Prehistory and Early Civilizations Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Page 1 on prehistory, hominids, and early river valley civilizations.

Prehistory

The period of human history before the development of written language and written records.

History

The study of the past beginning with the invention of written records.

Artifacts

Objects made or used by humans in the past, such as tools, weapons, and pottery.

Anthropology

The study of human origins, societies, cultures, and physical development over time.

Archaeology

The study of past human cultures through the excavation and analysis of physical artifacts and remains.

Technology

The skills, tools, and methods humans use to meet basic needs and solve practical problems.

Creation

The belief that the universe and human life were created by divine action.

Evolution

The scientific model proposing that living organisms developed and changed over generations.

Homo habilis

An early hominid species known as 'handy man' for being among the first to create and use stone tools.

Homo erectus

An early hominid species known for walking fully upright, using fire, and migrating out of Africa.

Homo sapiens

The species of modern humans that originated in Africa and expanded globally.

Out of Africa theory

The hypothesis proposing that modern humans evolved in Africa and subsequently migrated to other parts of the world.

Agricultural Revolution

The prehistoric transition from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled farming and animal domestication.

Early Civilizations near River Valleys

Early human civilizations that developed alongside major rivers to utilize fertile soil, access fresh water, and enable transportation.

Role of Men in Early Civilizations

The social shift following the Agricultural Revolution where men came to hold dominant positions in farming, warfare, and leadership.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of ideas, customs, technologies, and beliefs from one group or culture to another.

Artisans

Skilled workers who craft goods by hand, such as weavers, potters, and metalworkers.

Social Hierarchy

A system that ranks individuals or groups within a society according to status, wealth, or power.

City-state

An independent political unit composed of a central city and its surrounding land.

Empire

A collection of multiple territories, states, or cultures controlled by a single central government or ruler.