mr.bevan
  • Home
  • IB Economics
    • 01 Microeconomics >
      • 1. The Foundations of Economics
      • 1.1 Demand and Supply
      • 1.2 Elasticities
      • 1.3 Government Intervention
      • 1.4 Market Failure
    • 02 Macroeconomics >
      • 01 Level of Economic Activity
      • 2.2 Aggregate Demand
      • 2.3 Aggregate Supply
      • 2.4 Macroeconomic Equlibruim
      • 2.5 Unemployment
      • 2.6 Inflation
      • 2.7 Economic Growth
      • 2.8 Equity in the distribution of income
    • 03 The Global Economy >
      • 3.1 Free Trade
      • 3.2 Protectionism
      • 3.3 Exchange Rates
      • 3.4 Balance of Payments
      • 3.5 Economic Integration
      • 3.6 Economic Development
      • 3.7 Measuring Development
      • 3.8 Barriers to economic growth and/or development
    • 04 Exam Preparation
  • Individuals & Societies 7
    • 01 Economic Growth and Development
    • 02 Where are all the people?
    • 03 Why do empires fall?
    • 04 How has globalization shaped the world?
  • Individuals & Societies 8
    • 01 Belief systems and their influence on culture
    • 02 How are societies governed?
    • 03 Japan 1603 - 1945: Isolation and then expansion
    • 04 What are natural hazards and how do societies respond to them? Case Study: Japan
  • Individuals & Societies 10
    • 01 Does industrialization improve well-being?
  • IB Business Management
    • 01 Business Organization and the Environment >
      • 1.1 Introduction to Business Management
      • 1.2 Types of business organizations
      • 1.3 Organizational objectives
      • 1.4 Stakeholders
      • 1.5 External Environment
      • 1.6 Growth and Evolution
      • 1.7 Organizational planning tools
    • 02 Human Resources >
      • 2.1 Human Resource Planning
      • 2.2 Organizational Structure
      • 2.3 Leadership and Management
      • 2.4 Motivation
      • 2.5 Organizational and corporate cultures
      • 2.6 Employer and employee relations
    • 03 Finance and Accounting >
      • 3.1 Sources of finance
      • 3.2 Costs and revenues
      • 3.3 Break-even analysis
      • 3.4 Financial Accounts
      • 3.5 & 3.6 Ratio Analysis
      • 3.7 Cash flow
      • 3.8 Investment appraisal
      • 3.9 Budgets
    • 04 Marketing >
      • 4.1 The Role Marketing
      • 4.2 Marketing Planning
      • 4.3 Sales Forcasting
      • 4.4 Market Research
      • 4.5 Product >
        • 4.5 Price
        • 4.5 Promotion
        • 4.5 Place
      • 4.7 International Marketing and Globalization
    • The Exam
  • AP World History
    • Free Response Questions
    • 10,000 BCE - 600CE
    • 600 - 1450
    • 1450 - 1750
  • AP Human Geo
    • 01 Geography its nature and perspectives
    • 02 Population and Migration
    • 03 Cultural Geography
    • 04 Political Geography
    • 05 Urban Geography
    • 06 Economic Geography
    • 07 Agricultural Geography
    • Exam Review
  • Previously Taught Courses
    • G12 Economics >
      • Basic Economic Ideas
      • Producing and Consuming
      • Financial Capability
      • Managing the Economy
    • G10 World History >
      • 01 Exploration, Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
      • 02 The American Revolution
      • 03 France: Absolute Monarchy & Revolution
      • 04 The Industrial Revolution
      • 05 Imperialism and Nationalism
      • 06 WW1
      • 07 Inter-War Period
      • 08 WW2
    • G9 World History >
      • 01 Human beginnings and early civilizations >
        • 03 What can we learn from Classical Civilizations (Greece) >
          • 03 What can we learn from Classical Civilizations?
      • 03 Classical China
      • 04 The Muslim World
      • 05 Interregional Networks and Contacts 500 - 1450
      • 01 The Individuals and Societies Toolbox
      • 06 The Renaissance and Reformation >
        • Oral Presentations
    • G9 Social Studies >
      • History >
        • Analyzing Sources
      • Geography
    • G7 Social Studies >
      • Introduction to Empowerment
      • Economic Empowerment
      • Political Empowerment
      • Cultural Empowerment
      • National Empowerment
      • 04 Resources and the environment
      • Finance and Accounting >
        • 3.1 Sources of finance
        • 3.2 Investment appraisal
        • 3.3 Working capital
        • 3.4 Budgeting
        • 3.5 Financial Accounts
        • 3.6 Ratio Analysis
    • Writing Skills
    • Critical Reading
  • Extended Essay
    • 01 Getting Started
    • 02 Structuring the EE

