Lecture Notes on Understanding Our Past

1. Understanding Our Past Toward Civilization Section 1

2. Geography & History Geography is the study of people, their environments and the resources available to them. By showing how people lived in different times and places, geographers have added to our knowledge of human history. Usually geographers draw conclusions from limited amount of evidence. For example: Tons of river mud found in the ruins of an ancient city can indicate that the city was wiped out by a flood. Language and art in widely separated regions may suggest that there was once contact between the two places. 2 Understanding Our Past

5. Before History Prehistory is the period of human history before writing was developed.—Because of no writings, scientists study other things to learn about early humans. Archaeology is the study of past societies through an analysis of what people left behind.—These scientists study the tools, pottery, weapons, buildings and household items that people used. Anthropology is the study of human life and culture.—These scientists use artifacts and human fossils to find out how early people lived. 5 Understanding Our Past

7. Thermo luminescence dating: Dates objects by measuring the light given off by electrons in the soil around the objects. Up to 200,000 years.6 Understanding Our Past

8. Historians Reconstruct The Past Historians study how people lived in the past.—These historians rely heavily on written evidence. About 5,000 years ago, some people in different parts of the world began to keep written records.—That marked the beginning of recorded history. Historians carefully study written evidence, such as letters, tax records, photographs, artwork or film. Historians are like detectives, they must evaluate the evidence and determine if it is reliable.—They try to find answers to questions. 7 Understanding Our Past

9. Historians Reconstruct The Past (Con’t) The main responsibilities of historians is to interpret the evidence and explain what it means.—The goal is to determine the causes and effects of events. By explaining why things happened in the past, the historian can help us understand what is going on today and what may happen tomorrow. 8 Understanding Our Past