Stenålder

Stenålder refers to the Stone Age, a broad prehistoric period characterized by the widespread use of stone tools. This era spans a significant portion of human history, beginning with the earliest evidence of stone tool manufacture and ending with the advent of metalworking. The Stone Age is often divided into three main stages: the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age).

During the Paleolithic period, early humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, living in small nomadic groups and developing increasingly sophisticated stone tools for hunting, butchering, and other survival tasks. This period also saw the development of early forms of art, such as cave paintings.

The Mesolithic period, which followed the Paleolithic, marked a transition as the climate warmed and megafauna declined. Humans adapted by developing smaller, more refined stone tools, such as microliths, and exploiting a wider range of food resources, including fish and birds.

The Neolithic period, the final stage, is defined by the development of agriculture, settled communities, and the domestication of animals. This revolution in food production led to significant societal changes, including population growth, the emergence of villages, and the development of pottery and more advanced stone tools like polished axes. The Stone Age ended at different times in different regions, coinciding with the adoption of metal technologies like bronze and iron.