Chapter 1-Begining of Civilizations Flashcards
Anthropologist
study of culture based on archaeological findings
Paleontologist
studies fossils (teeth, skulls, and other bones)
“Lucy”
Donald Johnson was finding fossils in Ethiopia- found unusually complete skeleton of an adult female hominid
What are a hominid’s advantages?
- travel distances more easily
- spot threatening animals
- able to carry food and children
- opposable thumbs
What were the major achievements of the Paleolithic Age?
- ice age occurred
- early tools, stone blades
Homo Erectus first used what tool?
Why was this important?
They were the first to use technology-first used fire and beginnings of spoken language.
This gave them greater control over environment and boosted chances of survival.
What are the main traits of Neanderthals?
- powerfully built and thick boned
- had religious beliefs and rituals
- survived ice age winters
- used stone tools
What are the main traits of Cro-Magnons?
- identical to modern humans
- average height 5’6
- specialized hunting tools
- greater skill in spoken language
How did agriculture bring about the Neolithic Age?
- scattered seeds, came back next season and found crops growing, beginnings of farming
- shifted from food-gathering (Paleolithic) to food-producing (Neolithic)
What were the economic/social changes of civilizations?
- economic: irrigation systems, lead to food surpluses, people become traders and craftsmen-wheel and sail invented
- social: social classes, organized religion
What are the five characteristics of a civilization?
- advanced cities
- specialized workers
- complex institutions
- record keeping
- advanced technology
Archaeologists
excavate and study settlements
