NEOLITHIC REVOLUTION

Warm-up Who are the men in the first square? What difficulties are they facing?

How does the “Neolithic Way” solve their problems?

Neolithic Revolution The shift from hunting and gathering to farming. Should really be called the Agricultural Revolution. Began about 8000, B.C. How did farming develop? Domestication of Animals Why is domestication of animals useful? Food Source Materials for clothing, weapons, and tools

Development of Civilization Transition: How might they have figured it out? Gatherers experimented with planting seeds to control the food supply. Likely first by accident with disposing of seeds. Influence of Geography Settled near water to irrigate their crops (Rivers!!) Fertile soil. Early Challenges Rules and laws become necessary The community must decide on what is right and wrong The community must also decide how to deal with those who violate laws/rules Job Specialization Labor must be divided so that resources are adequately used.

ROLE OF WOMEN When mankind is a Hunter-Gatherer: Women and children hunt and gather as well to provide food for the family. The more people hunting the more food. When mankind is a Farmer: Women’s role shifts to the home Working in the house and with the children while husband is in the fields

Characteristics of Civilization What characteristics of civilization did you think a civilization must have? What artifacts might you find in different civilizations?

Characteristics of Civilization Culture (Art and Technology) Art – most art portrayed gods they worshiped and religious rituals. Pa-inting and sculptures sometimes portrayed stories of nature or important people. Music was usually used for religious rituals. Technology – metallurgy developed to create better weapons for warfare and tools for agriculture. Astronomy, medicine, and math were studied. Calendars formed for agriculture and religion.

Characteristics of Civilization 2. Cities Building permanent structures and buildings. Most cities had structure for the ruler and his court. A temple to honor the gods and practice religious rituals. A market or trade area. Protected by walls.

Characteristics of Civilization 3. Writing and Record Keeping Used initially to keep political and business records Also used for communication, to record traditions or literature and for learning. Examples are the Sumerians’ cuneiform and the Egyptian’s hieroglyphics.

Characteristics of Civilization 4. Religion Every early civilization had an organized religion. Most were polytheistic with exception of the Hebrews who were the first monotheistic religion. Beliefs and rituals were practiced to worship gods and were thought to relate directly to survival and harvests. Religions also had afterlife beliefs which resulted in special burial practices.

Characteristics of Civilization 5. Government With increased populations, it required more organization to ensure survival and food supplies. Government was necessary to determine a leader and establish law. Most civilizations were a theocracy with a priest-king, meaning the ruler was both head of government and religion.

Characteristics of Civilization 6. Social Structure Farming provided for more wealth so some individuals were able to have more personal wealth than others When wealth is passed down in family, this creates social classes Social classes also played a role in job specializations. Jobs in the civilization were divided up. Farmers, artisans, military, rulers, etc…