• The Prehistoric Era covers the millions of years that passed before history or the beginning of human creation in the records of their lives and the world. • Fossils are any hardened remains of plants, animals, and humans. • Artifacts are any tools used by humans. • Biological Evolution • Out of Africa Theory - According to this theory, all modern humans (Homo Sapiens) around the world originated from the same place – Africa. • Civilization - This refers to a social organization with a complex and high standard of living. • The word civilization comes from the Latin civis which means "citizen of a city" • A community can be called a civilization if it has a prosperous lifestyle. • River valleys – The first civilizations of Asia began in river valleys. The land here is suitable for farming to grow crops and become a permanent residence. • Mesopotamia - This is the first civilization in the world. The name Mesopotamia comes from the Greek mesos and potamos. Called the Crade of Civilization. Here are the groups of people who lived in Mesopotamia: 1. Sumerian 2. Akkadian 3. Babylonians 4. Assyrian 5. Chaldeans • Tigris and Euphrates – twin rivers of Mesopotamia. Its fertile land allowed the Sumerian civilization to flourish • Ziggurat – temple and the largest building of the Sumerians. Ziggurat means "mountain of god" or "hill of heaven" • Cuneiform – ancient Sumerian writing system • Scribe – proficient in Cuneiform • Hammurabi's Code – one of the earliest written laws in history Indus Civilization • Indus and Ganges River – two rivers that allowed the rise of the Indus civilization • Mohenjo Daro and Harappa – The two most important cities in the Indus Civilization • Citadel – large building surrounded by smooth walls. Here is located a temple, public toilet, and granary or storage of rice grains • Drainage System – The Indus civilization had the first efficient drainage system in the world • Dravidian – The said indigenous people who lived in India • Aryans – A warrior group that originated in central Asia near the Caucasus mountains. The word Aryan comes from the Sanskrit language which means royalty. They also brought the said language to India. • Vedas- consist of four religious books: Rig Veda- Most important book of Vedas. Sama Veda – collection of melodies Yajur Veda – manual for performing rituals and collection of magic Atharva Veda – contains the beliefs and superstitions of the ancient Aryans • Caste System (Caste System) – System of social grouping of people in India. Remember: Due to the religion of Hinduism, the Caste system in India has become a universal law for the citizens of the country that cannot change. Therefore, if a Hindu belongs to the group of Sudras, he has no chance to develop himself because he will have to wait to be reborn in his next life to belong to a higher group. Therefore, many Sudras and untouchables are not satisfied with their lives. • Indian Empires: Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mogul Empire Chinese civilization • Dynasty - Translation from within their family or clan (A succession of rulers from the same family) • DYNASTIES OR DYNASTIES refers to the leadership of powerful family lines • Dynastic Cycle - This is a cycle of changing dynasties • Mandate of Heaven - Mandate of Heaven or Mandate ng Langit (Blessings of Heaven) A ruler appointed by heaven to rule and also called ANAK NG LANGIT or SON OF HEAVEN. The leadership that has the blessing of heaven and will be blessed with prosperity and order

​