Chapter 1 The Peopling of the World Prehistory-2500 B.C

Chapter 1The Peopling of the World

Prehistory-2500 B.C.

Section 1: Human Origins in Africa

Prehistory 5,000 years ago a time before writing

• Archaeologists– Specially trained scientists who work to uncover

the story of prehistoric peoples– Archaeological digs are used to learn about early

people– Study artifacts: human –made objects

• Anthropologists – study culture: people’s unique way of life

• Paleontologists – study fossils: evidence of early life preserved in

rocks

Definition: shared ways (traits) of doing things

Components of Culture› Common practices, shared understandings

and social organization How Culture is Learned

› Observation and imitation› Taught through written or spoken language

1970’sMary LeakyLaetoli in Tanzania in East Africa

1978Prehistoric footprints found in

preserved volcanic ashAustralopithecines created

footprintsCreatures that walk upright are

called hominids

U.S. anthropologist, Donald Johanson

Ethiopia 1974 Adult female hominid Nicknamed “Lucy”

after the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

3.5 Millions years old

The Discovery of “Lucy”

Lucy and other hominids who walked upright were australopithecines.

Walking helped them travel and watch for danger, carry food and children

Opposable thumbs were developed

Earlier and longer part of the Stone Age is called the Old Stone Age or Paleolithic Age

Invention of tools, fire and language 2.5 million to 8000 B.C.

New Stone Age or Neolithic Age 8000 B.C. – 3000 B.C. Polish stone tools, make pottery, grow

crops and raise animals

1960Louis and Mary LeakeyOldavai Gorge northern Tanzania2.5 m.y.a fossilNamed Homo habilis

“man of skill”Tools found with fossil

Homo ErectusDevelops Technology1.6 m.y.aHomo erectus “upright man”More intelligent and adaptable

speciesDeveloped technologyFirst hominids to migrate from AfricaFirst to use fireMay have begun spoken language

Believed that Homo erectus developed into Homo sapiens, “wise men”

Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons traditionally are classified as early groups of Homo sapiens

1997 DNA tests has shown that Neanderthals were not ancestors of modern humans.

Neanderthal’s Way of Life

•Quarry workers•Neander Valley in Germany•200,000 to 30,000 y.a. fossils•Developed religious beliefs and held rituals•60,000 y.a. funeral held in Shanidar cave in

eastern Iraq•Lived in caves or shelters made of wood

and animal skins•Mysteriously vanished about 30,000 y.a.

40,000 y.a. Identical to modern humans 5’ 1/2” feet tall Migrated from North Africa to

Europe and Asia New tools, planned hunts

New Findings Add to Knowledge

Chad and Kenya Toumai

Ethopia 2.33 m.y.a

Canada Flute

What has been found in these areas?

Cave Paintings

• Found on every continent

• Oldest 35,000 y.a

Cuevas de las Manos, Argentina

• Discuss the differences between paintings found in Europe and Africa versus Americas and Australia

• What are the purposes of cave paintings?

Chapter 1 Section 2

Humans Try to Control Nature

Early Advances in Technology and Art

Tools Needed to Survive

• Old Stone Age people were Nomads and became known as hunters and gatherers.

Artistic Expression in the Paleolithic Age

The Beginnings of Agriculture

• 10,000 y.a seeds planted which they harvested the next season

• Neolitic Revolution (agricultural revolution) began

• Shift from food-gathering to food-producing

Causes of the Agricultural Revolution

• Worldwide rising temperatures• Population increased• Farming provided a steady source of food

Early Farming Methods

• Slash-and-burn farming• Ashes fertilized the soil

The Neolithic Ice Man

• Otzi

Domestication of Animals

• Taming of animals came slowly

• Hunters driven herds into ravines to beslaughtered

Agriculture in Jarmo

• 9,000 y.a• Zagros Mts,

northeastern Iraq• Robert Braidwood

• Birthplace of agriculture

Villages Grow and Prosper

• Farming Develops in Many Places– Africa, China, Mexico and Central America, Peru– What was grown in each of these areas and

where?

Catal Huyuk

• Village found in south-central Turkey, 1958• Homed 5,000-6,000 people• What are the advantages/disadvantages?