Beginnings of Civilisation Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the transition from prehistoric hunter-gatherers to the rise of early river-valley civilisations.

Civilisation

A developed stage of human society characterized by organized life, culture, and governance.

Cultural development

The gradual changes in human lifestyle, behaviour, tools, beliefs, and social organisation over a long period of time.

Prehistory

The long period of human existence and history before the invention of writing.

History

The period of the past that begins with the invention of writing, allowing for written records like inscriptions and manuscripts.

Archaeology

The branch of knowledge that studies the human past through material remains such as tools, fossils, bones, and ruins.

Periodisation

The method of dividing history into different phases or periods to study human development in a systematic manner.

Palaeolithic Age

Also known as the Old Stone Age, the earliest stage of history where humans lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers using rough stone tools.

Mesolithic Age

The Middle Stone Age, a transitional phase between hunting-gathering and farming characterized by the use of microliths.

Microliths

Small, sharp stone tools used during the Mesolithic Age, often fixed to wooden or bone handles to make arrows or sickles.

Neolithic Age

The New Stone Age, marked by the beginning of agriculture, domestication of animals, and permanent settlements.

Evolution

The gradual process through which human beings developed over millions of years from earlier ancestors.

Australopithecus afarensis

One of the earliest human ancestors who could walk upright on two legs, freeing hands for carrying food and tools.

Homo habilis

Meaning "handy man," the first human ancestor known to make simple stone tools for cutting meat and gathering food.

Homo erectus

An advanced human ancestor who discovered the control and use of fire for cooking and protection.

Homo sapiens

Modern humans who developed higher intelligence, better communication skills, and complex social behavior.

Neolithic Revolution

The major change in human life from food gathering to food production through agriculture.

Domestication

The process by which humans grow specific plants and tame animals for their own use, such as food or labor.

Surplus

Extra production of food or goods beyond what is immediately needed for survival.

Harappan Civilisation

One of the earliest advanced urban civilisations, located in the north-western Indian subcontinent and known for planned cities.

River-valley civilisation

An early civilisation that developed along rivers due to fertile soil, water for irrigation, and easy transport.

Mesopotamia

Meaning "the land between two rivers," a civilisation that developed between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Cuneiform

One of the earliest writing systems, developed by the Mesopotamians to keep records of trade and laws.

Pharaohs

The kings of ancient Egyptian civilisation who were considered divine rulers.

Huang He

Also known as the Yellow River, the location where the early Chinese civilisation developed.

Division of labour

A social system where society is divided into different groups based on occupation, such as farmers, artisans, and traders.