1. Quick Review of Syllabus
How many days do you have to make up missed work if you are absent from class?
If the color is yellow what should you do with your computer?
What happens to items that become a distraction in class?
Projects are what % of your grade?

2. Unit 1: Early Civilizations Prehistory – A.D. 1570
Part 1: Chapters 1 - 3

3. Chapter 1: Foundations of Civilization Prehistory – 300 B.C.
EQ: What do we know about the beginnings of civilizations?

4. Section 1: Understanding Our Past
Prehistory – period of time largely unknown (or debatable) to historians because of a lack of written records
Investigating Prehistory
Anthropology: study of the origins and development of people
Archaeology: study of past people and cultures through their material remains
Ex: tools, weapons, and pottery

5. Discussion Point: Archaeology
What does King Tut’s Golden Mask teach us about Ancient Egypt?

6. Section 2: Turning Point: The Neolithic Revolution
New Stone Age (Neolithic Period)
Many historians speculate this time to be from about 10,000 B.C. to the end of prehistory (Historians are unsure on the Exact Dates?)

7. Theory of a Neolithic Revolution
Begins around 10,000 to 6,000 B.C. (Dates Unsure?)
According to this theory, historians speculate that a transition from a more nomadic (on the move / hunter-gatherer) life transitioned to a more settled way of life due to farming
Growing crops and raising animals

8. Debate Over Early History
It should be noted that the idea of a Neolithic Revolution is a theory based on speculation, and not to be regarded as historical fact based on documentation.
Not everyone agrees on the origins of mankind’s early history
Ex: Some look to the teachings of the Old Testament in the Bible for answers while others may look to ideas presented by evolutionary thought
A key idea is to recognize that settlements centered on farming allowed for the beginnings of civilization to develop

9. Settlement Brings Big Change!
Earliest Villages Established
Settled People Acquire More Personal Property
Villagers invent new technologies
Ex: Used clay to make pottery

10. Section 3: Beginnings of Civilization
The rise of cities leads to the world’s first civilizations around 3000 B.C.
River Valley Civilizations Develop
Egypt
Mesopotamia (Sumer)
Indus Valley
China
Discussion: Why did these civilizations develop in river valleys?

11. Civilization
The stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced.
The society, culture, and way of life of a particular area
(google dictionary definition)

12. Basic Features of Civilizations
Organized Government
Ex: Council of Elders
Complex Religions
Ex: Sacrifices to Gods of Nature
Job Specialization
Ex: Bricklayers build city walls
Arts and Architecture
Ex: Temples and Palaces
Writing
Ex: 1st Steps Were Pictographs: Simple Drawings

13. Quick Review What does the term ‘prehistory’ refer to?
What does the term ‘Neolithic Revolution’ refer to?
Why might there be some debate over mankind’s early history?
What are some of the basic features of early civilizations?