A prehistory of the north : human settlement of the higher latitudes / John F. Hoffecker.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hoffecker, John F.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Neanderthals--Arctic regions.

Neanderthals.

Prehistoric peoples--Arctic regions.

Prehistoric peoples.

Human beings--Arctic regions--Migrations.

Human beings.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (245 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Brunswick, N.J. ; London : Rutgers University Press, c2005.

Summary:

Early humans did not simply drift northward from their African origins as their abilities to cope with cooler climates evolved. The initial settlement of places like Europe and northern Asia, as well as the later movement into the Arctic and the Americas, actually occurred in relatively rapid bursts of expansion. A Prehistory of the North is the first full-length study to tell the complex story, spanning almost two million years, of how humans inhabited some of the coldest places on earth. In an account rich with illustrations, John Hoffecker traces the history of anatomical adaptations, diet modifications, and technological developments, such as clothing and shelter, which allowed humans the continued ability to push the boundaries of their habitation. The book concludes by showing how in the last few thousand years, peoples living in the circumpolar zone--with the exception of western and central Siberia--developed a thriving maritime economy. Written in nontechnical language, A Prehistory of the North provides compelling new insights and valuable information for professionals and students.

Contents:

Vikings in the Arctic

Out of Africa

The first Europeans

Cold weather people

Modern humans in the north

Into the Arctic

Peoples of the circumpolar zone.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0-8135-6770-X

0-8135-3746-0

OCLC:

614984403