The Stone Ages
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Transcript of The Stone Ages
The Stone Ages
Paleolithic Era
Neolithic Era
OLD STONE AGE
4.5 million years ago
Hominids emerged
Paleolithic Era
NEW STONE AGE 10,000 years ago Neolithic Revolution = Agricultural Revolution
Shift from food gathering to food producing
Neolithic Era
So, what’s the big deal?
Allowed for permanent settlement, food surpluses, the domestication of animals & new technology
Neolithic Era
The Birth of Civilization
Cradles of Civilization Tigris/Euphrates River: Iraq Nile River: Egypt Indus River: South Asia (Pakistan/India)
Huang He River: East Asia (China)
The 5 Characteristics of Civilization
Characteristics1. Specialized Workers2. Advanced Cities3. Complex Institutions4. Record Keeping5. Improved Technology
Specialized Workers
Due to food surpluses, fewer people had to farm; time to refine skills & specialize
Examples: Artisans, Sailors, Merchants, Weavers, Priests,etc.
Advanced Cities
Once people began living together in one area, they established centers for trade
Examples: farmers, merchants, and traders brought goods to market in the cities
Complex Institutions
Supervise and protect agriculture & trade; Organize the community
Examples: Government, Religion, Economy
Record Keeping To pass on and preserve information
Examples: Record amounts of grain, water levels, religious offerings, passage of laws, calendar, written language,etc.
Improved Technology
New tools & techniques to solve problems
Examples: ox-drawn plows, irrigation systems, potter’s wheel, tools from metal