STONE AGE

30,000 BCE to about 3,000 BCE

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 INTRODUCTION
The Stone Age is the earliest prehistoric period,
characterized by the widespread use of stone as a
fundamental element in human societies. It lasted from
the invention of the first tools, almost 3 million years
ago, to the discovery of metals, around 4,000 BC.

The Stone Age is divided into three periods: the

Paleolithic, the Mesolithic, and the Neolithic eras. This
is an archaeological periodization, based on the
identification of stages in the development of material
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technology and tool manufacturing techniques.

 CHARACTERISTICS:
The Stone Age was marked by:
•Evolution of the human species and existence of different genera of
hominids that populated different parts of the world.
•Organization into small societies with nomadic lifestyle during the
Paleolithic period.
•Use of stone as the main element for the creation of tools and
constructions, along with wood, bone, and other materials extracted
from nature.
•Climatic changes resulting from the glaciation period.
•The emergence of a sedentary lifestyle and the development of
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farming and animal husbandry methods during the Neolithic period.

 PALEOLITHIC
It is the longest period, extending from the
evolution of the first hominids to the
development of food production methods
(agriculture and animal husbandry), and a
sedentary lifestyle. Paleolithic peoples were
nomadic, they were organized into small groups,
and their economy was based on hunting and
gathering.
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 •Percussion technique. It consisted of
striking one stone against another or
against an object that acted as a chisel to
produce a sharp-edged tool.

•Pressure flaking. Using a bone artifact,

specific areas of the stone tool were TOOL-MAKING
pressed to carve edges and achieve a
sharper blade. TECHNIQUES
•Polishing technique. Stone was worked
by rubbing it to shape and sharpen its
edge. More fragile materials, like animal
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bones or antlers, were shaped on stone

blocks.
 MESOLETHIC

It includes the first economic changes

carried out by some societies, leading
to the development of an agricultural
and livestock-based economy. These
peoples also established the first
seasonal settlements.
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 •Modeling technique. It consisted
of stacking rolls of clay until the
desired height of a ceramic piece
was achieved. It was then
smoothed with the hands to shape
it, and left to dry, before being TOOL-MAKING
baked in kilns.
TECHNIQUES
•Pottery wheel technique. The
invention of the potter's wheel
allowed for more diverse shapes of
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ceramic vessels and finer edges.

 NEOLETHIC
It was marked by the
advancement of agriculture and
cattle raising, and the settlement
of populations around cultivated
areas. The period also witnessed
the creation of pottery and the
refinement of techniques for
working stone, bone, and ivory.
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 During the Stone Age, the process of hominization took
place, encompassing the biological and cultural changes the
human species underwent until it developed modern human
characteristics.
Australopithecus is considered to be the first human
ancestor. It is a genus of hominids that existed 4 million
years ago and which was able to adapt to the climatic
changes in Africa that transformed the rainforest into a
savanna. Australopithecus were bipedal, i.e. they walked on
two legs, freeing their hands to grasp objects and use basic
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tools.
 EVOLUTIONARY STAGES OF HOMOS
•Homo habilis. It presented a more rounded
skull, larger molars, a less protruding jaw, and
enhanced motor skills. This genus lived around
2.5 million years ago across the African
continent. Its name makes reference to its
ability to craft tools and build dwellings.

•Homo erectus. Distinguished by a larger cranial

cavity, robust body, and greater height. This
genus lived around 1.8 million years ago. The
name makes reference to the fact that it was
the first species to walk entirely upright. They
learned to control fire, engaged in animal
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hunting, and crafted stone axes.

 •Neanderthal Man and Homo sapiens. These
are two genera exhibited a wider jaw opening
and a large cranial capacity. They emerged
around 200,000 years ago and was
distinguished by the use of more sophisticated
tools and the burial of their dead.

•Homo sapiens sapiens. It would have emerged

around 100,000 years ago and is the genus that
includes modern humans. It was distinguished
by cultural traits such as language and the
performance of rites. Until 30,000 years
ago, homo sapiens and homo sapiens
sapiens coexisted in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
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