Cultural evolution

Standards for determining whether a place has civilization

1. Government- This institution implements the laws that constituents need to follow in order to have a peaceful and orderly society. 2. Technology- Inventions addressing the needs of population were indications of the growth of ancient people's knowledge. 3. Culture- Civilization includes a society's culture (knowledge, customs, beliefs, traditions, and laws) 4. Belief system- The belief in a higher being or creator is one sign of civilization. 5. Writing system- The ability to read and write is also a mark of a civilized person. 6. Economic specialization- In order to respond to the needs of a growing population, ancient people learned how to grow and store or preserve food. Thanks to the system of preservation, people could engage in other means of livelihood apart from gathering food. They became artisans, traders, and blacksmiths. There was a division of labor among people. 7. Social stratification- The distribution of work and livelihood allowed some citizens to accumulate more wealth than others. This gave rise to different economic classes in society.

Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)

1. It was from 10,000 to 4,500 B.C.E. 2. During this time period, a major environmental changed occurred the melting of glaciers or huge chunks of ice. This event paved the way for trees and plants to flourish in the forests. 3. People continued to hunt and gather food but unlike the Paleolithic period they had difficulties in foraging or gathering food. 4. During this period they learned how to domesticate dogs. These dogs helped them hunt for wild animals. 5. Stone tools during this time were better than the Paleolithic period but still not well crafted. 6. It was also during this time people started living along the riverbanks and seashores. 7. Freshwater and sea water harvests became part of their diet. 8. The most important contribution of people from this period was the dugout or canoe. They used it for fishing in rivers and in shallow areas of the sea.

Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)

1. It was from 400,000 to 8,500 B.C.E. 2.During this period, ancient people began to make simple stone tools. The stone tools from this period were rough flaked, and the workmanship was still crude. 3. The people from this period were dependent on nature. 4. Hunting and gathering food were their primary means of subsistence. The men hunted while the women gathered food. 5. People did not stay in one place for long periods of time. 6. They discovered fire in this time period. This was considered to be the most significant Paleolithic discovery. They 1st made fire by striking stones. But eventually they discovered to make fire by repeatedly rubbing sticks together. 7. The Paleolithic people believed in the after life. Because of this, they bury the dead along with it's most precious possessions.

Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)

1. It was from 7,000 to 3,000 B.C.E. 2. During this time people were no longer dependent on nature. One proof of this was the introduction of farming and agriculture. This change was called the Neolithic revolution. 3. People started living in a sedentary lifestyle. 4. Farming requires patience and hardwork. As such, in order to take care of their crops and protect these against wild animals, the ancient people decided to establish permanent settlement near their farm.

Metal Ages (Copper/Bronze Age)

1. The metal age began with the discovery of copper. 2. As ancient people continued to discover ways to make better tools, they tried mixing copper and tin. From this mixture came Bronze. Bronze age: 1. It was from 5,000 to 1,200 B.C.E. 2. Although the way of living did not change, everyday tasks were done faster and became easier because bronze materials were more durable. 3. Farming became easier because bronze tools for digging soil were sharper. 4. Meanwhile, it is presumed that a group of people called Hittites discovered the use of iron around 1,000 B.C.E.

Fire

According to one theory, fire was accidentally discovered when a tree was struck by lightning. It burst into flames and fell over a wild animal. Uses of fire: 1. Used to frighten or drive away wild animals. 2. Protection against the cold weather. 3. Provide light inside dark caves. 4. Used to cook food.

sedentary lifestyle

It means to have a permanent settlement.

nomadic lifestyle

This manner of living means not having a permanent settlement. People who live in this manner are called nomads.

Copper

This was the 1st type of metal that were used by ancient people. The processing of copper was believed to have originated in West Asia. It was often used by ancient people for ornaments and weapons.