Prehistory and the Neolithic Revolution

Flashcards based on key vocabulary terms related to prehistory and the Neolithic Revolution.

Prehistory

The period in human history before writing was developed.

Archaeology

The study of past societies through an analysis of what people have left behind.

Artefacts/Artifacts

Objects that archaeologists examine, such as tools, pottery, paintings, weapons, and household items.

Anthropology

The study of human life and culture.

Fossils

Remains of humans, plants, and animals.

Austrolopithecines

Humanlike creatures that lived in Africa three to four million years ago.

Paleolithic Age

The early period of human history (approximately 2,500,000 to 10,000 B.C.E) characterized by the use of simple stone tools.

Nomads

People who moved from place to place in search of food.

Neolithic Age

The era in which people started farming, building communities, producing goods, and trading.

Domestication

The taming or adaptation of animals for human use.

Hominids

Humans and other creatures that walk upright.

Homo habilis

A hominid species known as 'handy man' that emerged around 2.5 million years ago.

Homo erectus

A hominid species that emerged around 1.5 million years ago and used fire and larger tools.

Homo sapiens

The species of anatomically modern humans that appeared in Africa between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.

Neolithic Revolution

A significant transition during the Neolithic Age characterized by the development of agriculture and settled communities.

Slash & burn

An early farming method that involves cutting and burning plants to create fields for agriculture.