The Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age, marks the earliest period of human history, stretching from about 2.6 million years ago to roughly 10,000 BCE, when the Neolithic Revolution began. This vast epoch is characterized by the development of the first stone tools and ends with the advent of agriculture.
Key Characteristics:
- Stone Tools: The hallmark of the Paleolithic is the creation and use of stone tools. Early tools were simple, like Oldowan choppers, evolving into more complex forms such as hand axes and later, blades.
- Hominin Evolution: This era saw the evolution from early hominins like Homo habilis to modern humans, Homo sapiens. Significant species during this time included Homo erectus and Neanderthals.
- Lifestyle: Humans during the Paleolithic were hunter-gatherers, living in small, mobile groups. Their survival depended on hunting wild animals, fishing, and gathering plant foods.
- Art and Culture: Although evidence is sparse, there are notable examples of Paleolithic Art like cave paintings in places such as Lascaux and Chauvet Cave, and carvings or engravings on stone and bone.
Subdivisions:
- Lower Paleolithic: From the earliest use of stone tools to around 300,000 years ago. This period saw the development of basic tools and the spread of hominins out of Africa.
- Middle Paleolithic: Approximately from 300,000 to 30,000 years ago, characterized by the evolution of more sophisticated tools and the emergence of Neanderthals.
- Upper Paleolithic: From about 40,000 to 10,000 BCE, marked by the emergence of modern humans (Homo sapiens) and significant cultural advancements including art, music, and the beginnings of complex social structures.
Technological and Cultural Advancements:
- Fire Use: Fire was harnessed for cooking, warmth, and protection, with evidence dating back to around 1.5 million years ago.
- Shelter: Early humans began to use natural shelters like caves, but also constructed temporary shelters from animal hides, branches, and other materials.
- Language: The development of complex language systems likely began during the Upper Paleolithic, aiding in the coordination of hunting and social organization.
Geographical Spread:
During the Paleolithic, humans migrated out of Africa into Eurasia, and eventually into Australia and the Americas. These migrations were facilitated by climatic changes, such as the ice ages, which opened up land bridges.
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