Geography
and History
Chapter 1,
Section 1
Vocabulary
history:
n. written and other
recorded events of people
prehistory:
n. time before writing
was invented
archeologist:
n. a scientist who
examines objects to learn
about the human past
oral
traditions: n. stories
passed down by
word of mouth
geography:
n. the study of
Earth's surface and
the processes that
shape it
Objectives
Two
hikers found a man on a
mountain pass in the Alps on the
Italian-Austrian border.
Scientists
He
call him the Iceman.
was taken to a laboratory
for scientists to study.
Scientist
guessed that the Iceman
lived 5000 years ago in 3000 BC.
Scientist
believe he came from
a society skilled in sewing
because of his finely stitched
animal skins.
The
most important clue about
the Iceman is his axe.
His
axe left no doubt that he lived
after people had learned to use
copper.
Copper
was the first metal used
by Europeans.
The
story of the Iceman helps us
understand our past.
Understanding History
The
scientists curiosity about the
Iceman’s life was natural.
As
humans we are curious about
our backgrounds.
What
was life like around 15,000
years ago?
Before and After Writing
People
in Africa and southwest
Asia began to keep written
records of their lives about 5,000
years ago, after developing
systems of writing.
This
was the beginning of history
and the time before writing is
called prehistory.
Prehistory: Digging Up the
Past
Scientist
rely on clues to learn
about life in prehistoric times.
Archeologists
sift through camps
to find bones, tools, and other
objects.
Large spear points tell
archeologists that they hunted
bears.
Small spear points were for
birds and small animals.
History: A Record in Writing
Historians
use information from
archeologists as well as written
records of human life and
accomplishments to understand a
society; their wars, religions, and
rulers.
They
also use information provided
by other groups about that society.
A Record of the Spoken Word
Understanding History
Reading Check page 8
 Why
are historians interested in oral
traditions?

Oral traditions can provide information
about a society's way of life.
Linking Geography and History
Reading Check page 9
 Give
one example of geography's effect
on history.

The rich soil of the Nile River allowed
Egyptians to build a great civilization.
Section 1 Assessment

1. (a) What do scientist study to learn about
prehistory?


(b) What do we know about societies that leave
behind written records?


We know about their history, including their wars,
religion, and rulers.
(c) Analyze the clothes you wear and the things you
carry to school. What do they say about your life?


They study the remains of, and objects that belonged to
ancient people.
These items tell about students' interests, the kinds of
things that they do during the day, and even the
climate in which they live.
How does your story compare to the iceman's story?

The Iceman's clothing would reveal similar information
about his life.

2. (a) Name some examples of familiar
geographic features.




(b) How can geography help us to
understand history?


Climate- weather patterns
Landscape- mountains, water supply
Location
Studying geography can help clarify why
historical events happened the way they did.
(c) What effect has geography had on the
way people in your community live?



Limits where we can build
Conveniences - have to drive everywhere
Activities - play sports, fish, boating