Chapter 1 The First Humans

Section 1

Before History Archaeologists and anthropologists use scientific methods to help them with their work. Radiocarbon dating determines the age of an object by measuring the amount of radioactive carbon left in it. Can only date objects that are less than 50,000 years old. Thermoluminescence dating determines the age of an object by measuring the light given off by electrons in the soil around objects. Dates objects up to 200,000 years ago.

Early Stages of Development First Stage 3-4 million years ago. Australopithecines or “southern apes” Discovered by Donald Johanson- “Lucy” Human like hominids. 2 million years ago in Africa Homo Habilis or “Handy Man” First true humans. First tool (stone) makers. Taller and had a larger brain.

Second Stage About 1.5 million years ago in Africa and then moved into Europe and Asia by land bridges to populate the world. Homo Erectus or “Upright Man” Made and controlled fire. Made larger and more varied tools. First hunters

Homo Sapiens or “Wise Man”’ Third Stage About 500,000 years ago Homo Sapiens or “Wise Man”’ Neanderthals who buried their dead with a ceremony. Stone-tipped spears, bone needles, bone fish hooks, sewed their clothes from animal skins, warm boots.

Third Stage (cont.) 10,000-25,000 years ago Homo Sapiens Sapiens or “Wise, Wise Humans” Cro-Magnon and Modern Bow and arrows; well constructed huts with central hearths for fires; necklaces and pendants; cave art; little statues made from ivory, antler, bone; tools and weapons for hunting and fishing; oil lamps; used honey to sweeten foods; end of the last ice age

The Hunter-Gatherers of the Old Stone Age Paleolithic Age or “Old Stone Age” 2,500,000 to 10,000 B.C. Used hunting and gathering to get their food. Men hunted and women gathered. Nomadic Found shelter in caves and also used animal hides to create shelters. Used fired to stay warm, cook, and protect themselves from animals.

Fire allowed them to stay alive during the Ice Ages. Created cave art Lascaux in southwestern France and Altamira in northern Spain

Section 2

The Neolithic Revolution From 10,000 to 4,000 B.C. Neolithic means “new stone” They begin to plant and grow food, tame and keep animals as a source of meat, milk and wool. This gave humans greater control over their environment. Went from nomads to settled communities.

Farming spread from southwestern Asia into Europe, Egypt, and parts of India. Two of the largest Neolithic farming villages were Jericho, in Palestine near the Dead Sea, and Catal Huyuk, in present day Turkey. People could now do other things than farming. Some became artisans. People began to build houses and to store food and other things.

The relationship between men and women changed. Men now farmed and herded. More dominant role. Women cared for the children, wove cloth, and performed other tasks they could do in the home settlement.

Between 4,000 and 3,000 B.C., people began to use metals. Copper was the 1st to be used to make tools. People in western Asia learned how to make Bronze, combining copper and tin. 3,000 to 12,000 is called the Bronze Age

The Emergence of Civilization Culture- the way of life people follow. Civilization- a complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common elements. 6 characteristics of Civilizations: cities, government, religion, social structure, writing, and art.

1. Cities: Large numbers of people lived in the cities. 2. Governments: provided protection and laws. Led by monarchs. 3. Religion: Developed religions to explain their world. Gods gave them power or they were gods. 4. Social Structure: Top: Rulers and upper class of priests, government officials, warriors Second: free people-farmers, artisans, craftspeople Lower: slaves

Writing: Used to keep accurate records. A means of creative expression. Art: People built temples and pyramids. Painting and sculpture to portray gods and goddesses.