Prehistory is the period of humanity's past that goes from the appearance of man to the invention of writing and spanning millions of years.
The origin of humanity is the subject of research by archaeologists, paleontologists, geologists and biologists.
His research is based on traces that have survived over time, such as fossils, cave paintings, everyday utensils, campfire remains, etc.
These vestiges are found in caves or buried under several layers of soil.
Prehistory Division
Prehistory is divided into two major periods:the Stone Age and the Metal Age.
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Stone Age - is comprised between the appearance of the first hominids and about 10000 BC. For the purpose of study it is also divided:
- Paleolithic Period or Chipped Stone Age (from the emergence of humanity to 8000 BC);
- Neolithic Period or Polished Stone Age (8000 BC to 5000 BC);
- Age of Metals (5000 BC until the emergence of writing, around 3500 BC).
Also learn about Brazilian Prehistory.
Paleolithic
Paleolithic is the longest period of human prehistory, from its emergence, around 4.4 million years ago, to 8000 BC.
At that time men lived in bands and helped each other to obtain food, through hunting, fishing and gathering fruits, roots and eggs, which forced them to a nomadic life. .
Low temperatures lead hominid groups to take shelter in caves and to build dwellings with tree branches and to share the use of rivers, forests and lakes.
The instruments used, at first, were made of bone and wood , then stone chips and ivory . They made axes, knives and other sharp instruments.
An important discovery in this period was domain of fire . It is estimated that fire came to be controlled by mankind 500,000 years ago in East Africa.
With its control, the groups began to warm up from the cold, cook food, defend themselves from ferocious animals, light up the night, etc.
Around 30000 BC, Homo sapiens perfected the technique of hunting and fishing, invented the bow and arrow, and created the art of painting.
Around 18000 BC. the Earth has undergone climatic and geological transformations.
These transformations, which lasted thousands of years, significantly changed the animal and plant life of the planet and altered the relationship between man and nature. Man entered a period called Neolithic.
How about better understanding what Man was like in Prehistory?
Neolithic
In the Neolithic period, new climatic modifications altered the vegetation. The difficulties in hunting increased and they settled on the banks of the rivers, which contributed to the development of agriculture, with the planting of wheat, barley and oats.
They learned to domesticate some animals and raise livestock. The first population clusters appeared, with a mainly defensive purpose.
His objects became better finished, as the stone, after being chipped, was rubbed on the ground or sand until it became polished .
Developed the art of ceramics , making large pots to store the surplus of agricultural production .
They developed the techniques ofspinning and weaving for the manufacture of wool and linen fabrics, in place of clothing made with animal skins.
The first works appeared in soft metals, such as copper and gold. Travels by land and sea began.
The social organization, called primitive community, was based on ties of blood, language and customs.
The final phase of the Neolithic was characterized by the disintegration of the primitive community system and the origin of societies organized in States and divided into different social strata.
Age of Metals
The development of metal smelting techniques made possible the progressive abandonment of stone instruments.
The first metal to be smelted was copper, later tin. From the fusion of these two metals, bronze emerged, harder and more resistant, with which they made swords, spears, etc. Around 3000 BC Bronze was produced in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Iron metallurgy is later. It begins around 1500 BC in Asia Minor. As it is a more difficult ore to work, it spread slowly.
Due to its superiority in the manufacture of weapons, iron contributed to the supremacy of peoples who knew how to use it for this purpose.
Learn more about the art of this period:
- Art in Prehistory
- Art in the Paleolithic Period
- Art in the Neolithic Period
- Exercises on Prehistory