Primaarikulttuureiden

Primaarikulttuureiden, also known as Paleolithic cultures, refer to the earliest known human cultures, characterized by the use of stone tools and the hunting and gathering of food. These cultures emerged around 2.6 million years ago and persisted until the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago. The term "Paleolithic" comes from the Greek words "paleo," meaning old, and "lithos," meaning stone.

Paleolithic cultures are typically divided into three main periods: the Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic. The Lower Paleolithic, which began around 2.6 million years ago, is marked by the use of simple stone tools, such as hand axes and choppers. The Middle Paleolithic, which began around 300,000 years ago, saw the development of more sophisticated tools, such as hand axes and scrapers, as well as the use of fire for cooking and warmth.

The Upper Paleolithic, which began around 40,000 years ago, is characterized by the use of more advanced tools, such as spear points and blades, as well as the development of art and symbolic behavior. This period also saw the emergence of modern humans, Homo sapiens, around 300,000 years ago.

Paleolithic cultures were highly adaptable and diverse, with different groups developing unique technologies and lifestyles in response to their environments. Despite their differences, all Paleolithic cultures shared a common reliance on hunting and gathering for survival. The end of the Paleolithic era marked the beginning of the Neolithic era, characterized by the development of agriculture and the establishment of permanent settlements.