Human Evolution and Ancient Civilizations History
Historical Periods and Transitions
The Middle Ages range between the years V and XV (5th to 15th centuries). The Ancient Era ended with the conquest of the Western Roman Empire's capital by Germanic tribes.
In the Middle Paleolithic, the period corresponds to the Neanderthal or Homo sapiens. The two interdependent processes that characterized the Paleolithic were hominization and culture. During this era, primates evolved physically and mentally. Paleolithic bands were organized according to sex and age.
The Fertile Crescent and Early Societies
The most important region where domestication was organized was the Fertile Crescent, which corresponds to the civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The main feature of these pristine civilizations was their religious and sacred dimension.
Key Definitions of Social Change
- Culture: A set of ideas, art, religion, beliefs, and customs of a group.
- Society: A group of individuals that are distinguished by their culture.
- Reform: A way to alter things by introducing new elements.
- Crisis: A difficult or complicated situation.
- Revolution: A drastic and profound change that causes a breakdown in institutions.
Historical Facts and Statements
- True: The Contemporary Era begins at the time of the French Revolution.
- True: The history of mentalities has allowed us to see the richness of the everyday life of people.
- True: The Diary of Anne Frank is considered historical.
- False: Homo habilis corresponds to the Lower Paleolithic.
- False: All Paleolithic bands were engaged in the same economic activities.
- False: Men of the Neolithic began to be conscious of life and death experiences.
- True: The Neolithic was a period of strong social changes.
- True: Hominization was produced through millions of years.
- True: Culture is one of the unique elements of the human being.
- True: Hominids are those species very similar to human beings that existed before modern man.
Evolution, Climate, and Civilizations
Language development is related to increased cranial capacity and a decrease in the force of the chewing apparatus. The first burials and concern for the sick show the humanity of Homo sapiens.
With respect to the climate, the Neolithic favored plant and animal species. Man adopted a sedentary lifestyle and began to manage and control specific plant and animal species.
Regarding pristine civilizations, they were the earliest forms of sociopolitical organization. Their government was theocratic, they occurred on different continents, and they emerged along major watercourses.
Archaeological and Cultural Matching
- Paleolithic: Carved stone
- Wurm: Last glaciation
- Dolmen: Mass graves
- Menhires: Ancestor worship
- Modern Turkey: First known cities
- Altamira: Caves in Spain
- Main crop: Maize (American civilizations)
- Textiles: Developed in Neolithic society
- Sedentary: Fundamental in the evolution of human society
- Megaliths: Monuments built of large stone blocks