CHAPTER 1: The Emergence of Civilization


Prehistoric Peoples

A. Evolution: A Major Theory

1. Humans and humanlike creatures (hominids)

            2. Australopithecus (ground-dwelling ape)

            3. Homo habilis (walked erect)

            4. Homo erectus (Neanderthal Man)

            5. Homo sapiens (Cro-Magnon Man)

B. Archaeological Dating

            1. Methods

            2. Mary Leakey and Donald Johansen

C. Early Paleolithic or Old Stone Age (2,000,000 – 12,000 years ago)

            1. tool making evolved from utilization to fashioning to standardization

D. Middle and Late Paleolithic Cultures

            1. Developed specialized tools and weapons

E. Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age (12,000-10,000 years ago)

F. Neolithic or New Stone Age (10,000-5,000 years ago)

            1. Man became a food-producer, not just a food-gatherer

            2. Jarmo, Catalhuyuk

 

The Foundations of Civilization

A. Social Organization

            1. Family was basic social unit

            2. Extended family provided food and protection

3. Clans were patrilineal or matrilineal

4. Groups of clans formed a tribe

B. The Geography of Mesopotamia

1. Civilization described as a culture that has attained a degree of complexity

                        a. River Valley Civilizations 

                        b. Characteristics: Food, Government, Div. of Labor, Calendar, Writing