Prehistory is the period of humanity's past that goes from appearance of man to the invention of writing and covering millions of years.
The origin of humanity is the object of research by archaeologists, paleontologists, geologists and biologists.
His researches are based on traces that have survived in time, such as fossils, cave paintings, everyday utensils, bonfire remains, etc.
These remains are found in caves or buried under several layers of soil.
Prehistory Division
Prehistory is divided into two major periods: the Stone Age and the Metal Age.
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Stone Age - is included between the appearance of the first hominids and more or less 10000 a. Ç.. For the purpose of study it is also divided:
- Paleolithic Period or Chipped Stone Age (from the emergence of mankind to 8000 BC Ç.);
- Neolithic Period or Polished Stone Age (from 8000 to Ç. up to 5000 a. Ç.);
- Age of Metals (5000 a. Ç. until the appearance of writing, around 3500 BC. Ç.).
Also know about the Brazilian Prehistory.
Paleolithic
Paleolithic is the most extensive period of prehistory of mankind, comprised between its appearance, around 4.4 million years, to 8000 BC. Ç.
At that time men lived in groups and helped each other to obtain food, through hunting, fishing and gathering fruits, roots and eggs, which forced them to live nomadic.
The low temperature leads hominid groups to shelter in caves and build dwellings with tree branches and share the use of rivers, forests and lakes.
The instruments used, at first, were from bone and wood, later, stone chips and ivory. They made axes, knives and other sharp instruments.
An important discovery in this period was domain offire. It is estimated that fire came under human control 500,000 years ago in East Africa.
With his control, the groups started to warm up from the cold, to cook food, defend themselves from ferocious animals, to light the night, etc.
Around 30,000 BC C., the homo sapiens perfected the technique of hunting and fishing, invented the bow and arrow and created the art of painting.
Around 18000 BC Ç. the Earth has undergone climatic and geological transformations.
These transformations, which lasted thousands of years, significantly changed the animal and plant life on the planet and altered the relationship between man and nature. Man entered a period called Neolithic.
How about a better understanding of how the man in prehistory?
Neolithic
In the Neolithic period, new climatic changes altered the vegetation. Difficulties to hunt increased and they settled on the banks of rivers, which contributed to the development of agriculture, with the planting of wheat, barley and oats.
They learned to domesticate some animals and raise livestock. The first population agglomerates appeared, with a mainly defensive purpose.
His objects became better finished, as the stone, after being chipped, was rubbed on the ground or sand until it became polished.
Developed the art of ceramics, manufacturing large pots to store the surplus of the Agricultural production.
Developed the techniques of spinning and weaving for making wool and linen fabrics, replacing garments made with animal skins.
The first works in soft metals, such as copper and gold, appeared. Travels by land and sea began.
The social organization, called primitive community, was based on blood ties, language and customs.
The final phase of the Neolithic was characterized by the disintegration of the primitive community system and the origin of societies organized in States and divided into different social strata.
Age of Metals
The development of techniques for metal casting made possible the progressive abandonment of stone tools.
The first metal to be melted was copper, later tin. From the fusion of these two metals, bronze emerged, harder and more resistant, with which they made swords, spears, etc. Around 3000 BC Ç. bronze was produced in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Iron metallurgy is later. It begins around 1500 BC. a., in Asia Minor. As it is a more difficult ore to be worked, it spread slowly.
Due to its superiority in the manufacture of weapons, iron contributed to the supremacy of peoples who knew how to use it for this purpose.
Learn more about the art of this period:
- Art in Prehistory
- Art in the Paleolithic Period
- Art in the Neolithic Period
- Exercises on Prehistory
