Section 4.1 and 4.2: Cultural Development and Early Human History

Vocabulary terms covering the cultural evolution of early humans from $$2 ext{ million years ago}$$ to the division of prehistory and history.

Cultural development

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

Early Humans ($2 \text{ million years ago}$)

Early people who lived a basic life depending entirely on natural resources with no knowledge of farming or animal domestication.

Hand-axes and choppers

Simple stone tools used by early humans to cut meat, dig roots, and hunt animals, marking the beginning of technological development.

Fire

A crucial discovery that allowed humans to cook food, provided light and warmth, and helped them settle in colder regions.

Early Language

The use of sounds, gestures, and later simple words to express thoughts and coordinate activities like hunting.

Cave paintings

Art created by early humans showing scenes of animals and hunting, suggesting religious beliefs and a respect for nature.

Olduvai Gorge

An archaeological site in Africa where discoveries show that early humans made stone tools long before learning farming or settled life.

Tool-making

Considered to be one of the earliest signs of human culture.

Prehistory

The long period of human existence before the invention of writing and the availability of written records.

History

The period of the human past that is based on the availability of written records.

Archaeologists

Professionals who analyze evidence and remains to understand the period of human existence before writing.

Inscriptions

Historical evidence found written on hard surfaces.

Manuscripts

Hand-written records or documents from the past.