The Rise of Civilizations Lucy and the Rise

The Rise of Civilizations “Lucy” and the Rise of Humanity

Lucy • Who is Lucy? – Lucy is a skeleton of an early hominid that dates back about 3 million years. – Hominid – An species of early human that stood upright and used primitive tools • There are several species of hominid that once roamed the earth. – Neanderthals came next and Cro-Magnons followed.

Early Humans • Early humans did not have a formal society as we think of it today. • Early humans had to focus on survival • They were nomadic people who relied on hunting and gathering in order to survive – Nomads – People who travel from place to place in search of food • Agriculture and Domestication of animals allowed our ancestors to settle in one place and set up societies

Foundations of Civilization • What is a Civilization? – What features allow a tribe to become a civilization? – Civilization – a complex culture that can produce a surplus of food, establish a form of government, and have a division of labor. • Because of the necessities of creating a civilization, where do you think people were most likely to settle?

Choosing Where to Live • Food Surplus? – Access to good soil – Need a reliable water source – The ability to irrigate. • Government? – Specific people chosen to run the community – Leaders made rules for the community to follow • Division of Labor – Surplus food allows people to specialize in a trade – People are able to develop things like architecture, specific skills, or art.

Where to Live? • Based on the descriptions of what creates a society, which most determines where people settle? – Surplus food and access to water • So where do people settle? – Near Rivers – The first major civilizations in human history grew in river valleys • • The Nile River valley (Africa) The Tigris & Euphrates valleys (Southwest Asia) The Indus River valley (Southeast Asia) Huang (Yellow) River valley (Eastern Asia)

Other Aspects of Civilization • Further Development – As Society develops, other aspects of civilization begin to become more defined. • Division of Labor allows for time for development of: – Writing – Development of a Calendar – Religion

Family/Power Structure • Hunter-Gathering societies = Male dominated • Early Farming = Female dominated – Women did most of the farming, thus providing most of the food – Women gained a good deal of power • Men begin farming = Power shifts back to men • Lasting impact of a female dominated trade – Female goddesses become associated with farming and the earth • Example: Gaia of ancient Greek mythology