Early Human History

Early human development occurred during the Paleolithic Period

Origins in AfricaHominids Anatomically modern humans (homo sapiens

sapiens) develop about 150,000 years agoBegin migrations

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evo101/IIE2cHumanevop2.sht ml

Lucyhttp://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/they-love-lucy

Settlement of Australia: Approximately 60,000 BCESettlement of Eurasia: Approximately 50,000 BCESettlement of Americas: Approximately 14,000 BCE

Hunting-foragingNomadicSmall groups based on bonds of kinshipRelatively EgalitarianAdaptation to local environmentDevelopment of stone tools Use of fire for cooking, warmth, and

deterring predators

No written languageEvidence of culture seen in cave paintings,

artifacts, and human remainsEvidence of primitive, simple religionLack of developed material culture

Although groups were adapted to their specific environment, hunter-foragers did interact with each other and engage in exchange of ideas and goods

Neolithic: New Stone AgeBegan approx. 10,000 years agoUse of stone tools for agricultural production

Most likely the result of climate changeDomestication of plant and animal speciesFirst began in the Eastern Mediterranean

http://huberb.people.cofc.edu/ANTH%20101%20Huber's%20Introduction%20to%20Anthropology.html

Gradual process and dependent upon the geography

Not all societies develop agriculture

Agricultural centers emerged in:Mesopotamia, the Nile River Valley, Sub-

Saharan Africa, the Indus River Valley, the Yellow River, Papua New Guinea, Mesoamerica, and the Andes

Emerged in grasslands (steppes)Central Eurasia and parts of Africa

Animal husbandryMobile lifestyleWealth measured in livestock

Greater degree of complexity and cooperationMore reliable food sourcesPopulation densities increasePermanent settlementsReligion becomes more complexSome matrilineal, others patrilinealTrade developed between and among early

agricultural settlements

http://www.americanneopaganism.com/ancientpagantimeline.htm

http://howardbloom.net/reinventing_capitalism/

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Catal_Huyuk

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Image:CatalHoyukSouthArea.JPG

Dramatic impact on the environmentErosionClearing of forests for farmlandDesertificationOvergrazing of pastureland

Increase in human populationIncrease in diseaseCraft specializationSocial StratificationPatriarchy

Technological innovations were developed to improve agricultural production, trade, and transportation

Key examples:PotteryPlowsWoven textilesMetallurgyWheels and wheeled

vehicleshttp://www.historiasiglo20.org/prehistory/pottery.htm

Core and foundational civilizations emerged in the following:Mesopotamia EgyptMohenjo-Daro and HarappaShang ChinaOlmecChavin

http://www.unionparishschools.org/rivervalleyciv/interest.htm

Mesopotamia

http://www.utexas.edu/courses/classicalarch/images2/mapane.jpg

Egypt

http://www.iziko.org.za/sh/resources/egypt/images/map_e1_l.gif

Indus River Valley Civilization

http://www.rivervalleycivilizations.com/indus.php

The Yellow River Valley CivilizationShang Dynasty

http://www.chinahighlights.com/image/map/ancient/shang-dynasty-map1.gif

http://theresaclarkintdis4.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-6.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chavin-small.png

State: a sovereign political entity which contains a stable population, defined territory, and established government

Control over larger territory, population, and resources

Divine RightMilitary

Competition for land and resourcesGeographyBronzeIronHorsesChariotsComposite bows

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Hyksos.aspx

Architecture and Urban Planning

Arts and Artisanship

Systems of Record Keeping

Law Codes

ReligionPolytheism: Belief in many gods

Most commonVedic Religion becomes basis of Hinduism

Monotheism: Belief in one godHebrewsZoroastrianism (Persian Empire)

TradeLocal, regional, and transregional tradeExchange of goods, cultural ideas, and

technology

Examples:Egypt and NubiaMesopotamia and Indus River Valley