Homo Erectus Colonization in Europe

Geoarchaeologists working on the coast of the North Sea of Britain at Pakefield in Suffolk, England have discovered artifacts suggesting that our human ancestor Homo erectus arrived in northern Europe much earlier than previously thought. Homo Erectus in England According to an article published in Nature on December 15, 2005, an international team led by Simon Parfitt of the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain  (AHOB) project has discovered 32 pieces of black flint debitage, including a core and retouched flake, in alluvial sediments dated to about 700,000 years ago. These artifacts represent the debris created by flintknapping, the manufacture of a stone tool, possibly for butchering purposes. The flint chips were recovered from four separate places within the channel fill deposits of a stream bed which in-filled during the inter-glacial period of the Early Pleistocene. This means that the artifacts were what archaeologists call out of primary context. In other words, fill in stream channels comes from soils moved downstream from other places. The occupation site—the site where the flintknapping took place—may be just a little upstream, or quite a ways upstream, or may, in fact, have been completely destroyed by movements o f the stream bed. Nevertheless, the location of the artifacts in this old channel bed does mean that the artifacts must be at least as old as the channel fill; or, according to researchers, at least 700,000 years ago. The Oldest Homo Erectus The oldest known Homo erectus site outside of Africa is Dmanisi, in the Republic of Georgia, dated to approximately 1.6 million years ago. Gran Dolina in the Atapuerca valley of Spain includes evidence of Homo erectus at 780,000 years ago. But the earliest known Homo erectus site in England prior to the discoveries at Pakefield is Boxgrove, only 500,000 years old. The Artifacts The artifact assemblage, or rather assemblages since they were in four separate areas, include a core fragment with several hard-hammer percussion flakes removed from it and a retouched flake. A core fragment is the term used by archaeologists to mean the original hunk of stone from which flakes were removed. Hard hammer means the flintknappers used a rock to bang on the core to get flattish, sharp-edged chips called flakes. Flakes produced in this manner may be used as tools, and a retouched flake is a flake that shows evidence of this use. The rest of the artifacts are unretouched flakes. The tool assemblage is probably not Acheulean, which includes handaxes, but is characterized in the article as Mode 1. Mode 1 is a very old, simple technology of flakes, pebble tools, and choppers made with hard hammer percussion. Implications Since at the time England was connected to Eurasia by a land bridge, the Pakefield artifacts dont imply that Homo erectus needed boats to get to the North Sea coastline. Neither does it imply that Homo erectus originated in Europe; the oldest Homo erectus are found at Koobi Fora, in Kenya, where a long history of earlier hominin ancestors is also known. Interestingly, the artifacts from the Pakefield site also do not imply that Homo erectus adapted to a cooler, chillier climate; during the time period in which the artifacts were deposited, the climate in Suffolk was balmier, closer to the Mediterranean climate traditionally considered the climate of choice for Homo erectus. Homo erectus or heidelbergensis? The Nature article merely says early man, referring to either Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis. Basically, H. heidelbergensis is still very enigmatic, but may be a transitional stage between H. erectus and modern humans or a separate species. There are no hominid remains recovered from Pakefield as of yet, so the people who lived at Pakefield may have been either one. Resources and Further Reading Parfitt, Simon L. The earliest record of human activity in northern Europe. Nature 438, Renà © W. Barendregt, Marzia Breda, et al., Nature, December 14, 2005. Roebroeks, Wil. Life on the Costa del Cromer. Nature 438, Nature, December 14, 2005. An unsigned article in British Archaeology titled Hunting for the first humans in Britain and dated 2003 describes the work of AHOB. The December 2005 issue of British Archaeology has an article on the findings. Thanks to members of BritArch for their additions.

The Dual Legacies Of Discrimination Against Ethnic...

movement. The dual legacies of discrimination against ethnic minorities and the country’s uneven economic development have created strong support in non-Persian areas for political reform. During recent presidential elections, the non-Persian electorate tilted heavily toward the reformist wing. Support for democratic political change among Iran’s ethnic minorities is likely to persist so long as the country’s periphery remains an economic backwater. Although the Iranian economy has been growing, the symptoms of underdevelopment remain acute in Iran’s ethnic enclaves. Discrimination, compounded by poor economic conditions, could motivate ethnic groups to challenge the Iranian government in the future. A combination of state-sponsored suppression of Azeri sentiment (during the Pahlavi rule) and a massive integration movement toward the Iranian mainstream (under the Islamic regime) has prevented the rise of ethnic nationalism in the northwest. As a result, th ere has been the crystallization of an overarching sense of Iranian nationalism, which has been skillfully manipulated and intertwined with allegiance to the tenets of Shi‘i Islam, which makes a universal devotion to Iranian national identity possible. The bloody past with the Arabs, Iran’s historic enemy, cemented the feeling of Iranian Iran Ethnic Conflicts 10 nationalism that was able to overshadow ethnic nationalism across the nascent Islamic Republic. Iranian ethnic groups united in the face of an Arab invasionShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesHistory Eric Sandweiss, St. Louis: The Evolution of an American Urban Landscape Sam Wineburg, Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past Sharon Hartman Strom, Political Woman: Florence Luscomb and the Legacy of Radical Reform Michael Adas, ed., Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in Ancient and Classical History Jack Metzgar, Striking Steel: Solidarity Remembered Janis Appier, Policing Women: The Sexual Politics of Law Enforcement and the LAPD AllenRead MoreGsk Annual Report 2010135604 Words   |  543 Pageslive longer GlaxoSmithKline Annual Report 2010 Contents Business review P08–P57 Governance and remuneration P58–P101 Financial statements P102–P191 Shareholder information P192–P212 Business review 2010 Performance overview Research and development Pipeline summary Products, competition and intellectual property Regulation Manufacturing and supply World market GSK sales performance Segment reviews Responsible business Financial review 2010 Financial position and resources Financial reviewRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 PagesCongress Subject Headings: Principles and Application, Fourth Edition Lois Mai Chan Developing Library and Information Center Collections, Fifth Edition G. Edward Evans and Margaret Zarnosky Saponaro Metadata and Its Impact on Libraries Sheila S. Intner, Susan S. Lazinger, and Jean Weihs Organizing Audiovisual and Electronic Resources for Access: A Cataloging Guide, Second Edition Ingrid Hsieh-Yee Introduction to Cataloging and Classification, Tenth Edition Arlene G. Taylor LIbRaRy and InfoRMaTIonRead MoreMarketing Management 14th Edition Test Bank Kotler Test Bank173911 Words   |  696 Pagesis the process of aggressive selling and promotion to encourage the purchase of products that might otherwise be unsought by the consumer Answer: C Page Ref: 5 Objective: 2 Difficulty: Easy 5) ________ goods constitute the bulk of most countries production and marketing efforts. A) Durable B) Impulse C) Physical D) Luxury E) Intangible Answer: C Page Ref: 5 Objective: 2 Difficulty: Easy 6) As economies advance, a growing proportion of their activities focuses on the production

Study Questions free essay sample

Answer each question fully. Complete sentences are not necessary, but some questions may require more than one sentence to answer them fully. Lesson 1 (4. 0 points) 1. What is the best method for touch typing using a QWERTY keyboard? (1. 0 points)home row method. 2. Which two keys can delete text when theyre pressed? (1. 0 points)Backspace and delete. 3. What are at least two things you can do to improve your keyboarding skills? (2. 0 points)Practice frequently, and make sure your fingers type the right keys theyre assigned to. Lesson 2 (5. 0 points) 1. What is freeware? (1. 0 points)A software that you dont have to pay to use. 2. Writer is what type of software program? (1. 0 points)Open Office 3. Where does a file extension appear? (1. 0 points)At the end of the file name. 4. What is the file extension of a Writer file? (1. 0 points)odt. 5. On an envelope, where should you put the return address? (1. 0 points)Upper left corner. Lesson 3 (5. God’s purpose was deliberate not a byproduct. His purpose was to provide a place for man. Whereas, the Babylonian version has depicted that man was created to serve them. God is depicted to be magnanimous and the Babylonian gods to be greedy and selfish. The similarities between the two presentations of the cosmic beginnings are thus; the world and man were created. The J account is similar in order of creation to that of the Babylonian. 3. ) What levels of meaning can be found in Genesis 2. 4-3. 24? The levels of meaning that can be discerned from Genesis 2. 4-3. 