2. Human Origins History vs Pre-History
History is the study of written records
Pre-History is the study of everything that came before the written language (3000 BCE, roughly)
Anthropology-Study of ancient artifacts to determine the nature of ancient cultures
Archeology-The study of ancient sites in an attempt to discover new artifacts

3. Earliest Human Ancestors
In million year-old footprints of a human ancestor were discovered in Tanzania
In 1974 a 3.5 million year-old skeleton name Lucy was discovered in Ethiopia
These early relatives of humans were called Australopithecus
Early humans were walking upright at that time (Hominids)
Walking upright afforded several advantages

4. The Stone Age
Old Stone Age (Paleolithic period) spanned from 2,500,000 BCE-10,000 BCE
During this period early humans invented tools, mastered fire, and created spoken language
Homo Habilus (Skilled Man) appeared about 2.5 Million Years ago, and made the first stone tools (like the hand-axe). Eventually edged out Australopithecus
Homo Erectus (Upright Man) appeared 1.6 Million Years ago; had larger brains then Homo Habilus. Developed more advanced tools for digging and cutting, developed the earliest spoken languages (great for teamwork and sharing ideas), and were the first humans to migrate out of Africa

5. The Dawn of Modern Humans
Neanderthals
Offshoot of Homo-Erectus (not a direct ancestor of humans)
Lived from 200,000-30,000 Years Ago
Developed religious beliefs, made musical instruments, and held rituals (including funerals)
Vanished about 30,000 years ago, probably pushed to extinction by early humans

6. The Dawn of Modern Humans
Cro-Magnon Man
Emerged about 40,000 Years ago
Developed from Homo Erectus, but with larger brains
Identical to modern humans
Made new tools, created art, used language and big brains to plan more effective hunts
Cooperation and strategy gave them an edge over Neanderthals