Reassessing Prehistory and Early Humans
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Questions and Answers

When we think of our most distant ancestors, we often think of ______.

primitivity

Mainstream historical narratives often depict early humans as living a ______ way of life.

stagnant

The earliest writing systems appeared some ______ years before present.

5,000

Humans lived a lifestyle as hunters and gatherers for hundreds of thousands of years, always moving across the land and living in small, closely knit ______.

<p>societies</p> Signup and view all the answers

The beginning of the ______ Revolution was roughly 12-11,000 years ago.

<p>Neolithic</p> Signup and view all the answers

The life of these early humans was simple, but that does not mean it wasn't ______.

<p>sophisticated</p> Signup and view all the answers

The understanding of the word 'advanced' today may ______ our view of prehistoric humans.

<p>hamper</p> Signup and view all the answers

Technologies such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and writing were ushered in by ______ humans.

<p>evolved</p> Signup and view all the answers

Modern historiography often puts prehistoric humans into a ______ and unflattering light.

<p>corner</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evidence suggests that prehistoric humans may have been more ______ than we are led to believe.

<p>advanced</p> Signup and view all the answers

Early humans advanced in social organization and adapting to their ______.

<p>environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ancient skill of navigation implies a certain understanding of ______.

<p>oceanic navigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scholars believe that Australia was colonized around ______ years ago.

<p>65,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

The existence of the Jade Road in modern-day China suggests the presence of prehistoric ______.

<p>trade routes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ancient humans had knowledge about celestial bodies and advanced ______.

<p>mathematics</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ishango bone is associated with primitive ______ calculations.

<p>mathematical</p> Signup and view all the answers

Women in prehistory may have used the Lebombo bone for tracking ______ phases.

<p>lunar</p> Signup and view all the answers

Many archaeological discoveries suggest that ancient peoples were ______ than previously thought.

<p>more advanced</p> Signup and view all the answers

To truly understand prehistoric peoples, we need to reconsider the definition of what it means to be ______.

<p>advanced</p> Signup and view all the answers

The observations of ancient humans about nature show they were at peace with their ______.

<p>hardships</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prehistory: A Reassessment

  • Prehistoric humans were more advanced than commonly thought.
  • Modern historiography often portrays early humans as primitive, technologically stagnant, and unevolved.
  • However, new evidence suggests a more nuanced view.
  • Earliest writing systems appeared about 5,000 years ago, but humans existed for hundreds of thousands of years prior as hunters and gatherers.
  • The Neolithic Revolution, around 12-11,000 years ago, ushered in complex societies, agriculture, and cities.
  • Early humans were advanced in social organization, adaptation to their environment, tool creation, and hunting tactics.
  • Ancient humans were skilled navigators, evidenced by early colonization of Australia (65,000 years ago) and Pacific islands.
  • This suggests pre-historic societies had a rudimentary understanding of oceanic navigation.
  • Prehistoric trade routes existed, exemplified by the Jade Road in China.
  • Burial sites with luxury items from faraway places indicate long-distance trade networks.
  • Ancient humans had a deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics.
  • Megalithic structures like Stonehenge and Nabta Playa demonstrate knowledge of celestial movements.
  • The Ishango bone (20,000 years old) and Lebombo bone (40,000 years old) are evidence of early mathematical calculations and understanding of lunar phases.
  • These artifacts challenge the view that mathematics emerged only in the first civilizations.
  • The simplistic lives of early humans should not be equated with primitiveness.
  • Their connection with nature and adaptability were advanced forms of human existence.
  • Rethinking prehistory requires a broader definition of "advanced", recognizing the intellectual and cultural achievements of early humans.

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Description

Explore the advancements of prehistoric humans beyond traditional views. This quiz examines evidence of early social organization, tool creation, and navigation skills, challenging common perceptions of primitive societies. Discover how the Neolithic Revolution transformed human life and the implications of early trade routes.

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