24 are the origins of how and from what man was created. Upon creation of man God establishes the hierarchy (God/man/animals). The verses tell of how man was lonely and God created woman. Outlined is the bond between man and woman and what the expectations are of a husband and wife at the time of entering marriage. Reflected upon are the concepts of sin, temptation, choice, and good versus evil. The passages also bring to light the subjects of disobedience and consequences for one’s actions. Also, revealed in the text is the location of the Garden of Eden. The rivers named provide landmarks and a geological location. Once again, God’s might is established by His actions to create life and establish laws that govern man. 4. )Compare the two accounts of creation in Genesis 1-3. What are the differences in order, style and vocabulary? In the two comparisons of creation depicted in Genesis 1-3 there are several accounts that differentiate. P is written in a manner that tells all of creation step by step and how God did it. P focuses on God being omniscient and creation. J is written in a folklore manner. It focuses on the human view of creation, mainly, the moral and psychological aspects. P shows God in a celestial view, whereas J shows Him to be more human and fallible, that man’s relationship with God is troubled. The sequence of creation differs also. P is written in a manner that supports one part was created to support another part, to sustain life. However, J‘s cornerstone of creation is that one aspect was created because of the other (i. e. , man, animals, then woman). The wording of J and P are altered also. P refers to the Almighty’s name as God. J lists his name as YHWH and refers to Him as the Lord God. J also reverses phrases which changes the focus and therefore making the phrase and meaning more down-to-earth. 5. )How did the biblical writers make use of ancient Near Eastern mythology in their accounts of creation? The biblical writers made use of ancient Near Eastern mythology in several ways. The mythology/fables of the ancient text are often aligned with that of the biblical scripture. However, the text of the two sources also conflict. Both accounts of creations give contribute to a deity. Ancient mythology gives credit to gods and goddesses who are often written to be in battle or conflict and the end result is creation, whereas, Biblical writers give all credit to God. The theologies, mythology, and biblical accounts, give explanations that begin with contingent events that make creation its outcome. Both accounts characterize chaos before the creation. The two versions agree on the chronological order of creation. The Sabbath day is original to Biblical text even through its origins are obscure. There has been no distinct text for Near Eastern mythology that contradicts the Biblical tale. Chapter 4 1. )What are the data that led scholars to arrive at the Documentary Hypothesis? How does the Documentary Hypothesis explain this data? The argument over the material that is comprised of the first five books of the Bible and that Moses was the author is speculated to be hypothetical. The data that led scholars to arrive at the Documentary Hypothesis points out that there is no evidentiary support or documentation to back up the information claimed in the first five books. The Documentary Hypothesis includes repetition, shows similarities, reflects inconsistences, and denotes contradictions. The data that supports the Documentary Hypothesis are four source documents, called J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomic), and P (Priestly). The main inconsistency that gives rise to the isolation of different sources of Genesis was the deviation of God’s name before the time of Moses. This enabled scholars to identify the other characteristics and single them out. 2. )What are the principle characteristics and themes of the four documents or sources? The principal characteristic of the J source are that it has anthropomorphic ways. God appears to be friendly and forth coming towards man. The main theme found is the ternary promise made to Abraham of land, descendants, and blessings. J source is considered to be the greatest of all the sources because it can be read almost continuously in its narrative. The primary characteristic found in the E source is that God is referred to as being remote. His contact with man is made through their dreams or by divine messengers. E source has a convoluted theme due to its fragmented nature. The third source, D, has a primary characteristic that reflects contradiction. For the name of the mountain of revelation it lists Horeb instead of Sinai. This source’s theme is the emphasis on prophecy. The last of the four documents is P. This document implies that God is absolute but remote. He does not appear, but is referred to manifest in his â€Å"glory†. P’s theme places emphasis on religious observance and rituals. Also, it outlines dietary concerns and the practice of circumcision. 3. )What are the principle themes of the J and P sources of Genesis 4-11? How do they differ, and how are they similar? The main themes that can be discerned from Genesis 4-11 from the J and P sources are that the J source is the threefold promise made to Abraham of land, descendants, and blessings, whereas the P source’s theme is the emphasis on prophecy, but includes genealogy, numbers, dates and laws. The difference between J source and the P source is that they portray God in opposite spectrums. J shows God to be â€Å"humanlike† in his ways. P source implies that God is absolute but remote. He does not appear at all. While J reveals the covenant with Abraham, P has a series of covenants. The sources are also differentiated by their accounts of creation. The chronological sequence differs. J portrays the event from folklore like perspective. P tells that the event happened in a grand sequence. The sources are similar in the aspect that they lay foundations. J relates to the origins of mankind. P has the order and system by which we identify religious rites and observances. Both sources list genealogies and accounts of the flood. . )How are these themes connected with the accounts of creation in Genesis 1-3? The J and P sources are connected with the accounts of creation in Genesis 1-3 by the following themes; the condition of the world before creation, the sequence of creation, the