lecture slides

1. Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras
Lisa M Lane

2. Lascaux Caves,
France
17,000 BC
Discovered 1940
Thought to be the oldest cave
paintings until….

3. Chauvet Caves,
France
30,000 BC?
Discovered 1994

4. Competing theories
Jared Diamond: agriculture + pastoralism = settlements -> religion
Acemoglu & Robinson: settlements + religion -> agriculture

5. The Goddess
Çatal Höyük
7500-5700 BC
Venus of Willendorf ~24,000 BC

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

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