Prehistory Notes
Prehistory
Definition: Period of human development during the time before the discovery of writing.
Divided into Three Periods: 1. Paleolithic Age 2. Neolithic Age 3. Metal Age
Paleolithic Age
Also Known As: Old Stone Age.
Time Frame: Extends from our first ancestors up to about 11,000 years ago.
Lifestyle:
Humans lived through hunting and gathering.
Nomadic lifestyle, not settling in one fixed location.
Daily activities were primarily conducted outdoors, utilizing cave environments when available.
Neolithic Age
Also Known As: New Stone Age.
Time Frame: Began about 11,000 years ago.
Key Developments:
Groups of humans began to settle in villages.
Practiced agriculture, including the domestication of animals and the cultivation of plants.
Significant animals domesticated included goats, sheep, oxen, horses, and dogs.
Farming allowed people to settle in particular areas and store excess food.
Settlements often located near rivers to ensure access to water sources.
Metal Age
Start Time: Began about 7,000 years ago.
Development: Humans learned to use metals to create various objects, indicating advancements in technology and craftsmanship.
The Neolithic Revolution
Definition: Refers to the series of changes and innovations that arose from the development of agriculture.
Impact:
Led to the formation of specialized work roles as communities became more settled.
This period marks a pivotal transition from nomadic life to agricultural societies.