01 Human beginnings and early civilizations

What will we study?

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By the end of this unit you should be able to:
  • Define the term prehistory.
  • Understand how artifacts can be used to gain an understanding of the way of life of early humans
  • Understand the influence of physical geography on the lives of early humans and their development
  • Interpret a map to describe early human migration across the globe    
  • Distinguish between characteristics of the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods
  • Recognize and analyze changes and continuities over time from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic
  • Identify and explain characteristics of a civilization    
  • Understand the drawbacks of civilization compared to non-civilized societies
  • Evaluate why the term “civilization” is a connotative word    

Unit oveview

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During this unit we will begin at looking at Early Humans and the importance of geography and climate in influencing their innovations and migratory patterns.  We will at when, how, and why did people give up their wandering and settle to live in one place? Initially, it happened in different parts of the world at different times, but settled communities had developed in many places by 8000 BCE. The ability to settle was based almost entirely on successful cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals. These drastic changes in human life are known collectively as the Neolithic Revolution that almost certainly happened independently in different places over a large span of time. 

The Neolithic Revolution is arguably the most important event in human history. It led to an increase in reliable food supplies which led to  a rapid increase in total human population. As a result occupations other than farming developed, since fewer people were needed to produce food. Gender differences  increased, as men took over most agricultural cultivation and domestication of animals. Women were responsible for raising children, cooking food, and keeping the house, but in virtually all of the early civilizations men became more and more dominant. A patriarchal system commonly developed, with men holding power in the family, the economy, and the government. Finally a clear distinction was created with those who did not grow crops and remained nomadic and those who settled in one area and later built the first civilizations. 

Where did early humans come from?

So what was life like in for early humans?

Why did neanderthals die out and homo sapiens thrive?

Pre-historic cave paintings in France

In the Ardeche gorge in southern France lies one of the most important prehistoric sites ever discovered. It's locked away behind a thick metal door, hidden halfway up a towering limestone cliff-face. Few people have ever been allowed inside, but BBC Newsnight has been granted rare access by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. This artwork is more than 30,000 years old!

The emergence of civilizations

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These changes brought about by the Neolithic Revolution turn allowed the development of civilizations. However the how to define a civilization can be complex and emotive. Former American President George Bush would often talk about the 'civilized' and 'uncivilized' during speeches he made whilst being President. How would you feel if you were described as being 'uncivilized'? What does the word 'civilized' mean to you? To some it means being more 'advanced' than others that remain more 'backward'. 


During our study of some the world's first civilizations we will examine their common characteristics and differences. But most importantly we will investigate why they might have been similar and why they were different. 

Being able to identify similarities and differences between different societies and then being able to explain those similarities and differences occur is a MAJOR part of studying History in high school.

Characteristics of Early Agricultural Civilizations
It is imperative that you know and understand the common characteristics of early agricultural civilizations.  Note that the characteristics mentioned below expand on the definition of a civilization.

Characteristic

Permanent settlements



Specialized workers




Technological innovations




Governments






Social Classes




Religion

Significance

As people began to farm, they began to settle in one place.  Eventually, villages, towns, and cities developed.  Important examples of early permanent settlements are Catal Huyuk and Jericho.  Early cities became the focus of a civilization because of their political, cultural, and economic importance

As farming produced food surpluses, many people did not have to farm and were able to specialize in other areas, such as ceramics and textile production.  As civilizations advanced, people were able to specialize in other professions, such as commerce, civil engineers, religious leaders, and political leaders

Early agricultural/Neolithic civilizations developed the use of various metals (copper, gold, and bronze in that order) for items such as weapons and other luxury goods; other examples of technological innovations, largely due to the specialization of workers, include advanced irrigation apparatus, the wheel, weapons, sundials, etc. 

