Prehistory

Prehistory

  • Eras: Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras.

Timeline of Human History

  • Prehistory: 3 million years ago to 3000 BC.

  • Paleolithic Age: 2.6 million years ago to 10,000 BC.

  • Neolithic Age: 10,000 BC to 3000 BC.

  • Ancient Period: 3000 BC to 476 AC.

  • Medieval Period: 476 AC to 1492 AC.

  • Modern Era: 1492 AC to 1789 AC.

  • Contemporary: 1789 AC to present.

Introduction to Prehistory

  • Definition: The period before writing existed, encompassing the longest portion of human history.

  • Knowledge Source: Archaeology, the study of artifacts left behind by ancient peoples.

  • Key Developments: Learning to use fire, making tools, and creating art.

The Origins of Man

  • Human lineage includes several key species:

    • Australopithecus afarensis: Early bipedal hominid.

    • Homo habilis: "Handy man" known for tool use.

    • Homo erectus: The first to exhibit similar limb proportions as modern humans.

    • Homo neanderthalensis: Subspecies of archaic humans.

    • Homo sapiens: Modern humans.

Key Discoveries

  • Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis): Discovered in Ethiopia, showed early bipedalism and brain size.

  • Kennewick Man: Ancient skeleton from North America, involved in a legal case for repatriation.

The Peopling of the World

  • Migrations: Routes taken by Homo sapiens included land and coastal migrations from Africa to other continents.

The Paleolithic Era

  • Characteristics: Known as the "Old Stone Age," marked by the use of primitive stone tools.

  • Cultural Developments: Language, art, and early community organization around hunting and gathering.

Paleolithic Society

  • Social Structure: Relatively equal due to nomadic lifestyle; status determined by skills and capabilities.

  • Food Contribution: Men hunted while women gathered, contributing equally to the diet.

Paleolithic Culture

  • Art Forms: Artifacts like cave paintings and Venus figurines demonstrate early artistic expression.

  • Venus Figurines: Represent prehistoric statuettes likely associated with fertility or beauty symbolism.

Cave Paintings

  • Location: Found globally, with notable concentrations in France and Spain.

  • Imagery: Majority depict animals, with a small percent dedicated to abstract symbols and human forms.

  • Theories of Creation: Possible purposes range from hunting magic to social bonding rituals.

The Neolithic Era

  • Neolithic Revolution: Transition to agriculture and permanent settlements.

  • Key Innovations: Domestication of plants and animals, which facilitated larger populations and specialization in labor.

Spread of Agriculture

  • Developed independently in various regions including the Middle East, China, and the Americas.

Effects of the Neolithic Revolution

  • Food surplus led to population growth, specialization, and the formation of communities and social hierarchies.

  • Emergence of organized religions and structured governments.

Civilization Defined

  • Characteristics:

    • Advanced urban centers with trade.

    • Political systems and social stratification.

    • Economic specialization.

    • Written language and development of art.

Urbanization and Inequality

  • Emergence of professional classes and patriarchal structures.

  • Increased wealth accumulation resulted in social class differentiation and restriction of women's rights.