Time Periods
The earliest period of human history is called the __________.
Stone Age / Paleolithic Age
People who move from place to place in search of food are called __________.
Nomads
One of the most important Paleolithic technologies was __________.
Tools
Early humans survived by hunting and __________.
Gathering
How many people usually made up a Paleolithic hunting group?
About 20–30
What does Paleolithic mean?
“Old Stone Age”
Where were the famous cave paintings discovered?
Lascaux, France
Which discovery made life less difficult for Paleolithic people?
Fire
What type of shelter did many Paleolithic people use?
Caves
Name one animal Paleolithic people might have hunted.
Bison, mammoths, reindeer, etc.
What age followed the Paleolithic Age when farming began?
Neolithic Age / New Stone Age
What continent is considered the “cradle of humanity” where early humans first appeared?
Africa
Early humans learned to make paint from __________ and __________.
Crushed rocks and animal fat
Why was fire so important in daily life? (Name 2 reasons)
Warmth, cooking, light, protection from animals
Why do historians study cave paintings?
To learn about early humans’ lives, beliefs, and activities
The long periods of extreme cold during early human history were called __________.
Ice Ages
Why did nomads live in small groups of 20–30 people?
It made hunting and gathering easier and provided enough food for survival
Spoken language was an important advancement because it allowed humans to __________.
Communicate, share ideas, plan hunts, and teach others
True or False: Paleolithic people were farmers.
False – they were hunters and gatherers
What skill separates humans from most animals and helped them survive?
Ability to create and use tools
What major change marked the shift from the Paleolithic Age to the Neolithic Age?
The Agricultural Revolution – people began farming and domesticating animals.
Archaeologists study artifacts to learn about early humans. What is an artifact?
An object made and used by humans (such as tools, pottery, or weapons).
During the Neolithic Age, people began to use metal tools. Which metal was used first?
Copper (later mixed with tin to make bronze).
How did farming change the way people lived compared to hunting and gathering?
People could settle in one place, build permanent homes, store food, and form larger communities.
Why are the Lascaux cave paintings especially important to historians?
They provide clues about early human beliefs, daily life, and the importance of animals to survival.