Prehistory What is Prehistory you ask It is

Prehistory

What is Prehistory you ask?

It is the time before the invention of writing.

Objectives n Describe the characteristics of hunter- gatherer societies. n Identify the advancements that gave rise to stable communities. n Explain how archaeological discoveries change contemporary knowledge of ideas and beliefs about prehistoric people n List the four river valley civilizations

Anthropology: the study of the origins and development of people and their societies. Anthropologists try to recreate the CULTURE or way of life of a society, which includes its beliefs, values, and practices. Culture is handed down through generations.

Archaeology: the study of people and cultures through their material remains, a specialized branch of anthropology. Archaeologists find analyze artifacts such as buildings, tools, weapons, pottery, clothing and jewelry.

Africa! These scientists study artifacts and bones to learn about life of the earliest humans. Humans developed first in Africa and spread to other parts of the world.

Human Origins

5 Stages of Hominid Development • Australopithecine • Homo habilis • Homo erectus • Homo sapiens: Neanderthals and Cro -Magnons • Homo sapiens

Australopithecine • • • First to walk upright Was here 7 million to 1 million B. C. Eastern Africa 3 -5 feet tall Brain size is 1/3 of modern size

Homo habilis Man of Skill • First to use stone tools (? ): Stone Age • Appeared about 2. 5 million B. C. • East Africa • Around 5 feet tall • Brain size 1/2 of modern size

Homo erectus Upright man Lived about 1. 6 million B. C. Smarter than homo habilis First to use fire First to have some spoken language Came from Africa, Asia, Europe Up to 6 feet tall Brain size ¾ of modern size

Homo sapiens Wise Man n. This is the species name for modern man. n. Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons and modern man fall in this category. n. Our subspecies is Homo sapiens, or “doubly wise”.

Neanderthals n. Lived about 200, 000 to 30, 000 B. C. n. Slightly larger brain then last man n. Known as “cave man” n. Caring: First to have a burial ritual, took care of disabled n. Disappearance a mystery n 5 -5’ 6” tall

Cro-Magnons Fully modern humans ? • Appeared about 40, 000 to 8, 000 years ago. • Skeletons and brain size were like modern humans • Able to stalk prey better • Better communication skills

Cro-Magnons n. Nomads/Hunters and gatherers n. Cave art and realistic sculptures n. Tool kit (more than 100 types) n. Polished jewelry n. Looked like the man of today n. First to create art

A Global View Part 1 Early Civilizations

Prehistoric Period Paleolithic Age ►Called the Old Stone Age ►Lasted from 2. 5 million to 10, 000 years B. C. E. ►Time from when humans had tools to time of farming ►Hunters and gatherers ►Art in caves

Neolithic Age-----New Stone Age 10, 000 -3, 000 B. C. E. • People started settling in one place. They got food by farming and by raising animals. • Animism • Travel by boat • They polished stone tools and made pottery.

Neolithic Revolution • • About 12, 000 years ago Farming began Rise of population Domestication of animals

Villages eventually Became Cities

A Civilization has these: n Advanced cities n Central governments n Complex religions n Writing/Record Keeping n Arts and Architecture n Advanced Technology (Public Works) n Job specialization n Social Classes

Social Classes n Ruler n Priests n Nobles n Wealthy merchants n Artisans, skilled craftsmen n Peasant farmers n Slaves

River Valley Civilizations Sumer Egypt India China

City-state = a political unit that included a city and its surrounding lands and villages Empire = a group of states or territories controlled by one ruler