Module 1: Neolithic Revolution and the Birth of Civilization

Civilizations are societies that rely on sedentary agriculture, develop social stratification and economic specialization, and create populations that are sufficient to support urban life. However, such civilizations have only existed for the last 9,000 years—a tiny fraction of the time that the human species has inhabited the earth.

In this unit, we will begin by defining what civilization means and by understanding the early stages of civilization that emerged during the Paleolithic Era (2.5 million years ago). Secondly, we will examine the transition from hunter-gatherer groups to sedentary agricultural communities during the Neolithic Age—one of the first great transformations of human society.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 7.5 hours to complete.

Section 1.1 What is Civilization?: 2.5 hours
Section 1.2 Origins of Neolithic Man: 1.5 hours
Section 1.3 The Development of the Neolithic Age: 2 hours
Section 1.4 The Development of Early Towns: 1 hour
Section 1.5 Module 1 Quiz: 0.5 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Identify the meaning and nature of “Civilization.”
Describe the evolution of Palaeolithic and Neolithic societies.
Assess the importance of plant and animal domestication.
Trace the origins of sedentary farming societies.

Section 1.1 What Is Civilization?

Please read “The Invention and Diffusion of Civilization” in order to get an overview of the emergence of the earliest civilizations.

Invention and Diffusion of Civilization

Please read “What is Civilization?” to get a sense of the definition of “civilization.” This will be a key term in this unit, and also throughout the course.

What is Civilization?

Questions will open up in a new tab or window. Answers will open in the same new tab or window, with a link back to the Questions. Please close the new tab/window when you are finished with it.

Question & Answer

Section 1.2 Origins of Neolithic Man

Please read “The Origin of Civilization. Pay special attention to “The Consequences of Agriculture”.

“The Origin of Civilization”

Please watch the entirety of the two videos (approximately 10 minutes each) to get a good overview of the Neolithic Revolution.

The Neolithic Revolution:” Part I

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The Neolithic Revolution:” Part II

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Question & Answer

Section 1.3 The Development of the Neolithic Age

Please read these nine selections from "A Comprehensive Outline of World History" in order to understand how early human societies developed differently on each continent. This online text was developed by Jack E. Maxfield for use in World History courses and is part of the Community College Open Textbook initiative.

Jack E. Maxfield’s "A Comprehensive Outline of World History"

	Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	Africa: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	The Near East: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	Europe: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	Central and Northern Asia: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	The Indian Subcontinent: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	The Far East: Beginning to 8000 B.C.
	The Pacific: Beginning to 8000 B.C
	The Americas: Beginning to 8000 B.C

Section 1.4 The Development of Early Towns

Please read the entirety of this lecture to learn about the origin and spread of Neolithic towns—one of the key features of “civilization.”

Steve Muhlberger’s “Catal Huyuk: Early Agriculture and Early Cities”
Question & Answer

Section 1.5 Quiz

Please take the assigned quiz and submit for grading. This quiz pertains to Chapter 1 of the textbook World Civilizations: The Global Experience, published by Pearson Education, who offers free use of its student and teacher online resources for World History courses.

Module 1 Quiz