1 Early Humans (1)

Early Humans

Early Human Evolution and Migration

• Our understanding of prehistory is derived from archaeologists, anthropologists, geneticists, historians, and sociologists.

• Understanding involves extrapolation, educated speculation, and some guesswork due to a lack of written records and limited archaeological finds.

• Theories evolve as new evidence is uncovered, and some aspects may always remain uncertain.

Human Evolution

Australopithecus

• The genus Australopithecus is traced back to our ancestry, specifically Australopithecus afarensis which lived in East Africa 2.5 to 4 million years ago.

• Capable of walking upright, using tools, covered in hair, adapted for climbing.

• Their brain size was about one-third that of modern humans. Lucy was a notable member of this group.

Homo Habilis

• Homo habilis is likely the oldest member of the genus Homo, appearing in the archaeological record 2 to 3 million years ago.

• Known as "handy" for being among the first users of stone tools, although tools predate them.

• Characteristics include large brain, small teeth, human-like facial structure, but still hair-covered and short in stature (3-4 feet tall).

Homo Erectus

• Appeared approximately 2 million years ago and adapted to various climates and environments.

• "Erectus" means upright; they exclusively walked upright, which also influenced their diet.

• They relied less on tough plants and more on nuts, fruits, tubers, honey, and meat, allowing for dietary changes and tool evolution.

• Shared many traits with modern humans, including tool-making, fire usage, cooperative hunting, and potential communication.

Diverging Paths

Migration Patterns

• Between 1.8 and 1.5 million years ago, Homo erectus migrated from East Africa to North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, likely driven by climate change and prey movements.

• New species emerged as populations adapted to their environments, including Homo heidelbergensis, Homo neanderthalensis, Denisovans, and Homo sapiens.

• Evidence suggests interbreeding among these species, including common ancestry between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and other Homo species.

Extinction of Species

• Between 40,000 and 50,000 years ago, diversity among human species declined, leaving only Homo sapiens. Theories about this extinction include the "Out of Africa" model and the "multiregional evolution" model.

Human Migration

Movement of Homo Sapiens

• Archaeological evidence shows Homo sapiens migrating out of Eastern and Southern Africa as early as 200,000 years ago.

• They left Africa approximately 100,000 years ago, spreading across continents including Asia, Australia, Europe, and into North America via a land bridge about 15,000 years ago.

Life in the Paleolithic Age

Adaptation and Shelter

• Early humans thrived as hunter-gatherers, living in small communities and relying on cooperation for survival.

• They adapted technologies for colder climates, utilizing animal hides for clothing, which became more sophisticated with the invention of sewing needles.

• Evidence of spiritual beliefs and burial practices indicates a sense of community and cultural development.

Neolithic Revolution

Shift to Agriculture

• Approximately 12,000 years ago, the transition from the Paleolithic to Neolithic age marked the development of agriculture, changing social organization and wealth accumulation.

• Agriculture began independently across various regions, creating conditions for population growth and social stratification.

Development of Agriculture

• Domestication of plants and animals occurred globally, with significant crops varying by region, such as wheat in the Near East and maize in Mesoamerica.

• The rise of agriculture altered the human experience, producing surplus food but also leading to a less egalitarian society.

Neolithic Peoples

Settlements and Trade

• Around 9,000 years ago, permanent settlements like Çatalhöyük began to emerge, highlighting advancements in communal living and trade.

• Artisans developed specialized skills, and trade networks extended across regions, supporting interactions among diverse Neolithic civilizations.