The Neolithic Revolution

Hunting and Gathering Societies

• Were nomadic, migrating in search of food, water, and shelter• Invented the first tools, including

simple weapons• Learned how to make and use fire• Lived in clans• Developed oral language• Created cave art

Causes of the Neolithic Revolution

• Change in climate led to longer growing seasons• Rise in populations meant people needed more steady food supply

Characteristics of Neolithic Societies

• Early farming methods• Slash and burn farming, where ashes provided fertilizer for the crops

• Domestication of animals• Tamed horses, dogs, goats, and pigs• Manmade enclosures

• Developed agriculture• Used advanced tools• Made pottery• Developed weaving skills

Jarmo- present day Iraq

• Site of first Neolithic revolution because of good climate and animals for domestication• Dates back to 7090 BCE using

radiocarbon dating

Stonehenge, England

• Believed to be built between 3,000- 2,000 BCE (radiocarbon dating used)• Burial mounds in the middle• http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-e

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Farming develops in many places

• Africa- Nile• China – Huang He• Mexico and Central America –

Olmec• South America – Chavin

Catal Huyuk in Turkey, 7500-5700 BCE

• Example of early agricultural village• Large crops, sheep and cattle• Obsidian used to make mirrors,

jewelry and knives• Home to about 6,000 people• Wall paintings of animals and

hunting scenes• Religious shrines• Drawbacks- spread of disease and

looting