BELLWORK• Our first region of study will be the Middle East &

Asia. For bellwork today, you will label a blank map of this region.

• Use pgs. A14-A15 to label all 40 countries. • Write legibly! You will use this map to study for your

first map quiz on Friday. • Also, get out your signed syllabus and personal

history….. I will collect them shortly!

Unit 1: Ancient Civilizations

Rivers• Rivers are a very important component of early

civilizations.• Label 5 of the most important rivers• Nile River• Tigris River• Euphrates River• Indus River Valley• Huang River Valley

Nile River

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Indus River Valley

Huang River Valley

Human Origins• Evidence traced the first human existence back to 4.4 million years ago in East Africa.

• Hominids: group of human beings and humanlike creatures.

• This idea evolved until the creation of Homo Sapiens, (“person who thinks”) 200,000 years ago.

Ice Age• Between 2 million and 10,000 years ago, Earth

experienced long periods of cold climate, known as the Ice Ages.

• Massive glaciers spread out from the Poles.• As sheets of ice formed, the level of the oceans

dropped more than 300 feet!• As a result, areas were connected by land bridges. • Only the middle areas of the earth remained warm

enough for humans and animals. • Led to the development of clothing and fire.

Ice sheet in Antarctica

The Iceman• September 19, 1991: Helmut and Erika Simon hiking

near the Austria/Italian border• Saw a head and shoulders emerging from the ice.• Scientists dug it out of the glacier and discovered that

the iceman was at least 5,000 years old! (Oldest body ever retrieved from a glacier)

• He was named “Ötzi the Iceman” after the region in which he was discovered.

*

Ötzi the Iceman • The Iceman’s remains were

preserved through a combination of factors:

• Altitude 10,530 feet• After he died, the ditch where

he lay was filled with snow.• For thousands of years, a

glacier covered this pocket of snow.

• This caused the iceman to be naturally mummified.

BELLWORK: August 11th 1. List three characteristics of the Ice Age.

2. Define nomadic.

3. Define culture.

“Human Origins” page 20

4. Scientists use the Latin word Homo which means “human” to categorize hominids….describe the three species of Homo in prehistoric times.

“Hunter-Gatherers” page 21

5. How did early Homo Erectus get food?

6. Where did Homo Erectus migrate? How do scientists know this?

Human Culture• Culture: the way of life of a

group of people. (Ex: knowledge, language, ways in which they eat and dress, religion, art, etc.)

• Earliest aspect of culture – use of tools.

• Use of stone tools eventually led to the Stone Age. (12,000BC – 8,000BC)

Appearance of Homo Sapiens• 200,000 B.C.• Neanderthals: first homo

sapiens originated in Africa and spread to Europe/Asia

• Nomadic hunter-gatherers who were more advanced in tool making, medicine, and culture.

• Cro-Magnons: originated in Europe

• Made further advances in tools and hunting.

Neanderthals

Cro-Magnons

Neolithic Revolution• Discuss: What is a

revolution?

• 5,000B.C.

• Characterized by the end of the ice age & appearance of grasslands.

• Shift from hunter-gatherers to producing their own food.

Neolithic Village Reading• To learn more about the

importance of the Neolithic Revolution, you are going to read pages 22-25

• Answer the 5 discussion questions in your notes.

• Be ready to discuss your answers with the class.

1. What was the Neolithic Revolution?

2. What were some characteristics & advances of the Neolithic time period?

3. Where were the earliest civilizations located? Why?

4. How was the government set up in early cities?

5. In ancient civilizations, what was writing used for?

Timeline Review• Now that you have learned

about the origin of humans, culture, and technology, you are going to create a review timeline.

• The timeline will span from 5,000,000 BC to 1 BC.

• Include all the important events/time periods and a description of each.

• Do this in your notes!

• Events to include:• First appearance of hominids• Neolithic Revolution• Stone Age• Emergence of Homo Sapiens• Emergence of Homo Erectus• Ice Age

Neolithic Village Project• Now that you know all the characteristics and traits

of the Neolithic Revolution, you are going to create your own Neolithic Village.

• Must demonstrate all characteristics of a Neolithic Village.

• Be sure to use pictures, color, and labels!• If you use symbols, you must include a key! • Due tomorrow…… 20 points!

CLOSURE

1. Where did humans originate?

2. What was the Ice Age?

3. What was the Stone Age?4. What is the difference between

Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons?