Ivan Z.

Mr. Dembek
Ancient Civilizations
Due on 9/2/22

Development of Complex Cultures

The Paleolithic societies' cultures developed during the span of the Ice Age and became increasingly sophisticated.
Artwork like paintings and monuments is one of the most crucial indicators of a complex civilization. Four French teenagers and
their dog made an amazing discovery in 1940. In southern France, the boys were investigating a cave close to Lascaux. They
were shocked to discover that the walls were covered in murals of horses, bison, bulls, and other extinct animals in the dim light
of their candles. Other paintings in the cave included either abstract or human forms. Later research revealed that the Lascaux
cave paintings originated some 16,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age. While most of the images were painted, some were
carved into the stone. The pigments used by the artists were created by pulverizing colored minerals. Along with Spain, other
parts of France have also been the location of even ancient cave paintings. There have also been numerous other areas of the
world where prehistoric people lived where examples of cave and rock art have been found. For instance, the Sahara, a sizable
desert in North Africa, is the location of the rock drawings displayed at the beginning of this chapter. Small statues were also
created by stone-age craftsmen. Many of these carvings feature animal depictions, just like the cave paintings. Others depict
pregnant women. These ancient artworks demonstrate that individuals in the Stone Age were capable of sophisticated intellect
and behavior.
Strong proof that the cultures of the Stone Age people developed over time can be seen in cave paintings and other
works of art. The emergence of religious activities and beliefs is another indication of a more sophisticated culture. These
customs frequently include burying the dead. There is ample proof, according to scientists, that people in the Ice Age buried their
dead. Two children's bodies were discovered in a grave in modern-day Russia, a boy who was around 13 years old and a girl who
was about 8 years old. Thousands of ivory beads were used to cover both kids. The child had an ivory pendant in the form of an
animal on his chest. The young woman wore an ivory brooch and a beaded hat. Discoveries like cave paintings, statues, and
burial grounds may provide insight into how early humans responded to what they perceived as strong and enigmatic forces.
These ceremonies and symbols played a significant role in early society. They reveal deeper meanings of the natural and social
environment that go beyond just survival.
Humans had spread over the regions of the globe by the end of the Paleolithic Era. They had learnt to create a wide
range of tools and weapons as well as adapt to various settings and a complicated spoken language. However, their lives had
remained much the same in many crucial aspects. They continued to be hunter-gatherers who followed the herds of animals that
were essential to their survival. Then, starting as early as 18,000 years ago, people started to gradually develop a new ability that
eventually altered the way they lived. Some societies relied on farming for sustenance as early as 10,000–9,000 years ago. With
this change, the Paleolithic Era came to an end and the Neolithic Era, often known as the New Stone Age, began. Temperatures
rose at this time, and the way it rained also altered. The vast glaciers that had formerly blanketed the Earth started to recede.
Ocean levels increased as a result of the glaciers' ice melting. Others discovered how to alter or transform their environment to
produce more food. For instance, individuals burned down bushes and trees to clean the area. The regrown grasses attracted
grazing animals like deer. People would have also seen that the next year, fresh plants would sprout where seeds were left on the
ground. They were able to foster the establishment of wild food plants as a result of their discoveries.

Resources and Information found in savvasrealize.com, CA World History: myWorld Interactive

Ancient Civilizations