Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument near Salisbury, England, at sunset
Courtesy Corel Professional Photos
Summary
The prehistory of today's society stretches back thousands of years. Progressing from the hunter-gatherers to Stone Age farmers, humans developed new means of producing goods and new methods of survival. Fire and agriculture were key in the prehistoric people's attempt to establish permanent residences, and eventually instrumental in building the first civilizations and cities.
Internet Activities
Click on Internet Activities at the left for help in completing the Take It to the Net activity on page 27 of your textbook. In this activity, you will learn more about hunter-gatherers.
Section 1: Geography and History
History is studied in many different ways. Archaeologists study objects found in the ground, caves, and ancient historical sites. If documents are available, historians research and study the written documents of the time to find out what, where, and why events occurred.
Section 2: Prehistory
Significant discoveries aided prehistoric people in their development. The use of stone to create tools, the ability to control fire, and the first attempts at farming were key in the advance of civilization.
Section 3: The Beginnings of Civilization
Hunting and gathering required prehistoric people to move from place to place in order to survive. With the development of farming, however, tribes and clans were able to remain in one place. As populations grew, villages and towns developed. To keep order, rules were made, and forms of government evolved to manage society and provide necessary services.