Life ina cave Many activities were carried out in the open air during daytime. Cave entrances were covered by stonesand branches for protection against the cold and rain, Life in the Palaeolithic Age The first human beings lived from hunting, fishing and gathering wild fruit. They hunted mammoths, bears, elephants, deer, bison and other animals They used their meat for food and their skins for clothes. They were nomadic: they did not live in a fixed place They followed the animals they hunted, and searched for places where water, food and shelter were available They lived outdoors, in caves, or in wood huts. They were organised in small tribes, made up of members of the same family. Palacolithic means Stone Age. Men and women made tools and objects of stone. They used them to hunt and cut animals’ skins and meat Fire was discovered about half a million years ago. It was an extremely important discovery. Early human beings used fire to heat their caves, cook food and drive wild animals away. A stone instrument for hunting Activity 1. Answer these questions. ‘a, How did humans spend their time during the Palaeolithic Age? b. Whyis fire one of the most important discoveries in the history of humanity? ¢. How did people make their stone tools? 2Mammoths are the ancestors of elephants. They became extinct million years ago. Why did this happen? Scientists used to think it was due to climate change: the weather became hotter and mammoths could not adapt. However, other scientists have discovered that mammoths disappeared gradually, as the land became populated by humans. Was the extinction of Mammoth hunting mammoths caused by hunting? Rites and beliefs Our ancestors believed in supernatural forces which helped them in hunting or when giving birth. They also thought these divinities caused disease and death. That is why they had different rites to ask these divinities for help. They buried the dead, but itis not clear why. It could be to remember them, or because they believed in an afterlife. They also buried weapons, jewellery, and food with the bodies. Activities 4. Think. Did humans have an impact on the environment during the Palaeolithic Age? 2. Investigate, Look for information on other species which have become extinct like mammoths. There is information at www.bluelion.org, Why has this happened? A prehistoric burial Is itstill happening today? (Geldalis alicia ware buried ants tesbadlon