Hominids, Paleolithic Society, and Neolithic Society

Key Concepts1.1 – Big Geography and the Peopling of the

Earth1.2 – The Neolithic Revolution and Early

Agricultural Societies1.3 – The Development and Interactions of

Early Agricultural, Pastoral, and Urban Societies

My How We’ve Changed…First Humans:

Lucy3 ft 5 in55 lbs3.5 Million Years OldEthiopiaOldest Skeleton ever

found.

Key Difference b/t Humans and Animals in HistoryAnimals – Adapt to

environment to meet the demands of the environment

Humans – Adapt the environment to meet the demands of humans

The HominidsHominids – Include

human and human like species.Australopithecus –

Short, hairy, upright, limited in intelligence, opposable thumbs. Lived in eastern and

southern Africa Phased out by about one

million years ago. Many remains found in

Africa

The HominidsHomo Erectus – “Upright-

walking human.”Flourished from 2.5

million – 200,000 years ago.

Larger brain, more intelligent.

FireTools: Axes, cleaversLanguageMigrated – North Africa,

Eurasian landmass

Homo SapiensHomo Sapiens –

“Consciously thinking human”200,000 years agoPossessed higher levels of

intelligence and communication allowing them to adapt (i.e. – created clothing for cold weather, complex weapons)

Intelligence allowed movement – Africa, Europe, Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, Siberia, Alaska, North America

Paleolithic SocietyPaleolithic Era – The

Old Stone AgeStart: First HominidsEnd: Twelve Thousand

Years AgoKey Characteristic –

Human beings foraged for their food. Hunted wild animals or

gather edible products from naturally growing plants

Paleolithic SocietyRelative Social Equality

Hunter Gatherers Meant they followed prey

and moved with seasons Lived in small groups Resulted in no private

ownership and relative equality

Areas where food was especially rich sometimes meant abandonment of hunter gatherer lifestyle in exchange for permanent settlements. i.e.- Chinooks of the

Pacific Northwest

Paleolithic CulturePaleolithic Culture –

Evidence of reflectionComplex Burials

(Neandertal people)Creative Achievements

Cro-Magnon People Very similar to modern

humans – Intelligence, Communication, Appearance

Harpoons, Bows and Arrows

Jewelry Furniture Venus Figurines (p. 17) Cave Paintings (p. 18)

The Neolithic EraThe Neolithic Era – “The

New Stone Age.”Refers to the early stages

of agricultural society.Involved the systematic

cultivation of crops and domestication of animals.

Meant phasing out of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle

12,000-6,000 years agoSlow and gradual process

Neolithic EraEarly Agricultural

SocietyIncreased food supply

lead to huge population increase (p. 24)

Villages and towns sprung up (Jericho and Catal Huyuk)

Lead to specialization of labor Metalworking, pottery,

and textile production

The Neolithic EraSocial Distinctions

First time people had opportunity to accumulate wealth Due to specialization

of labor and increased value of land

Class System developed as a result (first time for rich and poor)

The Neolithic EraNeolithic Culture

Accumulated working knowledge of the earth’s rhythms and passed them on

Religious beliefs in multiple gods associated with multiple things: Death, fertility, etc.

The Neolithic EraEmergence of cities

Dense populations, specialized labor, and complex social relationships created by agriculture eventually gave rise to cities.

Larger and more complex than villages Specialization – Tax

Collectors, military strategists, governors, etc.

Influenced the political, cultural, and economic life of larger regions around the world.