What are all the events that happened in the Paleolithic Ages?

History · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The Paleolithic Age, also known as the Old Stone Age, was a vast period of prehistory characterized by the use of stone tools. It spans a significant length of time, divided into three main phases:

  • Lower Paleolithic (2.5 million years ago - 300,000 years ago):
  • Emergence of Homo habilis and early use of simple stone tools.
  • Use of tools like handaxes and cleavers by Homo erectus.
  • Control of fire by some human groups.
  • Middle Paleolithic (300,000 years ago - 30,000 years ago):
  • Development of more sophisticated tools like the Mousterian tools associated with Neanderthals.
  • Burial practices and evidence of symbolic behavior, such as cave paintings and personal ornaments.
  • Disappearance of Neanderthals and the rise of Homo sapiens.
  • Upper Paleolithic (30,000 years ago - 10,000 years ago):
  • Advanced stone tool technologies like blades, harpoons and spear throwers.
  • Elaborate cave art and figurines depicting animals and humans.
  • Increased social complexity, evidence of specialized tool use and innovation.
  • Beginning of the transition to settled life and the development of agriculture in some regions towards the end of the period.

Throughout the Paleolithic Ages, humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting wild animals and gathering plants for survival. They developed an array of tools and gradually exhibited more complex behaviors and cultural practices, marking significant advancements in human evolution and the development of early societies.