Early Humans Paleolithic Ages

Tools of Discovery Historians—people who study and write about the human past History begins about 5,500 years ago, when people begin to write Archaeologist—people who hunt for evidence buried in the ground where settlements might have once been

Tools of Discovery Artifacts—weapons, tols, and other things made by humans which are dug up Fossils—traces of plants or animals that have been preserved in rocks

Paleolithic Era Also known as the “OLD STONE” age Began around 2.5 million years ago and ended around 8,000 B.C.

Hunters-Gatherers Nomads—were always on the move from place to place (traveled in groups of 30) Hunted—animals, fish, ate insects Gathered nuts, berries, fruits, grains, and plants Women stayed close to the campsite; Men hunted for animals

Hunting Techniques Hit animal with a club or drive them off of a cliff. Developed in to spears, traps, and bows and arrows

Adapting to the Environment Developed shelter out of wooden poles wrapped in animal hides Development of Fire! Rub two pieces of wood together to create fire.

Ice Age Period of long extreme cold 100,000 B.C. to 8,000 B.C. Mastery of fire helped people live in this environment

Language, Art, and Religion Spoken Language Cave Paintings Cave art might have had religious meaning such as bringing early people good luck

Invention of Tools Technology—tools and methods to help humans perform tasks Used a stone called Flint to make tools such as axes, hunting spears Over time, created sharper tools such as fishhooks and needles needles from animal bones to make nets, baskets, and sew hides together

Neolithic Times 8000 B.C. to 4000 B. C. Called New Stone Age People began to domesticate animals and plants for human use Domesticate—tame Used Animals to provide meat, milk, and wool. Plus used for transportation

Why was farming important?? Neolithic Age was farming revolution Revolution– changes greatly affected man Some considered most important event in human history

Farming People grew different crops in different areas of the world Asia—wheat, barley, rice, soybeans Mexico—grew corn, squash, potatoes Africa—grew millet and sorghum

Growth of Villages Farmers had to stay close to their fields to water plants. Began to live in villages—permanent homes One of oldest towns—Jericho (West Bank between Israel and Jordan) Catal Huyuk (Turkey) Lived in mud brick houses from 6700 B.C. to 5700 B.C.

Benefits of Settled Life Specialization—development of different kinds of jobs Farmers, pottery makers, toolmakers, metal workers 4000 B.C. Western Asia mixed copper and tin to form Bronze Bronze was harder and longer lasting than copper-Bronze Age 3000 B.C. to 1200 B.C