Paleolithic to Early Civilizations Review

Practice flashcards covering key characteristics of the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras, and the achievements of early Mesopotamian and Middle Eastern civilizations.

What is the definition of "Paleolithic"?

Having to do with the Old Stone Age, a period from 2 million B.C.E. to about 10,000 B.C.E., characterized by the use of stone tools.

How did people primarily obtain food during the Paleolithic Era?

By hunting and gathering, meaning killing wild animals and collecting wild fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

What is a "nomad"?

A person who moves from one place to another, typically following food sources.

What were some potential advantages of a nomadic lifestyle during the Paleolithic Era?

Access to new food sources and potentially more food (if successful).

What were some potential disadvantages of a nomadic lifestyle during the Paleolithic Era?

Being unprepared for weather, increased dangerous encounters, and potential for sickness or lack of food.

What does Paleolithic cave art, like that found in Lascaux Cave, suggest about Paleolithic people?

They created art depicting animals important to their nomadic hunting lifestyle, indicating their cultural expression and connection to their environment.

Describe the technology used by people in the Paleolithic Era.

They used various tools made from stone, bone, and antler, such as choppers, bifaces (hand axes), knives, blades, spearheads, javelins, scrapers, harpoons, needles, and perforators for hunting, digging, cutting, and preparing hides.

Where did Paleolithic people establish their camps?

Near sources of water, in natural rock shelters or caves, or in tents and huts made from branches and animal skins.

What tools did Paleolithic people use for making clothing?

Bone needles and thread made from animal sinew or leather to sew animal skins.

How did Paleolithic people make fire?

By striking two stones together (flint and iron pyrite) or by rapidly rotating a wooden stick on a log.

What is a defining characteristic of human life during the Paleolithic Age?

Humans were nomadic hunter-gatherers, constantly moving to find food and shelter, using stone and bone tools, and having no permanent settlements.

What significant change marked the beginning of the Neolithic Age?

The Neolithic Revolution, where humans learned to domesticate plants and animals, leading to agriculture and pastoralism.

What were two major consequences of the shift to agriculture in the Neolithic Age?

People could live in permanent settlements (villages) and a surplus of food led to population growth and job specialization.

What new technologies emerged during the Neolithic Age?

Simple metal tools (plows, weapons, bronze), pottery, weaving, more complex clothing, wheels, sails, and calendars.

What does the "C" in "CAARS" stand for regarding elements of early civilizations?

Complex Institutions, such as organized government and structured religions, designed to control and manage large populations.

What does the "A" in "CAARS" refer to, concerning early civilizations?

Advanced Cities (well-planned centers of trade) and Advanced Technology (new tools, techniques, art, architecture, and public works projects).

Why was "Record-keeping" (R in CAARS) important in early civilizations?

It allowed governments, religious leaders, and merchants to document important laws, treaties, social customs, and business transactions.

What does "Specialized Workers" (S in CAARS) mean for early civilizations?

Citizens performing different, specialized jobs (e.g., farmers, artisans, warriors) which led to the development of social classes or a hierarchy.

What role did organized government play in early civilizations?

It provided state control, managed large projects (like food production or construction), established laws, collected taxes, and organized armies for defense.

Which ancient civilization is credited with developing the first system of writing, known as cuneiform?

The Sumerians.

What were ziggurats, and which civilization built them?

Massive stepped temples built at the center of each city-state to honor and house the gods; built by the Sumerians.

What was the significance of Hammurabi's Code?

It was one of the world's earliest and most complete written legal codes, establishing a sense of justice with 282 laws, though punishments varied by class, gender, and age.

Where was the Sumerian civilization primarily located?

In Mesopotamia, "the land between the rivers" (Tigris and Euphrates), with early cities like Uruk and Kish.

Which civilization developed the world's first alphabet?

The Phoenicians.

Why were the Phoenicians known as the "Carriers of Civilization"?

For their role in diffusing ancient culture throughout the Mediterranean region through their extensive trade and seafaring.

What was a key characteristic of the Persian Empire?

It was the largest Middle Eastern empire, with a centralized government, unified laws, taxes, money, and an extensive road system for communication and trade.

What major religious contribution did the Hebrews make?

The first major monotheistic belief, Judaism, centered on one God (YHWH) and guided by the 10 Commandments.