Prehistory Word Wall

Learn essential prehistory vocabulary words for early human history!

Section 1: Archaeology Prehistory Before written record Excavate To dig up, bring to the surface Fossil preserved biologic material Artifact preserved man-made object Anthropology Study of human societies Archaeology Study of prehistorical human societies Radio Carbon Dating Finding the age range of an object, scientifically Homo Sapiens Scientific name for humans Section 2: Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) Hunter-Gatherer Depends only on environment for food Nomad Migrate to find resources Simple tools sharp rock, pointy stick Cave Art religious and social drawings East Africa Origin of Homo Sapien Beringia Land bridge from Asia to N. America Clan Close family unit Ice Age Era of Earth's lowest tempurature Section 3: Neolithic (New Stone Age) Agricultural Revolution When farming was invented Complex tools Bow & arrow, spear, pottery, weaving Domestication To train plants and animals for human use Settled Communities First farming villages Stonehenge Archaeological site in modern-day England Çatalhöyük Ancient settlement in modern-day Turkey Pottery Complex tool for storage Plow Complex tool for soil conditioning Civilization Permanent settled community with 8 Features Cradles of Civilization The first 4 civilizations Rivers Essential for agriculture, trade, and transportation Calendar Advanced tool for planning cultivation (farming)