1. Early humans emerged in Africa around 150,000 years ago and lived as hunter-gatherers using simple stone tools. 2. Around 10,000 BCE, early human societies domesticated plants and animals, leading to the Agricultural Revolution. This allowed for larger, more settled populations and the emergence of early civilizations between 3500-3000 BCE such as ancient Egypt. 3. Early civilizations developed social hierarchies with elites such as kings and officials living lavishly while common people and slaves engaged in manual labor and agriculture.