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17,000 BCE
Lascaux Cave Paintings
(c.17000 BCE-15000 BCE) Some of the earliest pieces of artwork ever found were discovered in a cave in the city of Lascaux. We have viewed other sections of these cave paintings in our notes, but here is an opportunity to view more! Visit the link to go on an interactive tour of the early cave paintings. You can follow the guide, but you can also move your mouse to look around, up and down! Watch out for the Mammoth! Video -
13,000 BCE
Crossing the Bering Land Bridge
Back when our continents were much closer together and the Ice Age kept things frozen solid, early humans were thought to have crossed from Asia into North America by the Bering Land Bridge. This bridge does not exist today, however, it would have connected Siberia to Alaska. -
12,000 BCE
Paleolithic Age
26000000BCE-12000BCE This begins our Paleolithic or (Old Stone Age). This is where the earliest man is wondering around trying to figure life out. These are the most primitive humans(called hominids), they will evolve to our current upright state as time goes on, think cave men! -
12,000 BCE
The Ice Age Strikes!
Technically beginning around 2600000BCE and lasting until around 12000BCE. This is the period of time when much of Earth was covered in ice and glaciers. This allowed early humans to travel all over the world, even to new continents. How? The ocean levels did not rise until all the ice from the Ice Age melted! World of Ice Passage -
11,700 BCE
Fire is Discovered
Somewhere towards the end of the Paleolithic age and the beginning of the Neolithic age, early humans discovered fire! This was a major turning point for man. Fire allowed them to warm themselves, cook their food, and protect themselves. Eating and gathering around the fire also became very popular. What's So Great About Fire Reading Passage -
9000 BCE
Agricultural Revolution Begins!
c.9000-4000 BCE No longer are people having to spend their entire day hunting for their food! We now have the knowledge and ability to plant our own crops and we are even learning how to domesticate animals! This steady food supply is a major game changer for civilization. -
9000 BCE
The Fertile Crescent is Discovered
9000 BCE. The Fertile Crescent is discovered in the Middle East. The reason it's so fertile? This crescent shaped piece of land is sandwiched between two major rivers: the Tigris and Euphrates. A very important civilization we study next popped up in this area. -
6200 BCE
Bronze Tools are Created!
6200BCE. Our early humans are now have enough time and brain power to create better, stronger tools and weapons made from bronze. The discovery of bronze also helped to create better armor, which will come in handy as more and more civilizations begin to clash. Watch this YouTube video -
6000 BCE
The Neolithic or New Stone Age Begins
9000 BCE-3300BCE. No one knows the exact date for when the Neolithic Revolution began, but we do know it was a pivotal point in history. Early humans discovered farming and domesticating animals. This led to a steady food supply that eventually allowed them to focus on other jobs and interests. This is also a point in time where humans become more social and live in larger groups. -
5000 BCE
Civilization in Mesopotamia!
Popping up in the Fertile Crescent, in a place called Mesopotamia, we have the first civilization of Ancient Sumer. This is our first look at a fully functioning civilization (the most civilized of their time). Here we have a central government, jobs, a social hierarchy, and steady food supply ready to go. Watch this Video