As cities developed in the early civilizations, the inhabitants required large public works projects beyond the scope of private citizens.  As a result, governments formed to organize and oversee the fabrication of roads, irrigation projects, public buildings, etc.  and to regulate commerce (through the establishment of laws, courts, and a system of punishment.  Moreover, governments functioned to protect citizens from invasions and to organize attacks on rival civilizations.  Governments also collected taxes from the city dwellers

As people settled on land to farm, there were those who laid claim to more land than others, thus forming the first elite social classes.  Early civilizations had an elite social class comprised of large land-owners.  Many civilizations, such as Sumer, had a slave class, although in most cases slaves could buy their freedom.  Likewise, men could sell women and children into slavery to pay off debts.

As people began to observe more closely their environment in an effort to increase agricultural productivity, knowledge of seasons and nature increased.  Attempting to explain natural processes and natural disasters, people developed elaborate stories about the origin of life and rituals to appease gods they perceived as controlling nature.  Over time, a group of specialized workers emerged to lead these rituals and devote their lives to the worship of deities. 

Why is Islamic State trying to destroy the ancient city of Palmarya?

Why should we care?

Ancient Palmyrene art, monuments, temples, cemeteries and statues are among Syria's - and the world's - most treasured artefacts. Syrian Interior Minister Mohamad Al-Shaar said hundreds of statues have already been removed from Palmyra to pre-empt the IS takeover. "We will make all possible efforts to maintain this large stock (of antiquities) and we will give this the greatest importance because, as we said, this is the inheritance for the nation and for humanity," he said. The ruins at Palmyra had already been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage "in danger" list in 2013.

Dr Steven Bourke, an archaeology researcher at the University of Sydney who's led multiple ongoing excavations at historic sites in the Middle East, says the new risk to what is one of the ancient world's most culturally significant sites cannot be understated. "Well, it's catastrophic," Dr Bourke said. "It's our history, it's the history of all humankind that's at risk here. It's the history of the peoples of the Middle East, it's the history of the Arab peoples, it would be the pre-history of the state that's trying to form itself in that area. It's to understand where people came from, how they developed into who they were, what are the major key advances, when did they occur and how we got to be who we are. So, Palmyra has material bearing on all of those questions. The antiquities of the past are important, but so are the people living there today and our major concern should be for the living," Dr Bourke says. "Though the living are the ones who are going to need evidence of the past when they start rebuilding their country."
Dr Bourke said archaeologists both within Syria and internationally have been risking their lives to protect Syrian antiquities by keeping an eye on international markets for any stolen items.

Classroom Activities

Here you can download worksheet, PowerPoints and other documents that we have used in class during this unit.
Is Jeff Human
File Size: 204 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File

Analyzing Artifacts
File Size: 13 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Paleolithic vs Neolithic
File Size: 27 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Unit 1 Review Materials

Click on the files below to download useful review materials
The following PowerPoint examines the impact of the Neolithic Revolution and the positives and negatives of civilization.
Neolithic Revolution
File Size: 113 kb
File Type: ppt
Download File

This review sheet describes some common characteristics among early civilizations and also explains their significance.
Characteristics of Early Civilizations.doc
File Size: 32 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

Completing CCOT charts will help you understand change and continuity though time.
Bevan CCOT Chart
File Size: 14 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Multiple Choice Review Quiz
File Size: 134 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

