Kivikauden

Kivikauden is the Finnish term for the Stone Age, a prehistoric period characterized by the widespread use of stone as the primary material for tools and weapons. This era spans a vast timeframe, beginning with the earliest human use of stone tools and ending with the advent of metalworking. In Finland, the Stone Age is generally divided into several sub-periods, reflecting the gradual development of technology and culture.

The earliest inhabitants of what is now Finland during the Stone Age arrived after the retreat of the last ice sheet. These early hunter-gatherer societies adapted to the post-glacial landscape, utilizing resources from forests and lakes. Archaeological findings, such as pottery fragments and stone artifacts, provide crucial insights into their lifestyles, diet, and social structures.

As the Stone Age progressed in Finland, there were significant technological advancements. The introduction of new tool-making techniques, improved hunting strategies, and the development of more sophisticated shelters marked these changes. Later stages of the Finnish Stone Age also saw the emergence of early forms of agriculture and more permanent settlements, laying the groundwork for the subsequent Bronze Age. The transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age in Finland was a gradual process, marked by the adoption of new materials and technologies.