The Neolithic Revolution
Hunting and Gathering Societies
• Were nomadic, migrating in
search of food, water, and
shelter
• Invented the first tools, including
simple weapons
• Learned how to make and use
fire
• Lived in clans
• Developed oral language
• Created cave art
Causes of the Neolithic Revolution
• Change in climate led to longer growing seasons
• Rise in populations meant people needed more steady food supply
Characteristics of Neolithic Societies
• Early farming methods
• Slash and burn farming, where ashes provided fertilizer for the crops
• Domestication of animals
• Tamed horses, dogs, goats, and pigs
• Manmade enclosures
• Developed agriculture
• Used advanced tools
• Made pottery
• Developed weaving skills
Jarmo- present day Iraq
• Site of first Neolithic revolution
because of good climate and
animals for domestication
• Dates back to 7090 BCE using
radiocarbon dating
Stonehenge, England
• Believed to be built between
3,000- 2,000 BCE (radiocarbon
dating used)
• Burial mounds in the middle
• http://www.bbc.com/news/ukengland-wiltshire-34156673
Farming develops in many places
• Africa- Nile
• China – Huang He
• Mexico and Central America –
Olmec
• South America – Chavin
Catal Huyuk in Turkey, 7500-5700 BCE
• Example of early agricultural
village
• Large crops, sheep and cattle
• Obsidian used to make mirrors,
jewelry and knives
• Home to about 6,000 people
• Wall paintings of animals and
hunting scenes
• Religious shrines
• Drawbacks- spread of disease and
looting