Early Humans and the Beginning of Civilization

A WH1 Presentation by Mr. Hess

Introduction

• The entire time that humans have existed can be divided into three periods:

1. Early humans (so-called “cave men”)2. Neolithic Revolution (when farming began)3. Civilization

1. Early Humans

• Modern humans are believed to have originated in Africa about 50,000 years ago, and then spread to other continents.

• They lived by hunting and gathering, and developed tools such as hammers, axes, and spears.

Early Humans, cont.

• Early humans lived in temporary structures, and moved as their food needs demanded.

• Our knowledge of early humans is limited to archaeological evidence, due to the lack of written records.

2. The Neolithic Revolution

• The Neolithic revolution was the gradual shift from gathering and hunting food to producing food (agriculture).

• Agriculture was used in the middle east as far back as 8000 BC, and in China and the Americas as far back as 4000 BC.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont.

• Along with growing crops, farmers raised animals for meat, milk and eggs.

• Farming caused people to stay longer in one place and gave them a more steady food supply, but this meant working harder.

The Neolithic Revolution, cont.

• Agricultural villages began to develop in places where there was fertile soil and abundant water.

• Technological advances included the wheel, clay bricks, and metal jewelry and weapons.

3. Civilization

• Neolithic villages slowly evolved into civilizations.

• Civilization: a highly organized society marked by advanced knowledge of trade, government, arts, and science.

• Civilization = the rise of cities.

Civilization, cont.

• Early cities were all formed in river valleys:The Nile River valley (Egypt)The Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Iraq)The Indus River valley (Pakistan)The Huang He River valley (China)

Civilization, cont.

• All of these civilizations arose between 4000 BC and 1500 BC, but there were still agricultural villages and nomadic societies in addition.

• Civilizations depended on farmers growing surplus crops that they could sell, freeing other people to earn their living in other ways.

New Developments of Civilization

• Massive irrigation systems for watering crops

• Specialization of labor• Long-distance trade by

animal caravans or ships• Organized government to

direct the labor force and protect the cities – kings came into being

• Writing