The Neolithic Revolution and The Rise of Civilization World History I

The Neolithic Revolution The end of the last Ice Age (8,000 BC) was followed by the Neolithic Revolution. Neolithic – Greek term meaning “new stone” Humans went from hunting & gathering food to growing it. Systematic agriculture – the keeping of animals and the growing of food on a regular basis. (farming) Domestication, or the adaption of animals for human use, added a steady source of meat, milk, and wool. The ability of humans to produce their own food allowed them to begin to settle in communities.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont. Neolithic farming villages began to also appear throughout the world. Because of increased food production, people often had more food than they needed. This made it possible to do things other than farming. Some people became artisans, skilled workers that made products like weapons and jewelry. Early Religion began to develop. People built houses for protection and trade increased greatly.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont. Men did most of the farming, while the women cared for children and did other household tasks. This led to men taking on a more dominant role. The use of metal in making tools began around 4,000 BC. Humans learned that they can turn metal to liquid and mold it by heating it. The use of metal in making tools led to the Bronze Age (3000 BC-1200 BC) By the beginning of the Bronze Age, large numbers of people were located in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India.

The Emergence of Civilization Culture – the way of life a group of people follows. Civilization – A complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common elements. Six Elements of Civilization: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Emergence of Civilization, cont. Cities are one of the chief features of a civilization. Developed in river valleys where people could farm to feed large populations. Governments helped organize human activity. The first civilizations were led by monarchs, kings or queens. Monarchs organized armies and made laws. Religion was developed to explain the workings of the forces of nature and the fact of their own existence. Gods and Goddesses were believed to be crucial to a community’s success.

Emergence of Civilization, cont. Social structure based on economic power also arose. Rulers and an upper class dominated society. Below this there was a large group of free people (farmers, artisans, craftspeople) Slaves were at the bottom. The use of writing developed in early civilizations. First used as a method to keep records. Art was another feature of civilization. Temples and pyramids were built as places of worship. Painting and sculpture were developed to portray Gods.