A Journey Through Time: Prehistory and Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Civilizations: A Historical Overview

1. Prehistory encompasses the vast period from the emergence of humankind to the advent of writing. It is broadly divided into two major epochs: the Stone Age and the Metal Age.

1.1 The Dawn of Humanity

The earliest humans (hominids) are characterized by their adoption of an upright posture and their ability to create tools and utensils.

1.2 The Stone Age

The Stone Age is further subdivided into the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age) periods, separated by the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age).

a) Paleolithic Era

• Humans were nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance.
• Life was primarily outdoors, often along riverbanks or in caves.
• The mastery of fire significantly improved hunting and food preparation.
• People lived in small, kinship-based groups led by a chief.
• The emergence of early belief systems and artistic expression marked this era.

b) Neolithic Era

The Neolithic era began with the "Neolithic Revolution," a pivotal shift from a predatory to a productive economy, originating in the Near East. Key changes included:

• Domestication of animals.
• Development of new techniques for crafting stone tools.
• Emergence of ceramics.
• The transition to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to the establishment of settlements.

1.3 The Metal Age

The Metal Age commenced in the region of modern-day Iran, where humans mastered metalworking. It is traditionally divided into three distinct ages: the Copper Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age.

General Characteristics of the Metal Age:

• The use of metal as a driver of technical progress.
• Specialization of labor in metalworking.
• The use of animals for transportation, facilitating trade.
• Increased social stratification.
• Creation of new artistic forms.

2. The Ancient Era

The Ancient Era begins with the invention of writing and concludes with the fall of the Roman Empire.

Two primary types of civilizations characterized this era: Urban and Classical.

2.1 Urban Civilizations

These civilizations were the first to develop cities, originating in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Key Features:

• Abundant agricultural production.
• Highly hierarchical social structures.
• Political and administrative organization centered on the authority of kings or pharaohs.
• Advanced cultural development.
• Official art serving the interests of rulers.

2.2 Classical Civilizations

a) Greece

Key Features:

• Centered around the Aegean Sea, with a succession of historical stages.
• Based on the importance of the "Polis" (city-state).
• Development of various systems of government, including democracy and oligarchy.
• Society divided into closed groups, with rights primarily reserved for citizens.
• The Greek economy relied on agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and trade, utilizing currency.
• Significant advancements in various fields of culture.
• Art focused on the ideal of beauty.

b) Rome

Key Features:

• Expansion from its foundation to an empire around the Mediterranean.
• Political evolution from a monarchy to a republic.
• An urban economy reliant on Roman slavery.
• An unequal society distinguishing between free and unfree individuals.
• Contribution of three important elements: a common language, a code of laws, and universal art.
• An unequal society.