Module Overview
Early Humans: The Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras

an artist's rendition of a family of Neanderthals
Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltec
This artist's rendition of Earth approximately 60,000 years ago
shows a family of Neanderthals, who were hunter-gatherers.

Do you or someone you know enjoy the adventures of camping? Perhaps these times of "roughing it" in the wilderness mean eagerly traveling to remote areas, and giving up everyday conveniences like bathrooms, refrigerators, and Internet service, only to rely on what the surrounding nature provides and the essential items you packed, like simple tools, basic foods, and sleeping bags. The campsite may be located in the woods or near water sources.

This scenario may seem intimidating to some, but exciting to others. For early humans, however, this was not an adventure they chose for a good time. Rather, it was their way of life. In this module, you will trace the early development of humankind, from wanderers who possessed basic skills and tools necessary for survival to settlers who had specialized skills, advanced tools, and well-organized communities.

Getting Started

getting started iconDraw a diagram that details directions from your house to your school. Do not include any words on the diagram; only use pictures to convey your message. Consider the various symbols and landmarks that might help someone successfully get to the final destination. As you draw your map, think about the most challenging part of this process. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using only imagery to communicate?

Key Vocabulary

key vocabulary iconTo view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

agriculture
Aleppo
Anatolia
archaeologist
artifact
Bronze Age
carbon-14 dating
clan
domestication
Fertile Crescent
fossil
Homo sapiens
hunter-gatherer
irrigation
Jericho
migration
Neolithic Era
nomadic
Paleolithic Era
paleontologist
prehistoric
sedentary