Origins of Humans

Prehistory

Prehistory – putting the pieces of the past together for times when we have no written records.

Prehistory Anthropology is the

study of human culture by analyzing artifacts and human fossils.

Archaeology is the study of past societies through an analysis of their tools, pottery, paintings, weapons and buildings.

Homo Sapiens Sapiens The first humanlike creatures lived

three to four million years ago. The first modern humans, known as

Homo Sapiens Sapiens, emerged in Africa about 120,000 years ago.

How did the earliest people live?• Hunters and

gatherers• Egalitarian• Developed tools, language, & used fire• Nomadic• Animist• Governed by consensus

Paleolithic – “Old Stone” Culture

The period between 2,500,000 to 10,000 BCE, in which humans used stone tools.

Cave Art

“Venus” of Willendorf

Neolithic – “New Stone” Culture

(10,000 to 4,000 BCE) Transition from

hunting to herding/farming

Agriculture and domesticated animals

Stable source of food

Population growth Permanent

settlements

Agriculture

Develops in: Middle East

– Wheat & Barley China

– Rice Central America

– Corn

Agriculture

Advantages Increased food

supply lead to an increased population

Alcohol

Disadvantages Gender

Inequality Disease Environmental

Destruction

Old versus New Stone Age Tools

Paleolithic

Neolithic

Megaliths Used for ritual

purposes or burial sites.

Often arranged in celestial orientation

Used Post and Lintel Construction

Music

Bone flutes Drums Rattles Cave art shows

drums being used to drive animals during the hunt.