Early Humans and the Agricultural Revolution

Chapter 3

Chapter 3.1Hunters-Gatherers

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8twVZf2XYs

The Paleolithic Age

• Called the Stone Age– People used stone for

tools and weapons– Means “Old Stone”– Also called the “Old

Stone Age”– Lasted until 8000 B.C.

Surviving the Paleolithic Age

• People were nomads– People who regularly moved

from place to place to survive– Traveled in groups of 20 or 30– Search for food was main

activity– Hunted buffalo, bison, goats,

reindeer, fish– Gathered wild nuts, berries,

fruits, grains

Finding Food

• Men-hunted large animals– Developed

tracking methods– Used clubs– Drove animals off

cliffs– Traps and spears

increased chances of survival

Finding Food

• Women stayed close to camp

• Looked after children

• Searched woods for berries, nuts, and grains

The Invention of Tools

• Technology-tools and methods to perform tasks was first used by Paleolithic people

• Sticks, stones, and tree branches served as tools

• A hard stone called flint was used for cutting tools: axes, spears, bows, and arrows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yd5-2AICFA&list=PLikhmGxRmG_OgEounmLueDUZh6dMPK9bZ

Changing to Survive

• Climate affected how Paleolithic people lived

• Made clothing from animal skins

• Made tents and huts from mammoths bones

Fire Sparks Changes

• Paleolithic people discovered how to make fire– Produced fire by

friction– Discovered iron

pyrite gave off sparks

Language and Art

• Paleolithic man began to communicate– Developed language– Expressed themselves through art

Altamira, Spain

Lascaux, France

Ice Age

• Ice Age- periods of extreme cold

• Water level was lowered

• Exposed land bridge connecting continents of Asia and North America

• Allowed people to move into North America

How Did the Ice Age Affect Humans?

• Humans adapted to environment– Added fat to diet– Built sturdier

shelter– Made clothing

using animal fur– Use fire to keep

warm– Ice Age ended

about 9000 and 8000 B.C.