Chapter 2 - The Neolithic Era Flashcards
(18 cards)
Why did people abandon their nomadic lifestyle during the Neolithic era?
People stop being nomadic because they developped systematic agriculture. During the Neolithic era, people began farming an could settle down in one place rather than chase animals for food.
What new farming techniques did the Neolithic people use?
People began picking and choosing the seeds from the biggest, best plants and planting only those in order to grow even bigger crops (is this called the domestication of plants). farmers also used an irrigation system to control the flow of water to different areas of land by using canals.
What do we mean when we say “division of labour”?
Division of labour means that tasks in a society are performed by separate groups.
Give an example of bartering.
An example of bartering is trading a woven basket for an iron pot.
What was the role of monarchs in these new societies?
Monarchs were the new leaders of towns and cities. They used laws to keep order, and many claim to have power based on “divine right.”
What was the domestication of plants?
People began picking and choosing the seeds from the biggest, best plants and planting only those in order to grow even bigger crops
Why did some Monarchs say they should be in power?
“divine right” - belief that the right to rule comes directly from a god, not from the consent of the people.
They would claim the right to rule was granted by their deity or dieties.
How did having leisure time advanced civilizations?
Leisure time advanced civilizations because people had time to explore ideas and be creative.
What is a surplus, and why was it so important for the development of civilizations?
A surplus is an excess of food, and it is important because that is what lead to leisure time. it also meant that populations could expand an that people did not have to follow a herd for food anymore.
Where were the first civilizations mostly found?
the first civilizations were mostly found around Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Central America.
What are key ingredients in the recipe for civilization?
workers, writing, art, and government.
What is a staple crop?
The crops people rely on most for food.
What is the Neolithic Revolution (A.K.A Agricultural Revolution)?
The period when humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture.
This shift lead to sedentary communities, the establishment of social classes, and the rise of civilizations.
When settling, what did people take into account?
People figured out where the soil was fertile, and where plants would grow better.
Areas with long springs and summers were popular farming sites since their climate helped crops thrive.
Lakes and rivers were good places to settle because they had water and provided an extra source of nutrition through fish and other seafood.
What is an Irrigation System?
A series of canals were built to bring water to farming land.
Why did humans domesticate animals?
Humans tamed wild animals like sheep, goats, and pigs for meat, milk, and wool.
What is Oral Tradition?
Passing down information from generation to generation through spoken word and memorization instead of by writing it down.
Why was writing so important and who used it first?
Important for keeping records of food harvested and goods to be traded.
Rulers, priests, merchants, and artisans used writing to keep track of laws, prayers, or their family trees.
The invention of writing led to recording poems, stories, and information that people had passed down through oral tradition.
