Discovery of Early Humans in Africa Unit 1 Notes

Early Humans Existence of human beings and human like creatures (hominids) traced back to 4.4 million years ago Radiocarbon dating is used to date once living things DNA used to track changes over time

Prehistoric Finds in Africa 1992 – hominid teeth found in Ethiopia 1992-94 – remains of 17 individuals around 4.4 million years old (65 lbs and 4 feet tall in Africa) 1974 – “Lucy” discovered (a 3.2 million year old skeleton) in Africa

First Hominids Australopithecus or “southern ape” (4.4 million yrs.) 3½ -5 feet tall Walked on two legs Nomadic Lived in groups in eastern and southern Africa Ate fish, fruit, nuts, leaves, & meat from scavenging

Hominid Groups The group Homo, which means “human” is divided into 3 groups Homo habilis – “person with ability” - 1.5 million years ago Homo erectus - “person who walks upright” – 1.8 million to 30,000 years ago Homo sapiens - “person who thinks” is from 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.

Major Developments Ice Age created land bridges Toolmaking Homo habilis developed larger brain Homo erectus – males became hunters; began using fire & clothing Migrations Language – allowed individuals to work as a group & pass on knowledge to children

Homo Sapiens Neanderthals were the first Homo Sapiens 5.5 feet tall Larger brains Nomadic hunter-gatherers; used fire Stocky, thick bones, muscular necks & shoulders (helped them adapt to cold weather)

Homo Sapiens Sapiens Modern humans who originated in Eastern Africa Came into contact with Neanderthals & Homo Erectus; were the only ones left after awhile Earliest – Cro-Magnon

Cro-Magnon Man Improved tool making technology (hammers, hoes, pincers, fish hooks, stone axe, etc.) Increased food supply New weapons – spear, bow & arrow Lived in communities Artwork in caves

Stone Ages, Etc. Paleolithic – 2.5 million to 12,000 B.C. (Old Stone Age) Mesolithic – 12,000 to 8,000 B.C. (Middle Stone Age) Neolithic – 8,000 B.C. to 5,000 B.C. (New Stone Age) Bronze – circa 4,000 B.C. to 1,500 B.C. Iron Age – circa 1,500 to 550 B.C

The Development of Agriculture - Causes The Last Ice Age ended Meat spoiled quickly In warm weather Large game animals died out Food became scarce People relied on more plant foods for survival Development of Agriculture: People began to plant seeds and to live in permanent settlements to protect their crops People began to domesticate animals

The Development of Agriculture Effects Farming settlements grew Into villages Villages practiced division of labor, enabling some workers to specialize in useful crafts and develop new technology Productivity rose People acquired more goods; the idea of private property started Life was made more easier and comfortable Demand for goods led to an increase in trade

Warfare from competition for land & water Neolithic Revolution – shift from hunting and gathering to own production of food (agriculture) – 8000 B.C. Domestication of animals and grains Rise of villages dependent on agriculture (Jericho, Israel and Catal Hüyük, Turkey are a few of the earliest) Technological advances – the loom for weaving, bricks for building, & advanced metalwork Warfare from competition for land & water