Introduction – How Do We Study Early Humans?

• The study of early humans is based on archaeological and fossil evidence.
• Paleontology (study of fossils) and archaeology (study of past human life through artifacts) help us understand human evolution.
• Early human history is divided into different prehistoric periods based on tool-making and lifestyle.

The Evolution of Early Humans

• The process of human evolution began millions of years ago in Africa.
• Humans evolved from primates (apes and monkeys) over a long period.

Stages of Human Evolution

The Stone Age – Early Human Cultures

Early human history is divided into three major Stone Age periods based on tool-making advancements.

Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age) – 2.5 Million to 10,000 BCE

• Humans were hunter-gatherers, moving in small groups for food.
• Used simple stone tools for hunting and cutting.
• Discovered fire for cooking and protection.
• Lived in caves, painted on cave walls (e.g., Bhimbetka in India, Lascaux in France).

Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age) – 10,000 to 8,000 BCE

• More refined tools called microliths (small, sharp stone tools).
• Domesticated animals (dogs, goats) and started early farming.
• Fishing and pottery began.

Neolithic Age (New Stone Age) – 8,000 to 3,000 BCE

• Settled life began with agriculture.
• Domesticated plants (wheat, barley, rice) and animals (cattle, sheep).
• Made polished stone tools, pottery, and woven cloth.

The Shift from Hunting-Gathering to Agriculture

• Agriculture was a major turning point in human history.
• Early humans observed plants and learned to grow them.
• River valleys (like the Indus, Nile, and Tigris-Euphrates) provided fertile land for farming.

Causes of the Shift to Agriculture

• Climate Change – Warmer temperatures helped plant growth.
• Food Security – Farming provided a steady food supply.
• Population Growth – More people needed more food.

Consequences of Agriculture

• Settled Villages – Permanent homes replaced nomadic life.
• Food Surplus – Led to trade and specialization.
• Rise of Social Structures – Villages had leaders and organized labor.

The Development of Early Human Societies

• The shift to agriculture led to complex societies with specialized jobs.
• Humans domesticated animals for transport and farming.
• Trade networks developed between villages.

Features of Early Societies

• Small villages near rivers for farming.
• Family-based communities with leaders.
• Religious beliefs in nature and spirits.

The Role of Tools and Technology

• Tools evolved from simple stones to polished metal.
• The use of fire, pottery, and weaving improved daily life.
• The invention of the wheel (around 3,500 BCE) revolutionized transport.

Early Human Art and Culture

• Cave paintings and sculptures show early artistic expression.
• Bhimbetka caves in India have paintings depicting animals and hunting scenes.
• Music and dance were used for storytelling and rituals.

Conclusion

• Human evolution started in Africa and spread worldwide.
• The Stone Age was divided into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods.
• Hunter-gatherers relied on nature, later shifting to agriculture.
• Agriculture led to settled life, villages, and trade.
• Tools, art, and social structures evolved over time.