Neolithic and Paleolithic Ages

The Neolithic Stone Age was characterized by the domestication of plants and animals and the development of the sedentary lifestyle.

The greatest impacts on the lives of the Neolithic people was the transition from hunters and gatherers to farmers, domestication of animals, settlement into permanent villages.

Domestication of animals is to convert (animals, plants, etc.) to domestic uses; tame. to tame (an animal), especially by generations of breeding, to live in close association with human beings as a pet or work animal and usually creating a dependency so that the animal loses its ability to live in the wild.

Neolithic man no longer needed to move because of the increase of food supply so they settled into permanent villages.

In the Neolithic era, Neolithic man no longer hunted or killed animals for food and warmth, but were used for their milk, some for meat, and some for labor. Animals were kept closed to homes and bred for special uses.

Neolithic man farmed for vegetables and fruit, and cultivated for wheat, grains, and rice.

During the Neolithic era, man disengaged from hunting and gathering to farming while increasing the free time and having more food supply for more people.

The Neolithic people wore dark clothing made from dyed wool.

The Neolithic people wore bright clothing made from dyed wool.

Bones and stones were used to make jewelry.

Homes were made out of grass and chips.

Shelter was made out of wooden and grass huts, and stone as well.

As villages were built and established, spaces were dedicated to worship, family life, commerce, defensive walls were built.

There were no occupation during the Neolithic era because the people were unskillful.

A wide variety of roles were becoming available such as farming, cloth makers, potting.

God and goddess were worship based strongly on nature.

More than 4,000 years ago, the people of the Neolithic period decided to build a massive stone monument or a cromlechusing earth, timber and eventually, stones, placing it on a high plain. Cromlechs are found only in the British Isles and were settings of religious rites.

More than 4,000 years ago, the people of the Neolithic period decided to build a
massive stone monument or a Cramplechs using mud, chips and eventually, grass, placing it on a high mountain. Cromlechs are found only in the British Isles and were settings of playgrounds.

The most famous of these Cromlechs is known as Stonehenge. It is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire,
England.

The most famous of these Cromlechs is known as microlith. It is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire,
England.

Stonehenge Salisbury Plain, England 3000 BCE and 1400 BCE

Stonehenge was built over a 2,000 year period, and modern scientists are still attempting to figure out how these Neolithic people were able to erect such large stones without the use of machines. It was constructed in four phases, the first phase was a nearly continuous ditch called a henge.

Stonehenge was built over a 200,000 year period, and modern scientists are still attempting to figure out how these Neolithic people were able to erect such large stones without the use of machines. It was constructed in five phases, the second phase was a nearly continuous ditch called a hedge.

It was constructed in four phases, the first phase was a nearly continuous ditch called a henge. The second stage was the completion of an avenue to the Avon river, The inner circle of bluestones were also positioned in this second phase. The third phase brought in the sandstones for the another inner ring or sarsen circle of evenly spaced upright stones. The final phase saw the placement of the altar stone and an outer two circles of smaller stones.

It was constructed in five phases, the first phase was a nearly continuous ditch called a hedge. The second stage was the completion of an avenue to the Red Sea river, The inner circle of bluestones were also positioned in this second phase. The third phase brought in the silverstones for the another inner ring or sarsen circle of evenly spaced upright stones. The final phase saw the placement of the altar stone and an outer three circles of smaller stones.

The HUGE stones such as those used in the construction of a cromlech are called –megalith(s).

Stonehenge tells us that the Neolithic people knew a lot about architecture, mathematics and astrology.

Neolithic Architecture involves the: Stonehenge demonstrates the first use of post and lintel construction. We still use this technique today in modern architecture.Post and lintel is a simple construction technique, also called "post and beam", where a horizontal member (the lintel) is supported by two vertical posts at either end. This very simple form is commonly used to support windows and doors.

