Soc Sci Notes

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
- Explain the cultural development.
- Analyze the life and culture of man during the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Metal Age.
- Formulate conclusions regarding the development of ancient civilizations.
- Generate new ideas or ways of viewing things.

As the human race multiplied, excavations began to reveal the story of man.
Questions arose concerning the differences of man in different regions of the world.
Theories about differences in man's appearance and behavior were explored.
The longstanding assumption that all living things were created separately was challenged by scientists.

Early humans utilized intelligence to develop technology, defined as a group's skill in using tools.
Important achievements included:
- Invention of stone tools
- Use of fire
- Development of language
The Paleolithic Age, or the Stone Age, began approximately $2$ million years ago.
Paleolithic is derived from the Greek words palaios (old) and lithos (stone).
Societal structure:
- Small clans consisting of nomadic people who wandered without permanent homes.
- Clans lived independently and were isolated but occasionally interacted in times of danger.
Early man was characterized as follows:
- Ability to manufacture tools with hands and wield weapons.
- Capability to communicate through speech.
- Possession of a larger brain, indicating higher intelligence.
Cave paintings and carvings reflected the life dynamics of Paleolithic humans.
Examples of cave paintings are found in regions like Borneo and Sulawesi.
Notable cave carvings include the Angono Petroglyphs in Rizal, Philippines.

The transition from the Old Stone Age to the New Stone Age is known as the Mesolithic period or "Middle Stone Age."
Changes during this period included:
- Climatic shifts leading to adaptations in both humans and animals.
- Notable decrease in animal size for enhanced mobility.
- Development of lighter hunting tools.
Key developments included the domestication of animals, particularly dogs, and the inception of food storage.
Societal transitions during the Mesolithic include:
- Shift from mobility to semi-permanent settlements near water sources.
- Transition from large herd hunting to localized diets and proto-horticulture.
Characteristics of the Mesolithic period:
- Warmer climate encouraged denser forests and diverse diets.
- Use of microliths—small, specialized stone tools ( $1-8$ cm) for various tasks, including hunting and fishing.
- Emergence of complex kinship structure and social organization.

The Neolithic Age, or New Stone Age, began around $10,000$ years ago.
Significant advancements included:
- Polishing tools to sharp edges for varied uses.
- Introductory agriculture catalyzed by population growth and climate change.
Agricultural developments:
- Cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and rice.
- Domestication of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) for food, labor, and materials.
Settlement and community formation:
- Establishment of permanent homes and village life leading to social complexity, rules, and governance.
- Development of crafts, pottery, and textiles, spurred by living in close quarters.
Culture emerged as a result of shared practices, referred to as the total learned behaviors and traditions passed down generations.

The Metal Age marked the usage of iron alongside other metals (copper, bronze) for tools and weapons.
Key characteristics of the Metal Age:
- Advancement in metallurgy allowed shaping and heat treatment of metals.
- Technological progress included improved agricultural tools like ploughs.
- Inventions such as the wheel and sail revolutionized trade and transport.
Societal implications:
- Urbanization, leading to the development of the first cities and social stratification.
- Increased commerce resulting from higher production rates and new technological advancements.
Cultural developments during this period encompassed various art forms, including vase painting, decorative metalwork, and monumental structures.

Migration led to the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and herding.
Evidence suggests early humans migrated across various regions, displaying adaptability and exploration.
Notable early settlements include:
- Jarmo in West Asia (modern Iraq) and Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey.
- Findings indicate Jericho is the oldest discovered city, excavated by Kathleen Kenyon in the $1950s$ .
- Çatalhöyük's discovery in $1958$ by James Mellaart revealed significant aspects of early agricultural life, such as housing structures without streets and reliance on obsidian products.
- Archaeological artifacts recovered include stone beads, grinding tools, and native metal pieces, showcasing early human skills and craftsmanship.

Archaeological findings illustrate the passage through the periods of Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Metal Age.
The transition to settled agricultural life formed the basis for the development of communities and complex societies in later stages of human history.