The Neolithic Revolution

Economy played a very major role in the Neolithic Revolution. Everything that came out of the Neolithic era originated from food production. In the Paleolithic era food was hunter or scavenged in a certain area. When the food supply ran out the band was forced to move on. With the development of agriculture prehistoric man had a more steady food source and could stay in one place and build a better way of life. 

    Another major thing that happened was an increase in population. During the Paleolithic era people moved about in bands of 40 to 60 people. With a steadier food supply more people could live together. Also not everyone had to be a farmer so people became artisans. These people provided many different products and services.

    Another major change during the Neolithic revolution was housing. During the Paleolithic era housing had to be transportable. People had crude tents or lean-tos. When prehistoric man built stationary settlements houses could be much more sophisticated. Most built mud brick or log houses. These better houses could shelter people better in inclement weather and could house more people, animals, and possessions. 

    Tools changed significantly from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era. In the Paleothic era people had crude stone or wood tools. They also could not have many because they had to move around so much. During the Neolithic era, not only had tool sciences improved but also people could have more of them. Plus tools could also be made of other things besides stone and wood. Many were made from an alloy called bronze.

    Division of labor and social organization changed dramatically from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic eras. During Paleolithic times there was little or no variance in the class of people. Men hunted and women scavenged and took care of the children. Then, during the Neolithic era there was a much greater variance in the class of citizens. Also, there was a steady food source so women did not have to works as much in producing food. 

Government and Military were major parts of the Neolithic era. Tribes in the Paleolithic era were most likely governed bye the eldest male and the protection was provided by the hunters. During the Neolithic revolution there was a greater need for leadership so a priest or king presided over an entire city. There was also a greater need for protection so the leader of a city would hire very specialized soldiers to provide this protection. The soldiers also had much better weapons then did the hunters of the Paleolithic era.

The Neolithic Revolution was a starting point for all modern civilization. Many of their technology, while more refined, are still used today. Many of their small villages grew into cities still in existence today. And finally many of their beliefs are still practice and respected today.