Studying The Past
What is prehistory?
The period of time before written records existed.
What is the paleolithic age?
The old stone age when nomads used simple tools.
where did early humans orginate?
east africa and migrated across asia, europe, australia, and americas.
what is the neolithic revolution
the transition from hunting and gathering to farming and taming wild animals
pottery
clay containers used to store grain, seed, and liquids
What is history?
The written and recorded events of the past.
What are hunter-gatherers?
early humans who survived by hunting wild animals, gathering plants, berries, seeds, or nuts.
why did people migrate?
climate change, changing food supply, animal movement, population growth
farming and communities
permanent settlements formed near stable water sources
mud brick or wooden homes
weaving
interlacing natural fibers to produce clothing
Who are archaeologists?
Scientists who dig up physical evidence of human made artifacts to figure out how past humans lived
What are nomads?
small groups of people who move place to place in search of food, water, and shelter.
ice age
a period of global cooling when glaciers trapped ocean water and caused sea level to drop
what is a surplus
producing more than needed
irrigation
man made ditches, canals, and levees that carried water to farmland to water crops
Who are anthropologists?
control of fire
essential technology used for warmth, cooking, warding off predators
exposed land connecting asia and alaska that allowed humans and animals to migrate
what is specialization
having a specific job in a trade (weaver, potter, toolmaker, builder)
metal tools
replacing stone with copper and bronze to make more durable tools
fossil vs. artifact
fossil: physical remains or traces of a once living plant, animal, or human
artifact: an object made, modified, or used by humans (tools, pottery, cave)
cave art
depicted wild animals and hunting scenes showing spiritual beliefs and daily experiences
adaptation
humans survived hars new climates by crafting warmer animal hide clothing, building warm shelters, and changing hunting methods
what is trade
exchanging food and goods with other villages