The Prehistory
The origin of the Earth dates back 4.5 billion years, while human evolution only accounts
for a tiny fraction of that history. The Prehistoric Period, which spans from 2.5 million years
ago to 1,200 B.C., is categorized into three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, Bronze
Age, and Iron Age.
During the Stone Age, early human ancestors evolved around 300,000 B.C. and used
tools for hunting and gathering. They lived in caves or simple huts and eventually
transitioned from a culture of hunting and gathering to farming and food production. The
Stone Age is divided into three periods: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. In the
Paleolithic period, early humans used basic stone and bone tools, cooked their prey using
controlled fire, and created art using minerals and ochres. The Mesolithic period saw the
introduction of agriculture, leading to more permanent settlements in villages. Finally,
during the Neolithic period, ancient humans switched to agriculture and food production,
domesticated animals, and cultivated cereal grains.
From 3000 to 1700 B.C., the civilizations of rivers and the sea emerged. This period saw
the discovery of metalworking, specifically bronze, which replaced stone tools and sparked
innovations such as the ox-drawn plow and the wheel. Architecture and art also advanced,
with the invention of the potter's wheel and textiles.
From 1700 to 800 B.C., the ancient world took shape. This period is characterized by the
development of early civilizations, including those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus
Valley.
Finally, from the eighth to the fourth century B.C., the Archaic period and classical
civilization emerged. This period saw the rise of city-states in Greece, the development of
democracy, and the flourishing of art, literature, and philosophy.
The origin of the Earth dates back 4.5 billion years, while human evolution only accounts
for a tiny fraction of that history. The Prehistoric Period, which spans from 2.5 million years
ago to 1,200 B.C., is categorized into three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, Bronze
Age, and Iron Age.
During the Stone Age, early human ancestors evolved around 300,000 B.C. and used
tools for hunting and gathering. They lived in caves or simple huts and eventually
transitioned from a culture of hunting and gathering to farming and food production. The
Stone Age is divided into three periods: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. In the
Paleolithic period, early humans used basic stone and bone tools, cooked their prey using
controlled fire, and created art using minerals and ochres. The Mesolithic period saw the
introduction of agriculture, leading to more permanent settlements in villages. Finally,
during the Neolithic period, ancient humans switched to agriculture and food production,
domesticated animals, and cultivated cereal grains.
From 3000 to 1700 B.C., the civilizations of rivers and the sea emerged. This period saw
the discovery of metalworking, specifically bronze, which replaced stone tools and sparked
innovations such as the ox-drawn plow and the wheel. Architecture and art also advanced,
with the invention of the potter's wheel and textiles.
From 1700 to 800 B.C., the ancient world took shape. This period is characterized by the
development of early civilizations, including those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus
Valley.
Finally, from the eighth to the fourth century B.C., the Archaic period and classical
civilization emerged. This period saw the rise of city-states in Greece, the development of
democracy, and the flourishing of art, literature, and philosophy.