Neolithic Architecture involves the: Stonehenge demonstrates the first use of post and lintel construction. We still use this technique today in modern architecture.Post and lintel is a simple construction technique, also called "post and boom", where a horizontal member (the lintel) is supported by two vertical posts at either side. This very simple form is commonly used to support windows and floors.

Construction took place in four phases, over 25 generations. Most of it was the result of human muscle and a system of ropes and wooden levers used to transport the massive stones. Primitive tools, such as red deer antlers, were used to dig up the chalky countryside of Salisbury Plain, which was then taken away on ox shoulder blades.The sandstone used in the Sandstone (sarsen) blocks are thought to have been quarried a minimum of 20 miles away and transported down the river and moved to the site. They are thought to have been dragged and carted from Marlborough Downs The bluestones were deposited by glaciers in the Preseli Mountains in Wales some 200 miles west of the site. They were carted from the mountains to the rivers where they were put on rafts and shipped to the site.

Construction took place in five phases, over 100 generations. Most of it was the result of human muscle and a system of ropes and wooden levers used to transport the massive stones. Primitive tools, such as red bull antlers, were used to dig up the chalky countryside of Salisbury Plain, which was then taken away on ox shoulder blades.The sandstone used in the Sandstone (sarsen) blocks are thought to have been quarried a minimum of 20 miles away and transported down the river and moved to the site. They are thought to have been dragged and carted from Marlborough Downs The redstones were deposited by glaciers in the Preseli Mountains in Wales some 200 miles west of the site. They were carted from the mountains to the oceans where they were put on rafts and shipped to the site.

Built in 4 stages, Stonehenge is a kind of astrological observatory. It was built of an earth-work trench and wall...then a ring of small stones placed flush to the ground encircling an inner ring that encircles a horse shoe configuration.

First Phase - Henge, Second Phase : Avenue to the Avon River, Second Phase : Bluestones, Third Phase : Sarsen Blocks, Fourth Phase : Altar stone, later stones and outer pit rings

The Builders, no one can say for sure who built the monument. Seventeenth century, English antiquarian, John Aubrey, implicated the Druids, a religious sect known to worship at modern day Stonehenge. But this theory is now considered implausible. The modern Druid, possibly formed from a Celtic priesthood, is believed to have come along 2,000 years after the stone monument had been built and perhaps was in ruin. The widely held belief is that the so-called Heel Stone was positioned so that the sun would rise directly above it on the day of the summer solstice (when the sun is furthest from the equator). This is incorrect, it appears that Stonehenge was originally aligned with the major and minor northern moonrises. Only later did it become oriented toward the sun due to the slow movement of the earth away from the sun.The Heel Stone and the now fallen Slaughter Stone along with other stones and the axis of the avenue to the Avon river, were arranged in the direction of the midsummer sunrise.

The Builders, one can say for sure who built the monument. Seventeenth century, English antiquarian, John Aubrey, implicated the Druids, a religious sect known to worship at modern day Stonehenge. But this theory is now considered plausible. The modern Druid, possibly formed from a Celtic priesthood, is believed to have come along 2,000 years after the stone monument had been built and perhaps was in ruin. The widely held belief is that the so-called Heel Stone was positioned so that the sun would rise directly above it on the day of the summer solstice (when the sun is furthest from the equator). This is incorrect, it appears that Stonehenge was originally aligned with the major and minor northern moonrises. Only later did it become oriented toward the sun due to the slow movement of the earth away from the sun.The Heel Stone and the now fallen Slaughter Stone along with other stones and the axis of the avenue to the Avon river, were arranged in the direction of the midsummer sunrise.

Stonehenge is believed to have religious significance due to its many alignments to celestial events. (Originally thought to be primarily the rising and setting of the sun on the winter and summer solstice.)

