A History of the World: Chapter 3: Early Humans and the Agricultural Revolution

In Greek, paleolithic means "old stone." Therefore, the Paleolithic Age is also called the Old Stone Age. The Paleolithic Age began about 2.5 million years ago and lasted until around 8000 B.C.

They were nomads, or people who regularly move from place to place to survive.

The methods Paleolithic people used to hunt and gather their food were part of their culture, as were the tools they used.

Technology—tools and methods to perform tasks—was first used by Paleolithic people.

They sought protection in available natural shelters, such as caves and rock overhangs.

People constructed tents and huts of animal skins, brush, and wood.

One important advancement was the development of spoken language. Up until this time, early people communicated through sounds and physical gestures.

The spoken language of early people was constantly growing and changing.

The ice ages were long periods of extreme cold that affected all of Earth.

Gradually, farming replaced hunting and gathering as the main source of food. At the same time, people began to domesticate, or tame, animals for human use.

This change in the way people lived marked the beginning of the Neolithic Age. It began about 8000 B.C. and lasted until around 4000 B.C.—about 4,000 years. The word neolithic is Greek for "new stone."

Although new stone tools were made, the real change in the Neolithic Age was the shift from hunting and gathering to systematic agriculture. This is growing food on a regular basis.

Although new stone tools were made, the real change in the Neolithic Age was the shift from hunting and gathering to systematic agriculture. This is growing food on a regular basis.

By 4000 B.C., farming was an established economic activity in Europe.

They located villages near fields so people could plant, grow, and harvest their crops more easily. People also settled near water sources, especially rivers.

In addition to homes, Çatalhüyük had special buildings that were shrines, or holy places. These shrines were decorated with images of gods and goddesses.

Because an abundant amount of food was produced, fewer people were needed in the fields. Neolithic people began to take part in economic activities other than farming. Specialization occurred for the first time. People took up specific jobs as their talents allowed.

In these early civilizations, the first governments were monarchies. A monarchy is a type of government led by a king or queen.