Geography and History Chapter 1, Section 1
Objectives
Vocabulary history: n. written and other recorded events of people
prehistory: n. time before writing was invented
archeologist: n. a scientist who examines objects to learn about the human past
oral traditions: n. stories passed down by word of mouth
geography: n. the study of Earth's surface and the processes that shape it
Two hikers found a man on a mountain pass in the Alps on the Italian-Austrian border.
Scientists call him the Iceman.
He was taken to a laboratory for scientists to study. Scientists guessed that the Iceman lived 5000 years ago in 3000 BC.
Scientists believe he came from a society skilled in sewing because of his finely stitched animal skins. The most important clue about the Iceman is his axe.
His axe left no doubt that he lived after people had learned to use copper.
Copper was the first metal used by Europeans.
The story of the Iceman helps us understand our past.
Understanding History
The scientists curiosity about the Iceman’s life was natural.
As humans we are curious about our backgrounds.
Before and After Writing People in Africa and southwest Asia began to keep written records of their lives about 5,000 years ago, after developing systems of writing.
This was the beginning of history and the time before writing is called prehistory. Prehistory: Digging Up the Past
Scientists rely on clues to learn about life in prehistoric times. Archeologists sift through camps to find bones, tools, and other objects. Large spear points tell archeologists that they hunted bears. Small spear points were for birds and small animals. History: A Record in Writing Historians use information from archeologists as well as written records of human life and accomplishments to understand a society; their wars, religions, and rulers.
They also use information provided by other groups about that society. A Record of the Spoken Word
The written records that were studied by historians were often started as oral traditions.
Oral traditions are stories passed down by word of mouth.
Families sometimes include oral traditions of their grandparent’s history.
They also tell stories about events and/or heroes from the past. Oral story telling is a good way to learn about a society even though it may not be completely true and the story might change over the years. Reading Check page 8
Why are historians interested in oral traditions?
Oral traditions can provide information about a society's way of life.
Linking Geography and History
Geography is the story of Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it. When historians need to know when events took place, they often turn to geography. Geography also includes features, climate, landscape, and location.
Knowing the connection between geography and history is often the key to understanding why events happened. The weather patterns, the water supply, and the landscape of a place all affect the lives of the people who live there. The Egyptian civilization was built on the banks of the Nile River.
They had good farming because the Nile flooded.
Some people were farmers and other people did other jobs. Reading Check page 9 Give one example of geography's effect on history.
The rich soil of the Nile River allowed Egyptians to build a great civilization.
Section 1 Assessment
1. (a) What do scientist study to learn about prehistory? They study the remains of, and objects that belonged to ancient people. (b) What do we know about societies that leave behind written records? We know about their history, including their wars, religion, and rulers.
(c) Analyze the clothes you wear and the things you carry to school. What do they say about your life? These items tell about students' interests, the kinds of things that they do during the day, and even the climate in which they live.
How does your story compare to the iceman's story? The Iceman's clothing would reveal similar information about his life.
2. (a) Name some examples of familiar geographic features.
Climate- weather patterns
Landscape- mountains, water supply
Location
(b) How can geography help us to understand history?
Studying geography can help clarify why historical events happened the way they did. (c) What effect has geography had on the way people in your community live?
Limits where we can build
Conveniences - have to drive everywhere
Activities - play sports, fish, boating