Prehistory and Early Humans: Stone Age to Neolithic Transition

Prehistory

Time before invention of writing, roughly 2.5 million years ago to 1,200 B.C.

Stone Age

Categorized into three archaeological periods based on the invention of the most common tools: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic.

Paleolithic period

Means 'old stone age'; primitive tools are made from rocks and bones.

Hunter-gatherer

Early humans hunt animals and forage plants, spending the majority of time surviving.

Nomads

Frequent movement with temporary settlements; humans follow their food.

Advantages of hunter-gatherer lifestyle

Healthier lifestyle; food is nutrient-rich and requires physical activity to obtain.

Discovery of fire

Occurred 400,000-300,000 BCE; used for protection, light, and cooking food.

Art in Paleolithic period

Includes small sculptures and cave etchings for creative outlet, rituals, and record-keeping.

Löwenmensch figurine

Also called the Lion-man of Hohlenstein-Stadel; a prehistoric ivory sculpture discovered in a German cave (35,000-40,000 years ago).

Agriculturalists

People who plant and cultivate crops, caused by warmer climates creating a bigger supply of food.

Pastoralists

People who breed and raise livestock to eat.

Sedentary living

Decreased movement for resources; humans don't need to follow their food.

Neolithic Revolution (Agricultural Revolution)

Means 'new stone age'; characterized by widespread transition to agriculture.

Technology in Neolithic period

Involves new materials and refined methods; better tools make farming easier.

Settlements

Groups establish more permanent homes, allowing them to live off the land.

Hand axe

A tool used by early humans, dating back to approximately 300,000 years ago.

Cave etchings

Artistic expressions found in caves, serving as a form of record-keeping.

Nomadic hunter-gatherer

An advantage is having a healthier lifestyle

Agricultural lifestyle

Building a food surplus was an impact from this lifestyle

Indus Valley and Mesopotamia geographic similarity

Close to rivers

Inference

a conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning, often used to interpret archaeological findings

Historians make these to develop history from artifacts

inferences

Hammurabi’s Code

oldest-known set of written laws

A result of the Neolithic Revolution

people settled communities with similar cultures

A result of building a food surplus

Labor specialization