Chapter 2 (A) - Early Humans

Chapter 2: Early Humans: Prehistory to 3500 BC

Historical Timeline

• Introduction to historical periods before 3500 BC.

Dating System

• BCE (Before Common Era) / BC (Before Christ)

• CE (Common Era) / AD (Anno Domini – Latin for "In the Year of the Lord")

• Timeline visual representation: 2000 BC to 2000 AD.

Defining Civilization

• Civilization is often viewed through a value judgment basis.

• Criteria used to assess civilization include:

  • Food surpluses

  • Population density

  • Social stratification

  • Taxation systems

Factors of Civilization

• Labor specialization seen in different roles:

  • Farmers

  • Herders

  • Artisans

  • Administrators

• Regular trade and goods exchange.

• Accumulated learning contributing to civilization.

Characteristics of Civilization

• Urbanization demonstrates increased population in settlements.

• Social changes occurring due to population growth.

• Technological advancements in tool development.

• Long-distance trade links established.

• Symbolic communication through art and writing.

Chapter Timeline

• 25,000 to 100,000 years ago: Early human migrations and development events.

• Homo habilis and Homo sapiens milestones.

• Sites like Göbekli Tepe emerge around 12,000 years ago.

Early Humans: Development of Culture

Early Hominids

• Hominids began walking upright 6 to 8 million years ago, originating in Africa.

• The first fossils found in Olduvai Gorge by Louis and Mary Leakey provide crucial insights.

Becoming Modern Man

• Genus Homo appears around 2.4 million years ago.

• Key species include Homo habilis, Homo neandertalensis, and Homo erectus leading to Homo sapiens.

• Development of stone tools evident in prehistoric findings.

Migration of Early Humans

• Human migration out of Africa began approximately 45,000 years ago.

• Various settlements across continents have been documented.

• Connections between early human settlements in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Paleolithic Age (1,000,000 - 10,000 BC)

• Characterized by:

• No plant cultivation

• Hunter-gatherer lifestyle

• Existence of small, nomadic tribes

• Limited control over nature

• Evidence of religious faith and use of magic

Division of labor based on se.

Role of Women in the Paleolithic Era

• Women assumed roles to support child-rearing while engaging in tasks such as:

  • Spinning

  • Weaving

  • Food preparation

  • Plant sheltering.

Dolni Vestonice

• Site in the Czech Republic dating back to 27,500 years ago.

• Unique construction:

  • Mammoth bone palisade

  • Defense structure design

  • Central hearth features.

Artistic Expression in Prehistory

Dolni Vestonice Venus

• Clay figurines representing early sculpture, notably not fully understood in purpose.

Lascaux Cave Paintings

• Created around 30,000 years ago in Southeast France.

• Art primarily depicts local fauna using natural pigments.

Neolithic Age (10,000 - 3500 BC)

• Marked a shift to:

  • Agriculture and domestication of animals.

  • Settled living as opposed to nomadic.

  • Enhanced control over environment and food sources.

• This transition led to the development of permanent settlements, which facilitated the growth of communities and the emergence of trade.

Comparison: Paleolithic vs. Neolithic

• Significant differences in lifestyle, social structure, economy, and health:

  • From hunter-gatherer groups to complex agricultural societies.

• Emergence of food surpluses and societal hierarchies.

Women in the Neolithic Era

• Greater involvement in food production and storage.

• Shift in roles leading to societal changes and organization.

Natufian Adaptation

• 12000 - 9500 BC

• Rise of sedentary living and the cultivation of cereal grains such as rye

Noteworthy Neolithic Settlements

Göbekli Tepe

• Possibly the oldest temple, built around 12,000 BC.

• Structures indicate large gatherings but no permanent habitation noted.

Jericho

• Founded around 9600 BC following the flooding of the Jordan River.

• Developed farming practices leading to its growth into a city with basic infrastructures.

Catalhuyuk

• Established in Turkey around 7000 BC,

• Featured burial practices, craftsmanship, and uniform housing structures.