The Dawn of History and the Beginning of Civilization

1. The Dawn of History and the Beginning of Civilization

2. Old Stone Age/Paleolithic Age • Earliest people thought to live in East Africa • Lived in small hunting groups (20-30) • They were nomads • Evidence of religion and art left 30,000 years ago.

3. c. 15,000-12,000 BCbison length 77 in. (195 cm)Altamira, Spain

4. New Stone Age/ Neolithic Age • 11,000 years ago • Planted seeds/farmed • Domesticated animals • Increased population • More possessions. • Created new technologies • Eventually led to Civilizations.

5. Features of Civilization • 1.) cities • 2.) well-organized central governments • 3.) complex religion • 4.) job specialization • 5.) social classes • 6.) arts and architecture • 7.) public works • 8.) writing

6. River Valley Civilizations • Tigris and Euphrates • Nile River • Indus River • Yellow River • Huang He

7. Bureaucracy • A system of running the government through departments run by appointed officials.

8. Polytheistic • The belief in more than one god.

9. Artisans • Skilled craft workers, who made pottery or finely carved or woven goods.

10. Pictograms • Simple drawings to show the words represented.

11. Scribes • Specially trained people who learned to read or write.

12. City-State • A political unit that included a city and its surrounding lands and villages.

13. Empire • Group of states or territories controlled by one ruler.