The primeval epoch of mankind: the characteristic of the main periods

The primitive age of mankind is a period that lasted until the invention of writing. In the XIX century, he received a slightly different name - "prehistoric". If we do not delve into the meaning of this term, then it unites the entire entire time interval, beginning with the origin of the universe. But in a narrower sense, it is only about the past of a person's kind, which lasted until a certain period (it was mentioned above). If the media, scientists or other people use the word "prehistoric" in official sources, then the period in question is necessarily indicated.

Although the characterization of the primitive epoch was made by researchers in bitches for several centuries in a row, discovery of new facts concerning that time is still being made. Because of the lack of written language, people compare for this purpose the data of archaeological, biological, ethnographic, geographical and other sciences.

The development of the primitive epoch

During the development of mankind, various variants of the classification of prehistoric time were constantly offered. Historians Ferguson and Morgan divided the primitive society into several stages: savagery, barbarism and civilization. The primitive epoch of mankind, which includes the first two components, is divided into three periods:

• Wildness was characterized by equality of people. Residents were engaged in hunting, fishing and collecting ready-made food (berries, fruits, vegetables). The scientist Morgan has broken wildness for several periods. The lowest degree is characterized by the appearance of underdeveloped speech, the middle one - using fire in domestic life and fishing, and the higher one began with the invention of onions.
• In the period of barbarism, the population began to engage in agriculture for the first time, to breed cattle (the middle step). The appearance of pottery is the lowest step of this time. The higher one was marked by the first application of iron in the farm.
• At the stage of civilization, the first states, cities, letters, etc., were formed.

Stone Age

The primitive epoch received its periodization. We can distinguish the main stages, among which was the Stone Age. At this time, all weapons and objects for everyday life did, as you might guess, from the stone. Sometimes people used wood and bones in their work. Already closer to the end of the period appeared dishes made of clay. Thanks to the achievements of this century, the area of accommodation on the inhabited territories of the human planet has changed greatly, and it was as a result of it that human evolution began. It's about anthropogenesis, that is, the process of the emergence of intelligent beings on the planet. The end of the stone period was marked by domestication of wild animals and the beginning of smelting of some metals.

According to time intervals, the primitive epoch, to which this century belongs, was divided into stages:

• Paleolithic. It is divided into lower, middle and higher. This period is "responsible" for the emergence and distribution of human-like individuals.
• Mesolithic. Melting of glaciers; Technical progress is moving, the first scientific achievements appear.
• Neolithic. At this time, there is agriculture.

The Copper Age

The epochs of primitive society, having a chronological sequence, characterize the development and formation of life in different ways. In different territorial oblasts, the period lasted a different time (or did not exist at all). The Eneolithic could connect with the Bronze Age, although scientists still distinguish it in a separate period. The approximate time period is 3-4 thousand years BC. It is logical to assume that this primitive epoch was usually characterized by the use of copper devices. However, the stone from the "fashion" did not come out. Acquaintance with the new material was rather slow. People, finding it, thought it was a stone. The usual treatment at that time - blows with one piece about the other - did not give the usual effect, but still copper was deformed. When you introduced cold forging into your everyday life, work with her went better.

Bronze Age

This primitive era has become one of the main, according to some scholars. People learned to process some materials (tin, copper), due to which they achieved the appearance of bronze. Thanks to this invention, the collapse began at the end of the century, which occurred quite synchronously. It is about the destruction of human associations - civilizations. This led to the long formation of the Iron Age in a certain area and too long a continuation of the bronze. The last in the eastern part of the world continued a record number of decades. It ended with the advent of Greece and Rome. The age is divided into three periods: early, middle and late. In all these periods, the architecture of that time was actively developing. It was she who influenced the formation of religion and the world outlook of society.

The Iron Age

Considering the epochs of primitive history, one can come to the conclusion that the Iron Age was the last before the appearance of intelligent writing. Simply put, this century was provisionally divided into a separate one, as objects from iron appeared, they were widely used in all life spheres.

The fermentation of iron was a rather laborious process for that century. After all, it was impossible to obtain real material. This is due to the fact that it can easily be corroded and does not withstand many climatic changes. In order to get it from the ore, a much higher temperature was required than for bronze. And casting from iron was mastered through too long a period of time.

The emergence of power

Of course, the appearance of power did not wait. Leaders in society have always been, even when it comes to the primitive era. During this period, there were no institutions of power, there was no political dominance either. Social norms were given greater importance here. They invested in the customs, the "laws of life", traditions. Under the primitive system, all claims were explained in sign language, and their violations were punished with the help of an outcast from society.