Paleolítico

The Paleolithic, also known as the Old Stone Age, is the earliest period of human history. It is characterized by the widespread use of stone tools, although other materials like bone and wood were also utilized. This era spans from the emergence of the first hominins, approximately 2.5 million years ago, to the advent of the Neolithic period around 10,000 BCE.

Life during the Paleolithic was defined by a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Humans lived in small, mobile groups, following migratory patterns of animals and seasonal availability of plants. Shelter was typically found in caves, rock overhangs, or temporary structures made from natural materials. The development of fire was a crucial technological advancement, providing warmth, protection from predators, and a means to cook food, which likely improved nutrition and digestion.

Paleolithic humans developed increasingly sophisticated stone tool technologies, progressing through various stages. Early tools were simple choppers and hand axes, while later periods saw the creation of more specialized implements such as scrapers, spear points, and blades. Art also began to emerge during this period, with evidence found in cave paintings, engravings, and small carved figurines, offering insights into their beliefs and worldview. The Paleolithic period laid the foundation for all subsequent human cultural and technological development.