Time Terms
What does "BC" stand for and where does it go on the timeline?
What stone was important to creating tools and weapons in the Stone Age and why was it used?
Flint - because it was a "soft" stone that was easily chippable
What is domestication of plants or animals? Give one simple example.
Domestication = taming plants/animals for human use (e.g., wheat, goats).
Name three basic characteristics that define a civilization.
Government, Writing, Religion, Technology, Social Structure, Culture, Stable Food Supply
Define the word "prehistory" in one sentence as it applies to ancient peoples. Can you give an example?
History before there were written records. The Cave paintings.
What do the letters "AD" stand for, where does it go on the timeline?
"Anno Domini", it goes to the right of year 1
How did hunter-gatherers use fire in their daily lives? Give three examples.
Use: cooking, smoking food, warmth, protection from animals, light.
What is a food surplus and why was it important after the Agricultural Revolution?
Food surplus = more food than immediately needed; allows population growth and specialization.
Why is writing important to a civilization? Give one reason.
Writing records laws, trade, history and helps communicate over time.
What is meant by "stable food supply"? Give one example from ancient farming.
Stable food supply = reliable, ongoing production of food (example: growing barley each year).
What is the difference between BCE and CE?
Before Common Era (to the left of Year 1) and Common Era (to the right of Year 1)
Describe two types of shelters early hunter-gatherers might use - one natural and one made.
Natural: Caves or Rock Overhangs
Made: Animal skins and Plant materials
How did the Agricultural Revolution lead to labor specialization? Name one job that could appear.
With more food, not everyone farms — some become craft workers, priests, or leaders (example: pottery maker).
Explain how government helps a civilization be stable. Give one example of a government function.
Governments organize rules, distribute resources, and protect people (example: making laws, building irrigation).
Give a simple definition of "religion" and name one way religion may have affected daily life in early civilizations.
Religion = beliefs about gods/spiritual life; affected rituals, laws, and holidays.
What does "circa" (c. or ca.) mean when historians use it before a date?
"about", guessing the approximate date when something happened
Explain why hunter-gatherers moved from place to place instead of living in one settlement.
Because they followed animal herds and seasonal plants; food sources moved.
Explain one way the Agricultural Revolution changed where people lived (settlements).
Most people lived near rivers or other water sources and places where fields could be planted with crops.
How does technology (simple tools or innovations) support a stable food supply? Provide one example.
Irrigation tools let farmers water fields and grow more crops (example: canals, plows).
What does "specialization" mean in economics and how might it help a community grow?
Specialization = people focus on one job (e.g., toolmaker), improving skill and trade.
Explain how centuries. For example, what century is the year 1650 in?
17th century
Describe one way tools helped hunter-gatherer societies survive and give a short example.
Axes/cutting tools: chopping wood/plants
Weapons: hunting/protection
Stones: mashing food or materials
Describe how a barter economy works and give an example of a trade that might occur in an early farming village.
Barter = trading goods without money (e.g., a farmer trades grain for a pot made by a craftsperson).
Describe how social structure might look in an early civilization. Include at least two social levels or roles.
Example: rulers/priests at top, farmers/artisans in middle, laborers/servants lower; hereditary roles possible.
Explain the connection between the domestication of animals and new sources of clothing and shelter (give one specific example: which animal and what product).
Example: Sheep domesticated for wool (clothing) and for hides used in shelters; goat milk used for food.