20 Questions
Which river valley was home to the world's first civilization?
Tigris and Euphrates rivers
Which ancient civilization developed cuneiform, the first written language in history?
Sumer
Which ancient civilization had a highly centralized system under one ruler called a pharaoh?
Egypt
Which ancient civilization developed hieroglyphics, their own writing system?
Egypt
Which ancient civilization built monumental architecture such as pyramids?
Egypt
Which early civilization in the Americas did not develop in a river valley?
Olmec
Which religion developed in Persia and focuses on the eternal battle between good and evil?
Zoroastrianism
What is the most influential example of monotheism?
Judaism
Which religion traces its history back to the teachings of Abraham?
Judaism
Which religion believes in a covenant with their God, Yahweh?
Judaism
Which religion developed in and around what is now the state of Israel?
Judaism
Which religion is also monotheistic and looks back to Abraham as an important figure?
Christianity
What are the followers of Zoroastrianism called?
Zoroastrians
Which religion was further developed with the codification of Hebrew Scriptures?
Judaism
Between which years did modern humans first appear in East Africa?
200,000 B.C.E. and 100,000 B.C.E.
What did early humans survive on?
Both hunting animals and foraging for seeds and edible plants
What were the living arrangements of early humans?
Small groups of people
What religious belief system did early humans develop?
Animism
When did humans begin populating the rest of the globe?
Between 10,000 B.C.E. and 8,000 B.C.E.
What change occurred around 10,000 years ago that transformed human life?
The development of agriculture
Study Notes
The First Migrations and the Agricultural Revolution
- Modern humans first appeared in East Africa between 200,000 B.C.E. and 100,000 B.C.E.
- They survived by hunting animals and foraging for seeds and edible plants, living in small groups and without permanent homes.
- They slowly adapted to new environments, developed genetic and cultural differences, and learned how to control fire and make stone tools.
- They developed a system of religious beliefs called animism, and showed early signs of patriarchy.
- Between 100,000 and 60,000 years ago, humans began to move beyond East Africa and populate the rest of the globe.
- Around 10,000 years ago, the Agricultural Revolution began in the Middle East, as the climate was warming from an Ice Age.
- Humans began to plant crops and raise animals for food, producing a surplus of food for the first time in history.
- This led to a population growth, larger settlements, specialization in non-food producing activities, and the development of new technology.
- It also led to the invention of writing, the creation of more extensive governments and taxation, and increased group conflicts.
- The first civilizations emerged, with Mesopotamia being the world's first civilization, followed by Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and others.
- These civilizations were highly patriarchal, engaged in long-distance trade, and practiced polytheism.
- New ideas about religion also emerged, with the development of more abstract beliefs and the transition from polytheism to monotheism in some places.
Test your knowledge about the first migrations of modern humans! Learn about their survival techniques, hunting practices, and adaptation as they moved across East Africa in search of food.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
