The Stone Ages Paleolithic Era Neolithic Era. OLD STONE AGE OLD STONE AGE 4.5 million years ago 4.5 million years ago Hominids emerged Hominids emerged.

The Stone Ages

Paleolithic Era

Neolithic Era

OLD STONE AGE

4.5 million years ago

Hominids emerged

Paleolithic Era

NEW STONE AGE 10,000 years ago Neolithic Revolution = Agricultural Revolution

Shift from food gathering to food producing

Neolithic Era

So, what’s the big deal?

Allowed for permanent settlement, food surpluses, the domestication of animals & new technology

Neolithic Era

The Birth of Civilization

Cradles of Civilization Tigris/Euphrates River: Iraq Nile River: Egypt Indus River: South Asia (Pakistan/India)

Huang He River: East Asia (China)

The 5 Characteristics of Civilization

Characteristics1. Specialized Workers2. Advanced Cities3. Complex Institutions4. Record Keeping5. Improved Technology

Specialized Workers

Due to food surpluses, fewer people had to farm; time to refine skills & specialize

Examples: Artisans, Sailors, Merchants, Weavers, Priests,etc.

Advanced Cities Once people began living together in one area, they established centers for trade

Examples: farmers, merchants, and traders brought goods to market in the cities

Complex Institutions

Supervise and protect agriculture & trade; Organize the community

Examples: Government, Religion, Economy

Record Keeping To pass on and preserve information

Examples: Record amounts of grain, water levels, religious offerings, passage of laws, calendar, written language,etc.

Improved Technology

New tools & techniques to solve problems

Examples: ox-drawn plows, irrigation systems, potter’s wheel, tools from metal