games-pc empire earth Manuel D’Utilisation

Empire Earth

Little is known for sure about the time before recorded history.  Learning the secret of fire,
however, was certainly a tremendous leap forward for early humans.  Fire provided light and
heat, cooked food, and kept predators at bay.  Later, fire was used to clear land for agricul-
ture, make pottery, and forge metal.  Though dependable techniques for making fire were not
available until around 7,000 BC, the unearthed remains of simple hearths provide unquestion-
able evidence that controlled fire was in use at least 500,000 years ago.

Primitive town centres were little more than the fire pits where members of a nomadic tribe
would gather socially, perhaps to celebrate a successful hunt.  Food meant survival, so when
hunters returned with a kill it was cause for rejoicing.

Given the immense importance of obtaining food, tribes must have come into conflict with
one another for control over fertile hunting grounds and foraging areas, especially in times of
overall scarcity.  These early struggles for survival were the likely precursors of the large-
scale battles and wars that have dogged our species throughout recorded history.