Chapter 1: Pre-History Flashcards
What is anthropology?
The study of human cultures, whether past or present
What is pre-history?
The period before writing
What are fossils?
human or animal bones in rock
What are artifacts?
materials or objects made by humans
What are archaeologists?
people who excavate settlements and study them (subfield of anthropology)
What is culture?
what a human group acquires through living together. Includes language, knowledge, art, skills, literature, law, and lifestyles
How do you uncover archaeological evidence?
Three part task:
- find a site
- uncover site
- analyze
How do you date artifacts?
- radiocarbon
2. looking at layers
What do the 2 methods of dating artifacts ACTUALLY do?
Help make educated guesses, since precisely dating an artifact is impossible.
What is a homonid?
Early human-like creature
What were some innovations of the Paleolithic Age?
- hand-axes/sharpened tools
- consumption of meat
- becoming bi-pedal (walking)
- use of fire
- basic form of communication
- cave-living
- burial/some form of belief
What were the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
- Physiologic Needs
- Safety Needs
- Social Needs
- Esteem Needs
- Self-Actualization (achieved by very few)
What were some innovations of the Mesolithic Age?
- fish hooks
- domestication of animals
- harpoons
- canoes
- people became herders
Why was herding useful?
Early humans then had access to food that wouldn’t run away and wouldn’t attack them. Additionally, animal waste was useful for fire fuel. Animals were also capable of carrying things for nomadic humans.
What was significant about the Neolithic Age?
There was a gradual shift from nomadic living to becoming settled and stationary. This led to early communities and civilizations.
What were some innovations of the Neolithic Age?
- pottery
- artisans
- village settlements
- division of labor
- wheel
- bartering/trading
What were the 3 ages, based on metal-type?
- Copper Age
- Bronze Age (4,000-1,000 B.C)
- Iron Age (1,000 B.C-today)
Can history be studied scientifically?
Yes, using the scientific method. (OHEC)
What forces cause history to move?
GRAPES of culture
- geography/natural occurrences
- religion
- arts/literature
- political
- economic
- social
What are the basic human activities needed to survive?
- political
- economic
- religious
- social
- intellectual
- artistic
What are characteristics of a civilization?
- social organization
- economics
- complex institutions of government
- organized religion
- language
- customs/tradition
- arts/literature
- advanced technology
How do ideas spread?
- imitation
- trade
- migration
- war
What is the fastest way by which ideas spread?
war
What is a scribe?
Someone who specializes in writing and record-keeping
What is cultural diffusion?
the slow spread of ideas from one place to another
What are types of writing?
- pictogram
- ideogram
- phonogram
- alphabet
How does family affect a person or civilization as a whole?
Provides:
- security
- recreation
- reproduction
- religion/beliefs
- affection
Why is religion important?
Provides moral and ethical values
Is history factual?
Not completely. Much of it is interpretation and speculation based on evidence
In which country are the Lascaux Cave paintings founds?
France
What are the four great river valley civilizations?
- Yellow
- Nile
- Tigris
- Euphrates
How does culture become a civilization?
When it becomes very complex
How are the 3 stone ages distinguished?
By a new level of sophistication in tools and other artifacts
Who were the Neanderthals?
Early humans who lived during the Paleolithic (old) stone age
What is the Neolithic Revolution?
the shift from food gathering to food production
