Lesson 1: Hunter-Gatherer Societies

During the Paleolithic Era, early humans’ survival depended on their ingenuity. They developed technology by crafting stone into sharp tools for cutting meat and scraping hides. These stone tools were often made by carefully chipping away at a type of rock called flint.

Later, they learned to control fire. This was a massive leap forward, providing light, warmth, protection from predators, and a way to cook food. These advancements allowed humans to get more resources from their environment.

Early humans faced environmental challenges, including long periods of intense cold known as Ice Ages. To survive in these frozen landscapes, hominins developed crucial adaptations.

They learned to control fire for warmth and crafted warmer clothing from animal hides. This ability to adapt to different climates was essential for their eventual global expansion.

Early humans originated in East Africa and began a massive migration to other continents. During the Ice Ages, lower sea levels created land bridges like Beringia, which connected Asia and North America.

By following animal herds across these bridges, humans eventually populated Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas.