How did Humans survive the brutal climates of severe cold without any of todays modern technology?

Question

I already know fire and furs helped.

What did they eat during the winter? How did they get it?

Did they cache food so that they wouldnt need to hunt for food?

I will appreciate the answers, especially from any people who live in extreme conditions still, such as the Inuits, and people in alaska or Nunuvat in northern Canada. Thanks in advance, I just want to know for my own benefit?

Answer 1

By you need to go read ALOT!!!!!! That is  good info to read about. That is tooooooo much typing for me to explain. People were a LOT stronger than now & they only live to 35yr tops.

Answer 2

Modern technology? The Franklin Expedition has two ships, 147 handpicked men, canned and preserved food for years. They sailed to explore the Northwest passage, got stuck and all died. While the members were eating each other and starving, the Inuit in the area we doing well and even were able to keep the old and infirm alive.

One explorer tried to copy the Inuit dog sled techniques. After two days they met up with an elder, who showed them the importance of putting urine on the sled runners. They were back home two hours later.

The early humans were very in tune with the enviorment. Snow is an excellent insulating material, various fuels can provide heat and light. There are many sources of food and many ways to preserve it.

That's not to say life was easy. Many Inuit suffered from "black lung disease" due to the soot from the oil lamps. On the other hand they know a good thing and quickly moved into prefab houses and the use of snow machines. Having slept out at -40 and ridden a dog sled, that beats the old ways.

Answer 3

They survived though resourcefulness, consistent effort and a little good fortune.  It's funny how much we feel dependent upon technology.  The difference is really between survival and thriving.  We can survive without many modern technologies, but it would certainly be difficult.

Answer 4

Of course they hunted and of course they saved food for the harsh months.

Also they were hairy

Answer 5

They stayed close to the Equator, until 40,000 years ago...