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  • Home
  • IB Economics
    • 01 Microeconomics >
      • 1. The Foundations of Economics
      • 1.1 Demand and Supply
      • 1.2 Elasticities
      • 1.3 Government Intervention
      • 1.4 Market Failure
    • 02 Macroeconomics >
      • 01 Level of Economic Activity
      • 2.2 Aggregate Demand
      • 2.3 Aggregate Supply
      • 2.4 Macroeconomic Equlibruim
      • 2.5 Unemployment
      • 2.6 Inflation
      • 2.7 Economic Growth
      • 2.8 Equity in the distribution of income
    • 03 The Global Economy >
      • 3.1 Free Trade
      • 3.2 Protectionism
      • 3.3 Exchange Rates
      • 3.4 Balance of Payments
      • 3.5 Economic Integration
      • 3.6 Economic Development
      • 3.7 Measuring Development
      • 3.8 Barriers to economic growth and/or development
    • 04 Exam Preparation
  • Individuals & Societies 7
    • 01 Economic Growth and Development
    • 02 Where are all the people?
    • 03 Why do empires fall?
    • 04 How has globalization shaped the world?
  • Individuals & Societies 8
    • 01 Belief systems and their influence on culture
    • 02 How are societies governed?
    • 03 Japan 1603 - 1945: Isolation and then expansion
    • 04 What are natural hazards and how do societies respond to them? Case Study: Japan
  • Individuals & Societies 10
    • 01 Does industrialization improve well-being?
  • IB Business Management
    • 01 Business Organization and the Environment >
      • 1.1 Introduction to Business Management
      • 1.2 Types of business organizations
      • 1.3 Organizational objectives
      • 1.4 Stakeholders
      • 1.5 External Environment
      • 1.6 Growth and Evolution
      • 1.7 Organizational planning tools
    • 02 Human Resources >
      • 2.1 Human Resource Planning
      • 2.2 Organizational Structure
      • 2.3 Leadership and Management
      • 2.4 Motivation
      • 2.5 Organizational and corporate cultures
      • 2.6 Employer and employee relations
    • 03 Finance and Accounting >
      • 3.1 Sources of finance
      • 3.2 Costs and revenues
      • 3.3 Break-even analysis
      • 3.4 Financial Accounts
      • 3.5 & 3.6 Ratio Analysis
      • 3.7 Cash flow
      • 3.8 Investment appraisal
      • 3.9 Budgets
    • 04 Marketing >
      • 4.1 The Role Marketing
      • 4.2 Marketing Planning
      • 4.3 Sales Forcasting
      • 4.4 Market Research
      • 4.5 Product >
        • 4.5 Price
        • 4.5 Promotion
        • 4.5 Place
      • 4.7 International Marketing and Globalization
    • The Exam
  • AP World History
    • Free Response Questions
    • 10,000 BCE - 600CE
    • 600 - 1450
    • 1450 - 1750
  • AP Human Geo
    • 01 Geography its nature and perspectives
    • 02 Population and Migration
    • 03 Cultural Geography
    • 04 Political Geography
    • 05 Urban Geography
    • 06 Economic Geography
    • 07 Agricultural Geography
    • Exam Review
  • Previously Taught Courses
    • G12 Economics >
      • Basic Economic Ideas
      • Producing and Consuming
      • Financial Capability
      • Managing the Economy
    • G10 World History >
      • 01 Exploration, Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
      • 02 The American Revolution
      • 03 France: Absolute Monarchy & Revolution
      • 04 The Industrial Revolution
      • 05 Imperialism and Nationalism
      • 06 WW1
      • 07 Inter-War Period
      • 08 WW2
    • G9 World History >
      • 01 Human beginnings and early civilizations >
        • 03 What can we learn from Classical Civilizations (Greece) >
          • 03 What can we learn from Classical Civilizations?
      • 03 Classical China
      • 04 The Muslim World
      • 05 Interregional Networks and Contacts 500 - 1450
      • 01 The Individuals and Societies Toolbox
      • 06 The Renaissance and Reformation >
        • Oral Presentations
    • G9 Social Studies >
      • History >
        • Analyzing Sources
      • Geography
    • G7 Social Studies >
      • Introduction to Empowerment
      • Economic Empowerment
      • Political Empowerment
      • Cultural Empowerment
      • National Empowerment
      • 04 Resources and the environment
      • Finance and Accounting >
        • 3.1 Sources of finance
        • 3.2 Investment appraisal
        • 3.3 Working capital
        • 3.4 Budgeting
        • 3.5 Financial Accounts
        • 3.6 Ratio Analysis
    • Writing Skills
    • Critical Reading
  • Extended Essay
    • 01 Getting Started
    • 02 Structuring the EE