Ep 3. Foraging in the Old Stone Age

The Big History of Civilizations season 1 episode 3, titled "Foraging in the Old Stone Age," explores the ways in which early humans survived during the Old Stone Age, a time period spanning from 2.6 million years ago to 12,000 BCE. During this time, humans were hunter-gatherers, relying on the resources around them to provide food, shelter, and survival.

The episode begins by examining the tools used by early humans during this time period. Stone tools, such as hand axes, scrapers, and blades, were essential for hunting and gathering. These tools allowed humans to cut meat, chop wood, and dig up roots and other plants. The episode goes on to discuss how humans had to adapt to their changing environment during this time period. As the climate shifted and landmasses shifted due to the ice age, humans were forced to migrate to new territories in search of resources.

The show then discusses the importance of social structures during the Old Stone Age. Humans lived in small groups, often consisting of extended families. These groups worked together to hunt for food and gather resources. The episode explores the ways in which early humans shared knowledge and passed down traditions through generations.

The importance of fire is also discussed during this episode. Early humans relied on fire for warmth, light, and cooking. The episode explains how fire allowed humans to cook their food, making it easier to digest and providing them with much-needed nutrients. Additionally, the warmth provided by fires allowed early humans to expand their territories and live in areas that would otherwise have been too cold to inhabit.

As the episode progresses, it explores how early humans coped with enemies, such as predators and rival tribes. The use of fire and stone tools as weapons played a significant role in ensuring the safety of early human groups.

The episode concludes by discussing the evolution of early human societies, including changes in behavior, culture, and societal structures. As humans continued to adapt to their environment, they developed new tools, new technologies, and new ways of thinking. These changes laid the foundation for the development of human civilizations as we know them today.

Overall, "Foraging in the Old Stone Age" provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of early humans. The episode explores the resourcefulness and adaptability of these ancient peoples, as well as the ways in which they worked together to survive. By the end of the episode, viewers will come away with a greater understanding of the challenges that early humans faced, and the ways in which they overcame them to become the dominant species on the planet.