Prehistoric civilisations

Main

Prehistoric civilizations are called so because they existed in the period preceding written history, i.e., before events were recorded through writing. These early human settlements, including Çatalhöyük, Göbekli Tepe, Jericho, Jiahu, and Caral-Supe, became the cradle of human civilization. They laid the foundation for modern societies with their unique characteristics, such as urban centers, agriculture, and social structures.These civilizations developed independently in different geographical locations, each contributing uniquely to the evolution of human societies. For example, Caral-Supe, located in present-day Peru, is known for its monumental architecture and urban planning, considered some of the earliest examples of their kind on the American continent. These prehistoric civilizations, through their achievements and way of life, provide us with a glimpse into the past, helping us understand the origins of modern civilization.

Terms

• Çatalhöyük (7500 BC - 5700 BC): A large Neolithic settlement in present-day Turkey. Example: Excavations at Çatalhöyük have uncovered well-preserved houses and artifacts.

• Göbekli Tepe (9600 BC - 7000 BC): An archaeological site in Turkey with massive stone structures. Example: Göbekli Tepe is considered the world's oldest temple.

• Jericho (9000 BC - present): One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in present-day Palestine. Example: The ancient city of Jericho had a stone wall over three and a half meters high.

• Jiahu (7000 BC - 5700 BC): A Neolithic site in China known for early evidence of music, writing, and alcohol production. Example: Jiahu is famous for its bone flutes and tortoise shells with inscriptions.

• Caral-Supe (3200 BC - 2500 BC): An ancient city in Peru, considered the first city on the American continent. Example: Caral-Supe was built around 2600 BC and featured large pyramidal structures.

Analogy

Understanding prehistoric civilizations is like studying the roots of a tree. Just as roots provide the foundation for the tree's growth, early settlements laid the groundwork for the development of modern societies.

Common Misconception

A common misconception is that prehistoric civilizations were primitive and lacked advanced technologies. In reality, these early societies had complex social structures, architectural achievements, and innovative technologies that contributed to their development.

History

1. The emergence of prehistoric civilizations can be traced back to around 12,000 BC when the Natufian culture in the Levant became sedentary.

2. Over time, various civilizations developed independently in different parts of the world, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and North and South America.

3. These early societies laid the foundation for the development of modern civilizations.

Three Cases for Immediate Use

• Archaeologists study prehistoric civilizations to better understand the origins of human societies, the development of technologies, cultures, and social structures. The main benefits of using this knowledge are gaining insights into our past, preserving cultural heritage, and informing future development.

• Educators teach about prehistoric civilizations to help students understand the origins of modern societies and appreciate the achievements of early humans. The main benefits of using this knowledge are developing critical thinking, increasing cultural awareness, and fostering curiosity about the past.

• Policymakers can use knowledge about prehistoric civilizations to make decisions on cultural preservation and heritage management. The main benefits of using this knowledge are protecting historical sites, promoting tourism, and fostering a sense of national identity.

Interesting Facts

• Göbekli Tepe, built around 9600 BC, predates Stonehenge by more than 6000 years.

• The inhabitants of Çatalhöyük lived in closely packed houses without streets and accessed their homes through the roof.

• The ancient city of Jericho had a sophisticated water supply system, including a large reservoir and an aqueduct.

• Jiahu houses the world's oldest musical instruments—bone flutes dating back approximately 7000 years.

• Caral-Supe is considered the oldest known civilization on the American continent, with evidence of urban planning and monumental architecture.