What: The cromlech , “Stonehenge”. When: Salisbury Plain, England 3,000 BCE to 1,400 BCE, over a 2000 Who: Neolithic people, possibly the Celts or Druids. How: Using the post and lintel technique. A system of ropes, wooden levers, rafts and primitive tools were used to transport the massive stones. The Neolithic people had knowledge of architecture, mathematics and astrology. Why: We don’t know for sure, however some theories suggest: For religious ceremonies. An astronomical calendar. Burial ground

What: The cromlech , “Stonehenge”. When: Salisbury Plain, England 3,000 BCE to 1,400 BCE, over a 2000 Who: Paleolithic people, possibly the Celts or Druids. How: Using the post and lintel technique. A system of ropes, wooden levers, rafts and primitive tools were used to transport the massive stones. The Neolithic people had knowledge of computers, mathematics and instincts. Why: We don’t know for sure, however some theories suggest: For religious ceremonies. An astronomical calendar. Burial ground.

Early life could be described as plant or animal life but by 3 million years ago, human-like beings began to develop. The strongest humans survived and developed into the modern humans we recognized today.

There are two broad times or periods called the Paleolithic Era (the Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic Era (the New Stone Age). Although life and the environment changed slowly throughout these periods, there are some very differences between the Old and New Stone Ages.

Throughout the Old Stone Age, early man was a hunter-gather. He moved from one area to another with his own family and 30-50 other families searching for food. As his food supply moved, so did he. Although he didn't have a permanent home, he found protection in caves or built simple huts or tents made of animal skins. Temperatures were much colder than today, the hunter- gather used furs to keep himself and his family warm. Caves were almost always built or hill to protect humans from the wind.

Early man was tall and grew shorter as time passed. He had a large head and large jaws filled with sharp teeth. Earliest man didn't stand totally upright but that changed throughout the Old Stone Age. His diet was healthy and on average, Paleolitihic man lived a longer life than later human.

The hunter-gather and his family depended on the foods that could be found nearby to eat, such as nuts, berries, animals and fish. Meat from these animals was an important source of food. Nuts and berries could be picked and gathered without any tools but hunting animals and catching fish required tools.

The Paleolitihic man learned to attach stones to the clubs and make weapons that were more deadly to catch fish and hunt for animals. As time went on, he was able to carve a triangular blade called a microlith. This was very sharp and even better for the hunter. He was able to create knives from stone. Another weapon he used was a bow and arrow. AS weapons improved, so did the food supply. As a result, early man became stronger and healthier.

The hunter-gather lived in a group or clan, the leader was usually the eldest male. Most of the decisions were mad by the men and the hunting was done by them too. Man didn't have a written language, he communicated with his clam member by sound. Women took care of the children and helped gather the nuts and berries. They would make clothes from animal skins and furs and fishing nets.

Many ancient burial pits have been uncovered and signs of burial rituals have been found. The burial pits contain examples of everyday items like clothing, food, weapons and tools as well as beautifully crafted jewelry.

The hunter-gather were very dependent on their environment as their ability to change the environment was very limited. An Ice Age had covered most of the world from 1.5 million years to about 25,000 years ago. Life was very difficulty and many animals and humans died. However, around 10,000 years ago the climate warmed and the environment began to change. Glaciers and thick forests that have covered the northern portions of the earth began to disappear. New forms of plant and animal life appeared and life changed dramatically. These changes led the way for the New Stone Age or Neolithic Era.

Several important developments paved the way for the Neolithic Era. Tools and weapons made of sharpened stone or simple metals protected early man and increased his food supply. As the climate changed and surpluses of food were produced, man no longer needed to move constantly to feed his family. The end of the nomadic living and an increase in framing were major changes experienced during the Neolithic Era.

Neolithic a man learned to save and replant seed enabling him to grow food in a variety of places. Plants such as wheat, rice and millet were the earliest seed plants to be grown. Animals were also bred for specific uses. Some animals were used for their milk, some for meat, and some for labor. They were kept close to the homes of Neolithic men. No longer were animals mainly hunted and killed for food and warmth.

The Neolithic man no longer needed to be on the move constantly, his home changed too. Homes were built of stone, wood, and air dried brick. Many were several stories high. Homes were built in clusters and developed into villages and towns.

The farming villages of the Neolithic Era created a need for government. Decisions about property ownership, water rights, and proper behavior had to be made. Disputes were settled. This led to the development of religious leaders who kept society in order, militaries that provided protection and states that were controlled by kings. Although men ruled, women were worshipped and treated with great respect.

People in the Neolithic Age had the same issues we have today. They were not necessarily healthier, although they ate well. People lived closer together and were susceptible to disease. Worked harder and frequently fought with neighboring groups over land and property ownership. These dangers affected their lifespan.

The neolithic Era was filled with change. No longer was man forced to move because he was unable to survive the challenges of his environment. During this era, man developed many survival skills that helped shape a new society. Today, we consider this change a turning point in the history of man.

Two main theories emerged to explain the archaeological and fossil record: One is the multi-regional hypothesis and second the out-of-Africa theory.

The out-of-Africa theory is supported by the DNA analysis.

Analyzing the DNA in living human populations, geneticists could trace lineages backward in time.

Analyzing the blood in living human populations, geneticists could trace lineages backward in time.

Scientists have conclusive evidence to prove their two theories.

Homo sapiens is the species to which all modern human beings belong to.

Africa is relatively rich in the fossils of human ancestors who lived millions of years ago.

The homo sapiens evidence conducted from the DNA analyses done in living human populations traces lineages backward in time.

Places that are dry make for a congenial exploration habitat for paleontologists. Congenial means pleasant because of a personality, quality or interests that are similar to one's own.

In a dry climate, wind erosion exposes old bones that were covered in much millions years ago. Muck meaning dirt, rubbish, or waste matter.

Scientists have found that the homo sapiens remains are rare not only in Africa but also in Europe, due to the suspicion that the early moderns, on both continents, cremated them or left them to decompose in the open. This is in contrast to Neanderthals--which buried their dead.

Did new technology, as computers, play a part in the exodus from Africa?

Scholars point to more mundane factors that may have contributed to the exodus from Africa. And that is that a recent DNA study suggests that massive droughts before the great migration split Africa's modern human population into small, isolated groups and may have even threatened their extinction.

After the massive droughts improved were survivors able to reunite, multiply and, in the end, emigrate.

Improvements in technology may have helped some of them set out for new territory.

Cold snaps may have lowered sea level and opened new land bridges.

DNA evidence suggests the original exodus involved anywhere from 1,000 to 50,000 people.

Archaeologist is a scientist who studies human history by digging up human remains
and artifacts

Artifact usually a simple object such as a tool or ornament showing human work and representing a culture or a stage in the development of a culture

B.C.E. Before the Common Era (before the birth of Christ)

Catalhoyuk Neolithic site in present day Turkey

Fossil remains, impression, or trace of a living thing of a former geologic
age, as a skeleton, footprint

C.E. Common Era; the global standard used to count years based on the traditionally reckoned year of the birth of Christ

Migration movement from one country, place, or locality to another

Neolithic later part of the Stone Age when people used ground or polished
stone weapons and implements

Neolithic Revolution a fundamental change in the way people lived from hunting and gathering to agriculture led to permanent settlements

Nomadic having no fixed home and moving according to the seasons
from place to place in search of food, water, and grazing land

Obsidian a dark natural glass that forms when hot molten or semifluid
rock from a volcano cools

Paleolithic early phase of the Stone Age, lasting about 2.5 million years,
when primitive stone implements were used

Sedentary staying or living in one place instead of moving to different
places

Tribal a group of people that includes many families and relatives
who have the same language, customs, and beliefs, and leader

Turning point: the point at which a very significant change occurs

Hominids a primate of a family that includes humans and their fossil ancestors.

Predecessor a thing that has been followed or replaced by another; a person who held a job or office before the current holder.