The Stone Ages
The Stone Ages. Paleolithic Era Neolithic Era. Paleolithic Era. OLD STONE AGE 4.5 million years ago Hominids emerged. Neolithic Era. NEW STONE AGE 10,000 years ago Neolithic Revolution = Agricultural Revolution
The Stone Ages
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Presentation Transcript
The Stone Ages Paleolithic Era Neolithic Era
Paleolithic Era • OLD STONE AGE • 4.5 million years ago • Hominids emerged
Neolithic Era • NEW STONE AGE • 10,000 years ago • Neolithic Revolution = Agricultural Revolution • Shift from food gathering to food production
Neolithic Era • So, what’s the big deal? • Allowed for permanent settlement, food surpluses, the domestication of animals & new technology
Cradles of Civilization • Nile River: Egypt • Indus River: South Asia • Tigris/Euphrates River: Iraq • Huang He River: East Asia
Characteristics • Advanced technical skills • Specialization of labor • Cities and governments • Written language exists • Calendar exists
Advanced Technical Skills • Dependable food supply allowed for more time to refine skills & become inventive • Examples: metalworking, boat building, weaving, etc.
Specialization of Labor • Due to food surpluses, fewer people had to farm; able to work in specialized jobs • Examples: Artisans, Sailors, Merchants, Weavers, etc.
Cities & Governments • Supervise and protect agriculture & trade • Examples: Monitor collection & distribution, organization of work force, etc.
Written Language • To pass on and preserve information • Examples: Record amounts of grain, water levels, religious offerings, etc.
Calendar • To track the change of seasons • Examples: solar, lunar and celestial calendars