The Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages Paleolithic Age Paleolithic

The Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages

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

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

Beginnings of Civilization • End of last Ice Age was followed by the Neolithic Revolution – 8000 -4000 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.

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?

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…

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