<aside> 💡 From this lesson, you must know:
Historians have been able to piece together some records from the prehistoric era, which spanned from 3 million years ago to 3000 B.C.E. (Before Common Era). This period is often defined not by what was recorded, but rather by the lack of written histories.
However, despite the absence of written records, there are other ways in which historians can reconstruct the past. For example, they can examine artifacts left behind by prehistoric humans, such as tools, weapons, and cave paintings.
Additionally, scientists can use techniques such as carbon dating to determine the age of these artifacts and give us a better understanding of how prehistoric humans lived. All of these methods help us to better understand the prehistoric era, even in the absence of written records.
Prehistory refers to the period of time before written records were kept and recorded. It includes the time before the invention of writing, which occurred around 3000 BC.
The Neolithic Revolution began around 2 million B.C.E. and was characterized by the invention of tools, learning to make fires, the development of language, and the creation of art.
During the transition from prehistory to history, early humans were predominantly nomadic hunters and gatherers. This meant that their way of life revolved around constantly searching for food and resources to survive.
Nomadic refers to a way of life in which a group of people move from place to place in search of food, water, and other resources. Nomadic societies do not have a permanent settlement or home, and instead rely on their knowledge of the environment to find sources of sustenance.
They had to rely on their knowledge of the environment to find plants and animals that were edible, and had to be constantly on the move to find new sources of sustenance. This way of life allowed early humans to develop valuable skills such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and problem-solving, which were essential for their survival in a constantly changing environment.
However, as human societies began to develop and agriculture became more prevalent, this way of life slowly started to fade away, leading to the rise of settled communities and the eventual development of civilization as we know it today.
Around 3000 BCE, some farming villages began to develop into complex civilizations, marking the transition from prehistoric times to the beginnings of recorded history.
With the increase in population, societies began to organize complex projects - such as walls around cities and dams in rivers were built for protection against floods.
The rise of these civilizations marked a significant turning point in human history, paving the way for the development of modern society as we know it today.
Hunting-Gathering Bands
Beginning about 2 million BCE
Growth of Villages
Beginning about 8000 BCE
Rise of Cities
Beginning about 3000 BCE
<aside> ☝ It seems that the video heavily focuses on the Neolithic Era in Britain, without giving much attention to the achievements of other societies during this period. While it is understandable to highlight the developments of one region, it would be beneficial to have a more comprehensive overview of the Neolithic Era, taking into consideration the various developments and innovations in different parts of the world.
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