People of the Past

Book excerpt: This book tells the human story from the origins of humankind to the end of the Stone Age around 2000 BC. It explores our links with other primates and examines theories of evolution, the beginnings of language, the rise of art and religion, and the global expansion that precipitated remarkable adaption and diversity. Then follows a survey of the revolutionary upheaval associated with the development of agriculture - a story of dramatic climate change, the domestication of plants and animals, massive population increase, the founding of urban centres, and long-distance trade networks. This momemtous transition is followed from Europe to the highlands of New Guinea and lowland Maya farmers, from Africa to Asia and the New World.