Overview of the History of Mankind - Essay Example

History of Mankind: A Brief Overview The complexity of human history is due to the mysterious facts which remain unveiled amidst the intensive effort of man. Researches and studies in human origin and culture are only able to give us a glimpse of the human history, leaving uncertainties which are yet to be uncovered. It is believed that the earliest civilizations existed and prospered about two million years ago. These early civilization sprang in the regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Paleolithic Community The Paleolithic or Stone Age dates back 8,000 years ago and is believed to have lasted for hundreds of thousands of years. Knowledge of the lifestyle and culture during this era was generated from material excavations. The paintings, crafts, utensils and other materials discovered give us a broad idea about the civilization in the Paleolithic community (Bentley and Herb). During this period, environment became the greatest factor affecting the culture of mankind. Existence was primarily dependent on the ability of an individual to adapt to his environment. Men in Paleolithic era were nomads who travel from one place to another, relying on the availability and access to natural resources for survival. Hunting and fruit-gathering societies abound in this period and these activities served as their sole livelihood. People survived by hunting wild animals and birds, fishing, and collecting fruits and nuts. Though people relied on hunting, only very simple tools for hunting were developed as their technology was still primitive. Structure of Paleolithic Communities The Paleolithic period was divided into three parts - Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic. Lower Paleolithic The earliest evidence of the people of the lower Paleolithic communities was found in Europe (Schick). Some historians refer to the Lower Paleolithic era as the "chopper" period because during this age, the earliest stone tools known as "chopper" were developed. Production of these stone tools was through the utilization of pebbles or pieces of rocks. Such tools were found in the Jordan River Valley and in some areas of Jerusalem and Palestine (Schick). The tools indicate the budding of technology at such an early stage. The people during the Paleolithic era were referred to as "Homo habilis." Their survival is also dependent on the availability of resources as people still rely on wild plants, fruits and meat from hunted animals. The excavated burned rocks in Lower Paleolithic societies indicate that man had stumbled upon the essential discovery of fire at a later stage. Some circles of stones used by these societies believed to have been used as centers for family gatherings lead to the belief that Lower Paleolithic societies place a high value on family. Middle Paleolithic Civilization in the Middle Paleolithic began about 200,000 years ago. People during this period are known as Neanderthals, whose traces were first discovered in France. The technology during this period was more developed than that of the Lower Paleolithic era as improved versions of stone tools were used for hunting and self-defense. Excavated artifacts showed some evidence of ritual observance among Middle Paleolithic communities. Evidence also showed that rituals were carried out during burials. High regard for family members is also evident as people in this period nurse their ailing elders (Sanders et al.). Upper Paleolithic The Upper Paleolithic period began around 35,000 to 10,000 years ago. Technological discoveries have facilitated the spread of people across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Knowledge in science and technology blossomed during the era as significant leaps are attained in the field of arts and infrastructure. People during the period had obtained the necessary know-how on construction of temporary dwelling made of branches and animal skins. The discovery of metal tools, pendants, necklaces and bracelets of shells, bone and ivory highlights the development of arts. Upper Paleolithic people expressed their love for nature through body art and painting on rocks. They also worshipped a mother goddess and believed in rituals (Sanders et al.). Differences between Paleolithic and Neolithic Communities The Neolithic period is known as the New Stone Age. This civilization started around 8000 BC in the Middle East and spread to the Mediterranean, South Asia, China and other parts. There are huge differences in societies' lifestyle during the different eras. These significant differences are accounts for the level of technological advancements they have achieved. Paleolithic communities were completely dependent on hunting animals and gathering plants and fruits for survival. However, the higher level of knowledge in the Neolithic period enabled men to develop an agricultural technology for food production. Unlike Paleolithic communities, Neolithic societies produced fruits and vegetable through farming and domesticated and utilized livestock for agricultural purpose (Bentley and Herb). The possibility of food production among Neolithic societies enabled them to build permanent dwellings, unlike the nomadic tribes in the Paleolithic era who were always mobile in search for food. Neolithic societies further developed more sophisticated farming which assured them of a steady supply of food. This necessitated them to build shelters using branches of trees, stones and timbers, unlike Paleolithic people who thrived in caves and other temporary dwellings. Differences of both Paleolithic and Neolithic to the Civilizations emerged in the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates River Valleys Three great civilizations have developed in the river valleys of the Nile, the Tigris-Euphrates and the Indus. People in those civilizations were more advanced and skillful compared to the Paleolithic and Neolithic men as people in the river-valley civilizations formed a unified economic system. They also practiced irrigation agriculture, which was not part of the earlier communities (Schick). The dwellings of Paleolithic and Neolithic people have evolved from caves to houses with woods and stones. The river-valley people went steps further and built houses with bricks. Civilizations in these communities showed a highly advanced knowledge in infrastructure evidenced by the establishment of planned cities. While Paleolithic people expressed their feelings by body art and rock paintings, Neolithic people utilize rock and wall paintings. River-valley civilizations also used utensils in household and painted them with color. Expertise in art and architecture are indicated by their monuments and sculptures. Written scripts were also developed for the first time in the river valley civilizations giving us a glimpse of their literature. Bibliography: Bentley, Jerry, and Herb Ziegler. Traditions & Encounters, a Global Perspective on the Past, Volume I. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2005. Sanders, Thomas, Samuel Nelson, Stephen Morillo, and Nancy W Ellenberger. Encounters in World History: Sources and Themes from the Global Past, Volume I. McGraw Hill, 2005. Schick, Kathy D. Making Silent Stones Speak: Human Evolution and the Dawn of Technology. New York: Touchstone, 1994. Read More