manner of creation, and how God is viewed. In either version, P or J, it explains how the Almighty creates a world and brings to life its inha bitants from complete and utter chaos. Both chronicles, even though they differ in the order, show how God is responsible for the creation and that He is the top of the hierarchy. The manner in which He created either by word or act, still reflects back to show that He is all powerful. J relates to the origins of mankind. P relates to the law. In Genesis 1-3, God is setting the stage of how he wants man to view Him, He is absolute, and what laws/rituals He wants man to follow. P and J vastly differ on how God is viewed. One account shows Him as transcendent, the other as more human. Either way they reflect Him as the one and only God. Chapter 5 1. )What are the principle themes of J, E, and P in Genesis 12-50? The principal theme for J in Genesis 12-50 is the three-fold promise of land, decedents, and blessings. The theme for E is that is places importance on the land (sanctuary) for Abraham and is decedents. The theme for the P source shows the progression history through the genealogy of Abraham’s line. All themes are tied together by the primary promise which is back by evidentiary support from the other verses. God continuously blesses Abraham and his descendants as long as they follow His commands and the Lord stays pleased with them. God blesses Abraham with sons. Each of those sons, Ishmael and Isaac, he creates nations from both. Ishmael begot the twelve tribes and Isaac begot the decedents of the land of Israel, hence, the birth of the Muslims and the Jews. 2. )Does the Documentary Hypothesis fully explain the questions of similar stories in Genesis 12-50? Why or why not? The Documentary Hypothesis is only able to explain partially why the stories are similar. Formed criticism gives credence to the why of the Documentary Hypothesis with its explanation of an etiological narrative. The passages of Genesis 12-50 strive to define Abraham’s geology, the geographical location in which it took place, and establish religious customs. However, the reason it does not fully explain why the stories are similar/repetitious can be accredited to the tribes that were closely associated with Abraham and his sons, but not in close communication with one another and did not ally until later. Another reason given was the fact that it may have been done to reiterate the preservation of traditions, and methods of how they were passed from generation to generation. 3. )What kinds of analysis can be used to further understanding of these passages and their relationships to each other? The passages of Genesis 12-50 are passages that center on the patriarchs, matriarchs, and their offspring. The verses tell through Abraham and his descendants the blessings of God and His plan for his people. It reflects that God is in communication with His chosen. The analysis of the passages shows two themes that occur. The first theme is God’s plan being realized by testing and guiding His followers. Then end result was the establishment of Israel. The second theme that is brought to light is of exile and return. This theme is important and plays a role throughout the Bible. It depicts the Lord’s displeasure with man’s disobedience. It also gives insight to the trials and tribulations one must endure to become closer to God. 4. )How do the passages contribute to the larger narrative of genesis? The passages of Genesis 12-50 contribute to the larger narrative of Genesis due to the interaction between God and man. The verses reveal that God has a plan. He keeps His promises, and He communicates with man. In Genesis 1-3 God lays the foundation of the world. As the chapters unfold God’s plan is revealed. The scripture of Genesis 12-50 tells disobedience by man and the resulting consequence of expulsion. This reiterates the disobedience and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Also, they reflect that when His chosen do as He asks He favors them and gives them guidance. The passages show different methods of how God can commune with us. Genesis 12-50 shows that He appeared in dreams, divine deity’s, and directly. 5. )Discuss the importance of the Ugaritic texts for understanding both the ancestral narratives and the religion of the ancestors. The Ugaritic texts give us insight into the Canaanite religion. The text is told in epic tales and myths. The Ugaritic text is important because it sheds light on the surroundings, ways of life, and practices that took place during the era in which the Hebrew Bible was written. The discovery of the text enlightened scholars to the religion of ancient Israel. What was known of the Canaanite religion at the time of discovery was vastly transformed. An example of the similarities between the text and the Hebrew Bible is the procedure of circumcisions which reflects the writings and commands of God. In the text Yahweh refers to himself as El. , which was the Canaanite God of Abraham and his descendants. 6. )Discuss the theme of the exile and return in the book of Genesis. The theme of exile and return in the book of Genesis is first set in Genesis 1-11 with the expulsion of man from the Garden of Eden. It plays a significant role throughout the following chapters. In Genesis 12-50 the exile and return lead up to the climatic Exodus with Moses. The theme of exile and return is a recurrent subject matter between the geographical sites of Egypt, Israel, and Mesopotamia. On a grander scale, the theme of exile and return in the book of Genesis is setting the stage for God’s plan to set His people free from oppression and to the promise land through Moses. One point of view shows that exile and return as a consequence of action. Another view is that it is a necessary sufferance to bring about God’s plan.