Prehistoric: 12 Things to Know about the Neolithic Age

The Prehistoric series is about early humans, the world they lived in, and the lives they led. It spans the Paleolithic Era (the Old Stone Age) through the Iron Age; from about 3.3 million years ago to about 1,000 years ago; from when humans first used stone tools to just before they began writing their history. In broad strokes and vivid examples, the series describes where and how these early people lived, the tools they used, the challenges of everyday life, and the development of culture, art, religion, and civilizations. Each title includes a timeline of major events. In the final stage of the Stone Age, humansХ use of stone tools was coming to an end. People started farming, at different times in different places. Chapters cover how plants and animals were domesticated, how pottery production boomed, and how farming meant that people could settle down, stay put, and build great cities like Jericho. The first known plague victim dates from this era, and so do the earliest temples. Each chapter includes attention-grabbing photos and fascinating facts. Sidebars go deeper, and prompts invite readers to think for themselves. A Timeline of the Neolithic Era gives a big-picture view.