Lecture 2 The Prehistorical Period of The Continent

L3- étude de textes de civilisation- Dr.
Ibtissam BENTALEB
Lecture 2 : The Prehistorical Period of the Continent

Prerequisites :
 Archeaology : the study of the buildings, graves, tools, and other objects that belonged
to people who lived in the past, in order to learn about their culture and society.
 Fossils : the geologically altered remains of a once-living organism and/or its

behaviour.
 Palaeoanthropology : the study of human fossils.
 Prehistorical period : the period before written records, including the Neolothic
revolution, Neanderthals and Denisovans, the Stone age, the Ice Age ect.
1. The History of Humankind

Among the most important incomes of studying history is the ability to define one’s
identity and the developmental stages it went through. One of the major topics of discussion
is the successive stages of the peopling of our planet. Archaeoloy, among other sciences,
and for the most part, is used to reveal significant details of the history of humanity.
1.1.The Prehistorical period of Mankind
Lasting approximately 2 to 3 million years, the prehistoric period marked the emergence
of early humans. Archaeologists and paleontologists have identified Africa as the primary
location for the earliest human ancestors. While fossils have also been discovered in regions
like America, Asia, and Europe, scientists generally agree that these finds do not belong to the
direct lineage of modern humans. This conclusion is largely based on distinct evolutionary
traits, including dental structure, skeletal features, skull morphology, and the brain size.
1.2. Africa the Cradle of Mankind
Material evidence, including fossils, stone tools, and ancient habitations, has been
extensively found in Africa, dating back to the earliest periods of human history. These
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L3- étude de textes de civilisation- Dr. Ibtissam BENTALEB
discoveries resulted from both natural processes and human activity. Among the most
significant findings are:
1.2.1. Fossil Evidence
Dating back to about 200,000 years ago, a large number of fossil evidence composed
mainly of ancient bones have been found mostly in eastern and southern Africa,Ethiopia,
and Kenya (See Fig. 1). These discoveries were revealed due to weathering, such as strong
winds and rain, or geological processes, including earthquakes. Besides, human
intervention, like mining and digging, has also been a vital factor.
Figure 1 : The first anatomically modern human skull found in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia
and dated to about 160,000 years old
Source : www.AfricanWorldHeritageSites.org
Giving their diverse features, these fossil evidence have raised several quetions arguing over
the true ancestors of humankind, particularly in distinguishing early hominins from apes,
gorillas, and chimpanzees. It is strongly believed that the first and closest true ancestors of
mankind appeared around 2.4 million years ago, composing of both Homo Habilis and Homo
Rudelfensis. Among these, Homo rudolfensis is often considered the closer relative, notable
for its larger body size, shorter arms, and greater brain capacity.
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While the relationships of Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis to modern humans
continue to spark debate among researchers, Homo sapiens enjoy a more solid and widespread
consensus regarding its direct connection to humankind. As the species from which all
contemporary humans descend, Homo sapiens are characterized by a combination of advanced
cognitive abilities, complex social structures, and sophisticated tool use.
1.2.2. Stone Tool Kits

Stone tool kits are vital pieces of evidence that affirm Africa's role as the cradle of
humankind. Dating back millions of years, these tools showcase the technological
advancements and adaptability of early humans. The variety of stone tools discovered at
numerous African sites reflects the cognitive and practical abilities of our ancestors,
emphasizing their skills in hunting, gathering, and food processing. These archaeological finds
not only shed light on the everyday lives of early hominins but also underscore Africa's
significance in the development of human culture and society.
The earliest known stone tools were found at the site of Gona in Ethiopia and were dated to
2.6 million years ago. The discovery belonged to a tool technology known as the Oldowan (See
Fig. 2), so called because the first examples were found more than 80 years ago at Olduvai
Gorge in Tanzania by famous paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey.
Figure 2 : Oldowan Chopper
Source : www.bradshawfoundation.com
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1.2.3. Archaeological Site
The oldest archaeological site in northern Tanzania is Olduvai Gorge (See Fig. 3), which
encompasses an extraordinary timeline ranging from approximately 2.1 million years ago to
about 15,000 years ago. This site is renowned for its rich deposits that have provided invaluable
insights into early human evolution. Olduvai Gorge has yielded numerous fossils of early
hominins, including Homo habilis and Homo erectus, along with a variety of stone tools and
artifacts that illustrate the technological advancements of our ancestors.
Figure 3 : Olduvai Gorge
Source : www.worldatlas.com
Based on these findings, professor Pedro Nonell, among others, assures that Africa is "the
Cradle of Makind". Nonell argues that from 6 million years ago, three (3) authentic revolutions
of mankind have occured in Africa leading to who we are, the Homo Sapiens.

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L3- étude de textes de civilisation- Dr.

Lecture 2 : The Prehistorical Period of the Continent

 Fossils : the geologically altered remains of a once-living organism and/or its

 Palaeoanthropology : the study of human fossils.

1. The History of Humankind

1.1.The Prehistorical period of Mankind

1.2. Africa the Cradle of Mankind

significant findings are:

1.2.1. Fossil Evidence

winds and rain, or geological processes, including earthquakes. Besides, human

and dated to about 160,000 years old

contemporary humans descend, Homo sapiens are characterized by a combination of advanced

cognitive abilities, complex social structures, and sophisticated tool use.

1.2.2. Stone Tool Kits

significance in the development of human culture and society.

Gorge in Tanzania by famous paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey.

Figure 2 : Oldowan Chopper

1.2.3. Archaeological Site

artifacts that illustrate the technological advancements of our ancestors.

Figure 3 : Olduvai Gorge

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