Early Humans Review-Human Beginnings and Migrations

-The Stone Age-Early Human Tools

-The 7 Characteristics of a Civilization

Archaeologist

• a person who studies human history using artifacts and fossils

Artifact

• a human-made object

Fossils

• The remains of plants or animals. These can be bones or imprints found in layers of rock

Early Humans

• Originated in Africa

• Hominins = Walk upright• The first man-like creatures• 4.5 million years ago

Early Humans

• During the last Ice Age (100,000 BCE – 8,000 BCE), the water level in the oceans dropped• This revealed the Bering Land Bridge, connecting Asia to North

America

Migration• When a large group of people or animals moves from

one place to another

• Humans originated in Africa and slowly migrated to different parts of the world over thousands of years

Nomadic• People who move from place to place without a

permanent home

• Humans were nomadic until the Neolithic Revolution (10,000 BCE – 2,000 BCE)• This means humans moved from place to place for millions

of years and migrated to different parts of the world

Where did Humans Settle?

• 150,000 BCE• Humans were living in Africa because of the warm weather• Plenty of food was available (fruits, berries, and animals)

Where did Humans Settle?

• 80,000 BCE• Earth’s climate turned much colder.• Humans migrated to Southwest Asia in search of food and water

Where did Humans Settle?

• 40,000 BCE• The Ice Age came to an end, so people started moving further north

into Europe

Where did Humans Settle?

• 15,000 BCE• Humans migrated from Asia to North America through the Bering

Land Bridge

The Stone Age

• The Stone Age lasted almost 2 million years!• The Stone Age is divided into 3 different time periods:• Paleolithic (Paleo = Early)• Mesolithic (Meso = Middle) • Neolithic (Neo = New)

The Stone Age• Paleolithic Age (2 million BCE to 12,000 BCE)• The climate went through an Ice Age and began to warm

up at the end • Hunter-gatherers that moved from place to place

• They moved to follow their food sources and find places that weren’t too cold

The Stone Age

• Paleolithic Age (2 million BCE to 12,000 BCE)• Little technology during this time. All tools were made out of stone (mostly

flint)

The Stone Age

• Mesolithic Age (12,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE) • Climate continued to get warmer• The microlith was invented- A small triangular shaped blade of stone used in

knives and spears• Other inventions: boats from hollowed logs, fishing nets and hooks

The Stone Age

• Neolithic Revolution (10,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE)• Agriculture: People learned how to plant and harvest crops• People began to live in cities and towns• The first governments were formed

The Neolithic Revolution• People began to settle in the “Fertile Crescent” between

the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers• This is where the world’s first farmers began• Today, these countries are Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Turkey

The Neolithic Revolution

• Most historians believe that women were the first farmers• They believe that the women noticed patterns in the growth of wild

plants and learned how to cultivate plants • Cultivate- Using land for growing crops

Early Human Tools• Microlith- A small sharp blade

made out of stone

• Spears- A stick or pole with a sharp point at the end

• Knives- A cutting tool with a sharp blade

Human Civilizations

• Civilization- A well-organized and developed society

• Why do humans form civilizations?

3 Things Each Civilization Must Have

• Water Source

• Food Source

• Shelter

7 Characteristics of a Civilization• As humans began to settle down and live in

one place, civilizations developed• During the Neolithic Revolution, humans began

to live in one place and were no longer nomads because they learned how to farm for their food

• To be considered a civilization, there are seven characteristics that must be present:

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Cities- Large populations of people with specialized labor. Not a small group of people

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Job Specialization- People learn specific skills and become an expert in one area. • This leads to innovation and advanced technology

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Government- With so many people living together, leadership must:• Make laws (establish order)• Handle large scale projects (build roads, etc.)• Establish defenses (armies)

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Advanced Technology (Public Works)- All advances, inventions, and processes created to make life easier. For everyone's good. (ex. irrigation, walls to protect the city, road systems, government buildings, etc.)

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Language (or writing system)- Formal, organized system. Used to keep track of their religion and beliefs. Used in government to keep track of their laws.

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Social Classes - Hierarchy based on what you can do. Over time, individuals inherited class status from their families.

Characteristics of a Civilization

• Religion- Organized system of beliefs. Religious leaders would conduct elaborate ceremonies to worship gods.• Religion tries to answer questions about life:• Where did we come from?• What happens when we die?• What is the meaning of life?