palaeolithic

The Palaeolithic period, often referred to as the Old Stone Age, is the longest and earliest phase of the Stone Age, spanning from the emergence of early hominins around 3 million years ago until the end of the Pleistocene epoch approximately 10,000 years ago. This era marks the beginning of human history as we understand it, characterized by the use of stone tools and the development of early human societies.

During the Palaeolithic, early humans were primarily nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on the natural environment for food, water, and shelter. They hunted large game animals such as mammoths, bison, and deer, and supplemented their diets with wild plants, fruits, and nuts. The development of stone tools, including hand axes, scrapers, and projectile points, allowed them to butcher animals, process plant materials, and defend themselves against predators and rival groups.

The Palaeolithic is divided into several cultural stages, including the Lower Palaeolithic, Middle Palaeolithic, and Upper Palaeolithic. The Lower Palaeolithic, which lasted from around 2.5 million to 300,000 years ago, is marked by the use of Oldowan and Acheulean tools. The Middle Palaeolithic, spanning from 300,000 to 30,000 years ago, saw the development of more sophisticated tools and the expansion of human populations into new regions, including Europe and parts of Asia.

The Upper Palaeolithic, which began around 50,000 years ago and lasted until the end of the Pleistocene, is distinguished by the refinement of tools, the development of art, and the emergence of more complex social structures. This period saw the first evidence of symbolic thought, including cave paintings, engravings, and personal ornaments. The end of the Palaeolithic coincides with the Neolithic Revolution, a significant shift towards settled agriculture and the development of early civilizations.