Origins of Humans

Prehistory Prehistory – putting the pieces of the past together for times when we have no written records.

Prehistory Anthropology is the study of human culture by analyzing artifacts and human fossils. Anthropology is the study of human culture by analyzing artifacts and human fossils. Archaeology is the study of past societies through an analysis of their tools, pottery, paintings, weapons and buildings. Archaeology is the study of past societies through an analysis of their tools, pottery, paintings, weapons and buildings.

Homo Sapiens Sapiens The first humanlike creatures lived three to four million years ago. The first humanlike creatures lived three to four million years ago. The first modern humans, known as Homo Sapiens Sapiens, emerged in Africa about 120,000 years ago. The first modern humans, known as Homo Sapiens Sapiens, emerged in Africa about 120,000 years ago.

How did the earliest people live? Hunters and gatherers Egalitarian Developed tools, language, & used fire Nomadic Animist Governed by consensus

Paleolithic – “Old Stone” Culture The period between 2,500,000 to 10,000 BCE, in which humans used stone tools.

Cave Art

“Venus” of Willendorf

Neolithic – “New Stone” Culture (10,000 to 4,000 BCE) Transition from hunting to herding/farming Transition from hunting to herding/farming Agriculture and domesticated animals Agriculture and domesticated animals Stable source of food Stable source of food Population growth Population growth Permanent settlements Permanent settlements

Agriculture Develops in: Middle East Middle East –Wheat & Barley China China –Rice Central America Central America –Corn

Agriculture Advantages Increased food supply lead to an increased population Increased food supply lead to an increased population Alcohol AlcoholDisadvantages Gender Inequality Gender Inequality Disease Disease Environmental Destruction Environmental Destruction

Old versus New Stone Age Tools Paleolithic Neolithic

Megaliths Used for ritual purposes or burial sites. Used for ritual purposes or burial sites. Often arranged in celestial orientation Often arranged in celestial orientation Used Post and Lintel Construction Used Post and Lintel Construction

Music Bone flutes Bone flutes Drums Drums Rattles Rattles Cave art shows drums being used to drive animals during the hunt. Cave art shows drums being used to drive animals during the hunt.