Paleolithic/ Neolithic Era Notes

Name ______________________________ Date ___________________ Period _____

I. Paleolithic Era

A. The Paleolithic Era was the “Old Stone Age.”

B. During this period of time, most people were hunter-gatherers. They

traveled around looking for animals to hunt and berries to pick. They never

stayed in one place for long.

C. People lived in groups called clans. A clan was basically several families

that banded together for mutual protection. Even today, some remote

societies in places like Africa and New Guinea still live together in clans.

II. Characteristics

A. People living during the Paleolithic Era invented the first tools and weapons.

In fact, the first ever weapon was a rock. A person would pick it up and hit an

animal over the head with it. Later, more advanced tools and weapons, such

as the knife and the spear, started to be produced.

B. Paleolithic societies were the first to learn how to make and control fire.

With this ability, they could begin to cook their meals instead of eating them

raw. That probably made the meals taste a whole lot better.

C. Paleolithic Era humans were the first to use an oral language. In other

words, they could talk to each other. No other species in the history of the

world has ever managed to do this.

D. Paleolithic Era people created cave art. They took colorful rocks and used

them to paint on the walls of caves. Some of these ancient paintings still exist

today in various caves in Europe, and they help us learn about these ancient

people.

III. Neolithic Era

A. The Neolithic Era was the “New Stone Age.” Remember, neo = new.

B. Sometime during the Neolithic Era, somebody figured out the most

important thing that humans have ever discovered. They discovered how to

plant crops, and thus discovered farming. This meant that people no longer

had to wander from place to place chasing animals, but instead they could

stay in one place and eat the crops they grew. This made villages and towns

possible. Without planted crops, none of our modern world would be possible.

C. By the way, the word farming and the word agriculture mean the same

thing, just like the agriculture classes here at this school.

IV. Characteristics

A. Neolithic societies learned how to domesticate animals. This meant that

they could raise cows or other animals in their villages instead of going out

and hunting them. This made life a lot easier. The first ever domesticated

animal was the dog, who was used to help herd other animals and protect the

farmer’s land.

B. Neolithic people created advanced tools and weapons, such as the plow,

the bow and arrow, and the ax.

C. Pottery was invented during the Neolithic era, which meant that they could

make pots and bowls to keep food and water in. This allowed them to

preserve and transport food and water.

D. Weaving was also invented during the Neolithic Era, which meant that for

the first time, instead of just wearing animal furs, people could actually begin

to make their own clothes. This probably made things much more

comfortable for them.