What do we mean by the term 'hunter gatherer'? - Presentation
History Resource Description
The term 'hunter-gatherer' refers to a way of life practiced by early human societies where people relied on hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants for sustenance, rather than cultivating crops or domesticating animals. This nomadic lifestyle required groups to move from place to place, following the availability of food sources according to seasons. During the Stone Age, Britain's inhabitants were hunter-gatherers, adapting their diet and survival strategies to the environment around them. They hunted and fished using primitive tools, and gathered edible plants, berries, and other natural resources such as eggs and honey. This mode of living significantly influenced the social structure and daily activities of early Britons.
As Britain transitioned from the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age, there were profound changes in lifestyle and technology. The gradual shift from foraging to farming marked a pivotal change, leading to the development of agriculture and the establishment of permanent settlements. This evolution from hunter-gatherer societies to farming communities allowed for more stable food supplies and gave rise to more complex social structures. The roles within these communities were divided among men, women, and children, with each group having specific tasks that contributed to the well-being and survival of their community. The transition also saw advancements in tools and techniques, including the ways in which early Britons fished and hunted, eventually culminating in the sophisticated societies of the Iron Age.