8/8 EQ:Why is the Neolithic Revolution (8,000 B.C – 4,000 B.C) a turning point in history?

1. 8/8 EQ:Whyis the Neolithic Revolution (8,000 B.C – 4,000 B.C) a turning point in history? Do Now: The change from foraging to farming over a period of a few thousand years revolutionized the lives of people and changed the history of the world. Create a list of the changes you would expect to see once people began to focus on agriculture.

2. Do NOw

3. Permanent settlements  growth of population villages/cities  social classes develop  patriarchal societies develop (men superior to women. Organized government necessary w/ permanent settlements/maintain order/need for public works (irrigation). Religious values tied to agriculture (reincarnation) , development into polytheism to explain natural forces. Harvests/tax collecting  written language/record keeping, interest in environment – science, math develop. advanced stone tools used for farming, Slash/Burn farming, metallurgy: copper tools, later bronze. Food surplus from domestication= more reliable food source  specialized jobs  trading Most still peasant farmers!

4. Independent Development of Agriculture Why do you think the development of agriculture at relatively the same time in several different places?

5. Why do you think the development of agriculture occurred at relatively the same time in several different places? This may be environmental! The Ice Age ended and the earth got warmer - allowed for longer growing seasons! Maybe forced to find an alternate food source as Ice Age animals become extinct.

6. Hunting – Gathering Bands Beginning about 2 million B.C Growth of Villages Neolithic Age Beginning about 10,000 B.C Rise of Civilization Beginning about 3500 B.C Key Achievements • Invention of Tools • Mastery over Fire • Development of Language • Creation of Cave Art Key Achievements • Development of Agriculture • Domestication of Animals • Advances in Farming Technology • Food Surpluses Key Achievements • Specialized Workers • Record Keeping • Complex Institutions • Advanced Technology Effects of the Agricultural Revolution (transition)

7. Jomon, Japan – A Missing Link?? In 10,000 B.C., a unique culture which lasted for several thousand years developed in Japan • Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) – somewhat settled – didn’t farm but hunted, gathered and relied on fish • lived in small tribal groups • Created some of the earliest pottery as well as figurines that appear female Jomon means “chord pattern!”

8. Early Dwellings in Jamon, Japan Jomon Pit houses were 2 to 5 m in diameter and were made with a series of wooden upright posts.  The roof is believed to have been thatched,

9. Located on the Jordon River north of the Dead Sea – Population 2000 Early Cities - Jericho • Location: Jordon River • Population 2000 • The First Major Agriculture Center! • Natural irrigation: From the Jordan River • Walls/moats built (evidence of wealth) • Limited trade of salt/obsidian

10. Modern day Turkey (Anatolia) 7250 B.C.E – population 5000 Early Cities – CatalHuyuk • evidence of job/craft specialization (manufactured pots, baskets, textiles, leather, stone, metal tools, carpets, beads, jewelry) • Evidence of increasing religious beliefs – shirnes, female statuettes excavated. • The city acts as a fortified wall – houses made of mud/brick built closely together: enter through the roof.

11. CIVILIZATION Advanced Cities Advanced Technology Art and Architecture Specialized Workers/ Social Classes Complex Institutions: Government Public Works Economic Systems Organized religion Record- Keeping