BC Basic features q q Food production (basic farming) Polished stone tools n q q and weapons? More settled, less nomadic lifestyles “permanent” villages Population increases Development of a more complex social order

The Fertile Crescent Shaduf = Agriculture

Farming

Settling down n Prerequisite to civilization

Jericho n n Jordan River valley c. 8000 BC

Catal Hüyük n n Modern Turkey c. 6500 BC

Catal Hüyük (cont. ) n Homes of clay

The first writing? n Pictographs become writing

Neolithic religious life n Gods (figures) for good crops, leadership, explain social order Fertility Man’s Head Earth Mother Shaman

Bronze Age leads to Iron Age n n Copper Age - soft metal tools Bronze Age - 3000 BC to 1200 BC q n Copper and tin combined to make strong bronze tools Iron Age – After about 1000 BC q Iron tools are stronger and better than bronze

River Valleys n Civilizations grew in the river valleys of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China q q q n Water Agriculture Building materials Culture developed q The way of life of people became more complex