Prehistory: The World of Early Man

Abstract

This illustrated volume provides an overview of what we know of our prehistoric ancestors. Beginning with a brief discussion of the science of prehistory and its methods. Prehistory details the human adventure from the first hominids, who appeared in Africa almost 5 million years ago, to the nearly universal rise of agriculture and metallurgy around the world between 7000 BC and AC 1000. Information is given on the development of the first tools, hunting methods, primitive dwellings and an early economy; the spread of civilization to Asia, the Americas, Oceana and Europe; the invention of writing, the rise of symbolic thought and the cult of the dead; the introduction of military arms and more.