History

The earliest period when stone tools were used, from about 1,000,000 to 10,000 BC. From the Greek meaning "old stone".

The shift beginning 10,000 years ago from hunter-gatherer societies to settled communities of farmers and artisans. Also called the Age of Agriculture, it witnessed the invention of farming, the domestication of plants and animals, and the development of technologies such as pottery and weaving. "Neolithic" comes from the Greek words for "new stone".

A form of human culture marked by urbanism, metallurgy, and writing.

A state ruled by religious leaders who claim to govern by divine authority.

Modern Iraq. The land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers where the first civilization appeared around 3000 BC.