1. The Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages
Before and after 8000BC

2. The Paleolithic Age Known as the “Old Stone Age”
Starts with the beginnings of early man
All early humans were part of this age
Lives were nomadic – moved constantly to adapt to environment
Constant search for food, shelter, water
Considered hunter-gatherers
Lived in clans – usually family based
Numerous achievements accomplished in this time period

3. Characteristics/Achievements of the Paleolithic Age
Invented the first simple stone tools
Used for many reasons, mainly survival
Learned to control and create fire
Gives warmth, protection
Created a very simple oral language
Created “cave art”
Created by hunter-gatherer societies during the Old Stone Age
Most early cave art found in Africa, Europe, and Australia
Purpose of art was to convey messages, mark territory, and create historical accounts

4. The Neolithic Revolution
Neo = new, Lithic = Stone
Revolution = major change in society
Creation of farming marks the Neolithic Age
Started about 8,000 BCE
Neolithic Revolution is the start of farming
Crop growth was aided by warmer climate (the end of last Great Ice Age)
Allowed nomads to begin to settle in one area
Farming starts by clans leaving remains of plants
Upon their return they found food growing
This was the birth of farming

5. Characteristics of the Neolithic Revolution
Ability to farm and domesticate plants
Corn, wheat, maize, etc. able to be grown each year
Ability to domesticate animals for consumption
Cattle, sheep, and other docile animals give a constant source of protein and meat
Advanced tools and techniques created
Vast improvements of the stone tools of the past
Pottery created for numerous uses
Eating, drinking, storage and carrying of water
Weaving skills created
Allowed clothing and blankets to be created

6. Effects of the Neolithic Revolution
Beginning of agriculture leads to
Ability to create permanent settlements
Constant food sources
Start of the creation of civilizations
Farming leads to more food
More food allowed people to live longer
Longer lives led to large populations
Larger population led to increase demand for food
To create more food, new ideas arise
Slash and burn farming- cutting down trees and burning them to let ashes into the soil to add nutrients
Domestication - taming animals for working and for slaughter (sheep, pigs, cattle)

7. Other New Inventions New ways to farm
Invented the plow to till the land faster
Used animals to pull the plow
Created less human labor
Made stronger tools/ weapons using metals
Mixed copper and tin to make bronze
Begins the Bronze Age
Bronze Age begins around 2500 BC (times vary)
Bronze was stronger and more durable than stone tools

8. Archeologists & Anthropologists.
Numerous locations have been studied
Stonehenge, Aleppo, Jericho, Catal Hayuk (Anatolia)
All early cities of the Fertile Crescent (except Stonehenge)
Stonehenge built during the Bronze Age