This document provides an overview of prehistory and the early stages of human development. It discusses how archaeologists and anthropologists use archaeological and biological evidence to develop theories about prehistoric societies in the absence of written records. Specific dating methods like radiocarbon dating and thermoluminescence that are used to date artifacts and remains are also outlined. The document then describes the earliest humanlike beings called australopithecines that lived 3-4 million years ago in Africa and were the first to make tools. It also discusses the emergence of Homo erectus around 1.5 million years ago and Homo sapiens around 250,000 years ago, including the Neanderthals who died out due to conflict with

1. World History
Chapter 1 Section 1,2
Mr. Owens

2. Before History
 The
period before history- prehistory- is
the period for which we have no written
records.
 We know about prehistory from
archaeological and biological
information.

3. Before History
 Archaeologists
and Anthropologists
create theories based on this
information.
 Archaeology studies the structure of
past societies by analyzing the artifactstools, household items, weapons,
buildings, artwork, religious figures, etc.
that people left behind.
 Anthropology focuses more on culture
by studying artifacts and human
remains.

4. Before History
 For
example- by studying tools and
weapons scientists create theories
about the economic and military
structures of a society.
 Examining bones and hides can tell us
about the diet of people.
 Most times, archaeologists and
anthropologists use scientific methods
to create their theories.

5. Before History
 One
valuable dating method is
radiocarbon dating.
 This method dates accurately up to
50,000 years old. Thermoluminescence
measures accurately up to 200,000
years old.
 Biological methods such as DNA and
blood molecule analyses also give us
information about societies of
prehistory.

6. Early Stages of Development
 The
earliest humanlike beings, called
australopithecines (“southern apes”) by
their discoverer, Donald Johnson, lived
in Africa three to four million years ago.
 They were the first hominids (creatures
to walk upright) to make tools.

7. Early Stages of Development
 Homo
erectus marks the next stage of
human development. These species
date from about 1.5 million years ago.
 Homo sapiens (“wise human beings”)
emerged about 250,000 years ago. Two
groups emerged from thisNeanderthals and Homo sapiens
sapiens. The Neanderthals died out
because of conflict between the two
groups.

8. Early Stages of Development
 Homo
sapiens sapiens was the first
group that looked like us. They
appeared in Africa between 150,000
and 200,000 years ago. All humans
today belong to this subgroup of Homo
sapiens.