Prehistoric Humans

From reading the three assigned articles about the invention and use of fire, the wheel, and also the invention of writing, I have gained knowledge about where these inventions came from. Scientists strongly suggest that fire could have been used from as far back as 230,000 years ago, even though its uses were modified throughout time fire was already being handled by humans. There is evidence that fire existed as far back as 1.5 million years ago, but most researchers believe that this existence of fire was not purposely created by humans, but may have been Mother Nature’s doing. About 125,000 years back, fire became a common thing. Humans began not only controlling fire but also using it to their advantages for things such as keeping them warm and also using it to cook their foods. The creation of the wheel, even though no one person was credited for it, was thought to have been created about 4000-3500 BC in Mesopotamia or even Asia. Unlike fire, the wheel was a more thought out process that man went through when putting it to use. Humans began to understand that by using a round object (the wheel) along with a flat surface on top which they referred to as a sledge they would be able to transport goods more quickly and efficiently from one place to another. Hence, this also helped them with making money since they were able to trade with other’s at a quicker rate. Even though this invention must have taken time to modify so it would work the way they wanted to, by using the wheel and horses they created a mode of transportation not only for goods but also for themselves, making life easier by using their knowledge. Writing was another invention that was very helpful to the human race. The Sumerians invented Cuneiform which was a form of writing where pictographs (pictures used to represent words) were used. The invention of writing was essential for humans so that they would not only be able to communicate, but also keep records of their belongings, their crops, and also their knowledge. As a pre-teaching intern I believe it’s important for us to have the foundation of knowing where these everyday objects we use come from. How can someone teaching writing to another person without knowing where and why it came to be? It’s imperative to be knowledgeable of how people in ancient history evolved and used these inventions to survive and also teach to the generations that came after them.