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