Travels in time put flesh on forebears

Article Abstract:

Issues relating to our understanding of the lives of the early humans who laid the foundations of civilisations are examined in the light of the discoveries being made at Gobekli Tepe, an hilltop sanctuary in southern Turkey dating to 9500 BC. It is suggested that the first farmers may have tilled the land in the vicinity of Gobekli Tepe, and that the origin of agriculture is one of the two key turning points in the evolution of humans from ape-like hunter-gatherers to modern city dwellers.

Author: Mithen, Steven
Turkey, History, Influence, Human beings, Humans, Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Pictures in the mind

Article Abstract:

Work carried out on prehistoric societies has attracted the interest of evoluntionary psychologists, seeking to understand cognitive patterns of primitive peoples. Archaeologists are unable to question the people they study, but can extrapolate from artefacts and art forms such as cave paintings. These paintings represent an advance in terms of perception and social organization, since they represent the work in a framework which is both symbolic and has social aspects.

Author: Mithen, Steven
Analysis, Criticism and interpretation, Archaeology, Art, Prehistoric, Prehistoric art

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Clubbing cavemen really rock

Article Abstract:

An overview of the development of language, with particular attention paid to the form of language used by Neanderthals. It is contended that the form of language used by Neanderthals may have born little resemblance to language as it is used today, rather it may have more closely resembled singing, using body language, gesture, onomatopoeia and mimicry of animal noises to get its point across.

Author: Mithen, Steven
Natural history, Language and languages, Neanderthals, Neanderthal man

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Subjects list: Research
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.