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Early World Civilizations
Table of Contents
Unit 1 Overview: Early World Civilizations: Prehistory Intro
1.1 Defining civilization and world history
1.2 Paleolithic and Mesolithic societies
1.3 Methods and sources for studying early civilizations

Early humans lived as hunter-gatherers for millions of years. The Paleolithic era saw simple tools, nomadic lifestyles, and small egalitarian bands. Life revolved around following food sources and adapting to the environment.

The Mesolithic era marked a transition. People developed better tools, fished more, and started settling down. This paved the way for farming, which changed everything. Agriculture led to permanent settlements, social hierarchies, and new technologies.

Paleolithic and Mesolithic Societies

Paleolithic Era Characteristics

  • Lasted from about 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 BCE
  • Characterized by the use of simple stone tools (hand axes, spears)
  • Hunting and gathering lifestyle relied on wild plants and animals for sustenance
  • Nomadic existence involved moving seasonally to follow animal migrations and take advantage of different food sources

Paleolithic Social Organization

  • Organized in small, egalitarian bands of 20-30 individuals
  • Bands consisted of extended families
  • Highly mobile lifestyle adapted to the environment and available resources
  • Little social stratification within the bands

Mesolithic Era Characteristics

  • Transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, lasting from about 10,000 to 8,000 BCE
  • Marked by the development of more advanced stone tools (microliths)
  • Greater emphasis on fishing and the exploitation of coastal resources
  • Continued hunting and gathering lifestyle, but adapted to the changing environment at the end of the last Ice Age

Mesolithic Technological Advancements

  • Developed new technologies, such as bows and arrows, to improve hunting efficiency
  • Began to establish more permanent settlements in resource-rich areas
  • Adapted to the changing climate and environment following the end of the last Ice Age
  • Laid the foundation for the transition to agriculture in the Neolithic era

Hunter-Gatherers vs Early Farmers

Subsistence Strategies

  • Hunter-gatherers relied on wild plants and animals for sustenance
  • Early agricultural communities cultivated crops (wheat, barley, rice) and domesticated animals (goats, sheep, cattle)
  • Agriculture allowed for a more stable and predictable food supply

Settlement Patterns

  • Hunter-gatherers were nomadic, moving seasonally to follow food sources
  • Early agricultural communities were sedentary, living in permanent settlements near their fields and pastures
  • Permanent settlements allowed for the development of more complex social and political structures

Technology

  • Hunter-gatherers used simple stone tools (hand axes, spears) for hunting and gathering
  • Early agricultural communities developed more advanced tools (sickles, hoes, grinding stones) to facilitate farming activities
  • Agricultural tools enabled more efficient cultivation and processing of crops

Social Organization

  • Hunter-gatherer societies were typically egalitarian, with little social stratification
  • Early agricultural communities began to develop more complex social hierarchies
  • Agriculture led to the emergence of social classes (rulers, priests, craftsmen) and specialized roles

Transition to Farming

Climate Change

  • End of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 BCE, led to the retreat of glaciers and the expansion of habitable areas
  • Changes in the distribution of plant and animal species created new opportunities for human societies to exploit different resources
  • The Younger Dryas event, a brief return to colder conditions around 10,800 BCE, may have pushed some societies to adopt agriculture

Population Pressure

  • Population growth put pressure on hunter-gatherer societies to find more reliable and abundant food sources
  • Agriculture provided a way to support larger, more sedentary populations
  • Surplus food production allowed for the growth of villages and towns

Technological Developments

  • The development of new technologies (sickles, grinding stones) made it easier to harvest and process wild grains
  • Advancements in stone tool technology paved the way for the cultivation of domesticated crops
  • Irrigation techniques (canals, ditches) enabled farming in areas with limited rainfall

Cultural and Social Factors

  • Desire for more permanent settlements may have encouraged the adoption of agriculture
  • Emergence of religious beliefs centered around fertility and agriculture
  • Social prestige associated with the ability to produce and control surplus food
  • Development of concepts of land ownership and inheritance

Impact of the Neolithic Revolution

Settlement Patterns and Urbanization

  • Development of permanent settlements as people no longer needed to follow seasonal migrations
  • Growth of villages and towns supported by agricultural surpluses
  • Emergence of early cities (Jericho, Çatalhöyük) with complex social and economic structures

Social Stratification and Specialization

  • Surplus food production allowed for the emergence of social classes (rulers, priests, craftsmen) not directly involved in food production
  • Development of specialized roles and crafts (pottery, weaving, metallurgy)
  • Increased social inequality and the concentration of power in the hands of elites

Property and Ownership

  • Emergence of private property, as land became a valuable resource that could be owned and passed down through generations
  • Development of more complex political and economic systems based on land ownership and control
  • Increased social inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of landowners

Health and Diet

  • Shift to a grain-based diet and living in close proximity to domesticated animals led to the emergence of new diseases (smallpox, measles)
  • Agriculture allowed for a more stable and reliable food supply, supporting population growth
  • Changes in diet and lifestyle had long-term impacts on human health and evolution

Environmental Impact

  • Clearing of land for farming and the use of irrigation led to deforestation and soil erosion
  • Changes in local ecosystems due to the introduction of domesticated plants and animals
  • Intensification of human-environment interactions, laying the foundation for future environmental challenges

Key Terms to Review (19)

