Early Human Societies and Civilizations

How, When and Where

• The earliest human-like species appeared around 2-3 million years ago.
• Early humans migrated from Africa to different parts of the world.
• The process of migration and settlement led to the development of different cultures and societies.

Early Societies

• Hunter-Gatherers:
  • Lived in small groups (20-50 people).
  • Moved from place to place in search of food.
  • Had a nomadic lifestyle.
• Pastoralists:
  • Raised animals for food and other products.
  • Moved from place to place in search of grazing land.
  • Had a nomadic lifestyle.
• Agriculturists:
  • Grew crops for food.
  • Settled in one place for a longer period.
  • Developed more complex societies.

The Emergence of Cities

• The development of agriculture led to the production of surplus food.
• Surplus food allowed for the growth of cities.
• Cities became centers of trade, commerce, and culture.

The Development of Writing

• Writing developed around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).
• Writing helped in record-keeping, trade, and communication.
• Writing also helped in the development of literature, art, and architecture.

Early Civilizations

• Mesopotamia:
  • Developed in the Tigris-Euphrates river valley.
  • Known for its city-states, such as Ur and Babylon.
  • Developed writing, laws, and governance.
• Egypt:
  • Developed in the Nile river valley.
  • Known for its pyramids, mummies, and pharaohs.
  • Developed a system of writing and governance.
• Indus Valley Civilization:
  • Developed in the Indus river valley (present-day Pakistan and India).
  • Known for its urban planning, architecture, and water management systems.
  • Developed a system of writing and governance.