Origins of Civilization
Learning About Our Past 1.1
Name: ______________________________________________________ 9th Grade
Prehistory: The long period BEFORE the invention of writing.
Who studies history?
-Historians
-Anthropologists
-Archaeologists
What do historians do?
-Study and write about historical events
-Rely on letters or tax records
-Help us understand the present and future
-Interpret their evidence
What do anthropologists do?
-Studying the period of prehistory
-Some study bones or human culture
-Learn about origins and development of people
What do archaeologists do?
-Study of past people by looking at material remains
-Find and analyze artifacts
-Draw conclusions about beliefs, gender, values, and activities of our ancestors
-Sometimes revise their theories in light of new evidence
Technology: Refers to skills and tools people use to meet their basic needs and wants.
Hominid: A group that includes humans and relatives that walk on two legs.