Climate change: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system. It is often caused by both natural phenomena and human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels which increases greenhouse gas emissions. This change in climate significantly impacted early human societies, especially during the transition from the Paleolithic to the Mesolithic period.
Permanent Settlements: Permanent settlements refer to communities where people establish a stable residence for an extended period, moving away from a nomadic lifestyle. This development marks a significant shift in human history, enabling advancements in agriculture, social organization, and culture, as it allowed populations to grow and engage in more complex societal structures.
Microliths: Microliths are small, flint or stone tools, often used as barbs or blades, that were typically produced during the late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. They represent a significant technological advancement in human tool-making, allowing for more efficient hunting and gathering practices, as well as the development of composite tools that combined multiple microliths into a single implement.
Ice Age: The Ice Age refers to a prolonged period of time during which significant portions of the Earth's surface were covered by ice sheets and glaciers, leading to dramatic changes in climate, sea levels, and ecosystems. This era played a crucial role in shaping human societies during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, influencing migration patterns, hunting practices, and the development of early cultures.
Bows and arrows: Bows and arrows are ancient weaponry consisting of a flexible string attached to a curved piece of wood (the bow) and a projectile (the arrow) that is shot by pulling back on the string and releasing it. This technology was significant for hunting and warfare, allowing societies to increase their range and effectiveness in securing food and defending themselves.
Foraging: Foraging refers to the act of searching for and gathering food from the wild, including hunting animals, fishing, and collecting wild plants. This practice was essential for the survival of Paleolithic and Mesolithic societies, as it allowed them to obtain diverse nutrition while adapting to different environments. Foraging shaped social structures and behaviors, fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing among groups as they sought food resources in their surroundings.
Kinship ties: Kinship ties refer to the social relationships and connections between individuals based on blood relations, marriage, or other forms of family connections. In early human societies, particularly during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, these ties were crucial for social organization, resource sharing, and mutual support among members of a group, fostering strong bonds essential for survival.
Fishing: Fishing is the practice of catching fish for food, recreation, or trade. In the context of early human societies, it was a crucial method for obtaining protein and other nutrients, significantly influencing settlement patterns and social structures during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.
Band society: A band society is a small, typically nomadic group of people who rely on hunting, gathering, and foraging for subsistence. These societies are characterized by their egalitarian social structure, where leadership is informal and decisions are made collectively. In the context of Paleolithic and Mesolithic societies, band societies represent some of the earliest forms of human social organization and reflect adaptive strategies to their environments.
Flint tools: Flint tools are sharp implements made from flint, a hard sedimentary rock, primarily used by prehistoric peoples during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras. These tools were essential for survival, allowing early humans to hunt, process food, and perform various daily tasks. The ability to create and utilize flint tools marked significant advancements in technology and craftsmanship during these periods.
Atlatl: An atlatl is a spear-throwing device that uses leverage to increase the velocity of a projectile, typically a spear or dart. This tool was particularly important in the Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras, enabling hunters to throw their weapons farther and with greater force, improving their chances of hunting large game. The atlatl represents a significant technological advancement in prehistoric weaponry, reflecting the innovation and adaptation of early human societies to their environments.
Cultural Evolution: Cultural evolution refers to the process through which human cultures develop and change over time, influenced by various social, environmental, and technological factors. This concept helps to explain how societies transition from simpler forms of organization to more complex structures, including changes in belief systems, technologies, and social practices that were evident in early human history.
Hunter-gatherer lifestyle: The hunter-gatherer lifestyle is a way of living that relies on hunting animals and gathering wild plants for sustenance. This lifestyle was dominant during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, where communities were typically nomadic, following seasonal migrations of animals and the growth cycles of plants. It shaped early human societies and their interactions with the environment, forming the basis for social structures and cultural practices.
Lascaux Caves: The Lascaux Caves are a complex of caves in southwestern France famous for their Paleolithic cave paintings, which date back approximately 17,000 years. These artworks showcase a variety of animals and symbols, reflecting the life and beliefs of the Paleolithic societies that inhabited the region, and providing crucial insights into early human culture and artistic expression.
Out of Africa Theory: The Out of Africa Theory is the hypothesis that modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa and migrated outwards to populate the rest of the world. This theory suggests that all non-African populations are descended from a small group of early humans who left Africa between 60,000 and 70,000 years ago, bringing with them unique cultural and technological innovations that were pivotal in shaping early societies.
Ritualistic burials: Ritualistic burials refer to burial practices that involve specific ceremonies, traditions, and symbolism, reflecting the cultural beliefs and values of a society. In Paleolithic and Mesolithic societies, these burials often indicated a belief in an afterlife or a spiritual connection, showcasing how early humans honored their dead and created community ties through these practices.
çatalhöyük: Çatalhöyük is an archaeological site in modern-day Turkey that dates back to approximately 7500 BCE and is considered one of the earliest known urban settlements. It showcases a unique, densely packed community layout and provides insights into the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural societies.
Shamanism: Shamanism is a spiritual practice involving a shaman, who acts as an intermediary between the human world and the spirit world. This practice often includes rituals, healing, and communication with spirits through altered states of consciousness, commonly achieved via drumming, dancing, or meditation. Shamanism is deeply connected to various cultures around the world and reflects the beliefs, values, and customs of the societies in which it exists.
Agriculture: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. This transformative process allowed societies to transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities, which laid the groundwork for civilization.