Paleolithic and Neolithic ErasLisa M Lane

Lascaux Caves,France17,000 BC

Discovered 1940

Thought to be the oldest cave paintings until….

Chauvet Caves,France30,000 BC?

Discovered 1994

Competing theories

Jared Diamond: agriculture + pastoralism = settlements -> religionAcemoglu & Robinson: settlements + religion -> agriculture

The Goddess

Çatal Höyük7500-5700 BC

Venus of Willendorf ~24,000 BC

Lessons

1.New historical these frequently deny older historical theses, which changes the narrative of the past2.Archaeological evidence (and historical evidence) can be examined in different ways to fit into different narratives3.Life in Paleolithic and Neolithic times was likely more complex than we’ve been led to believe