Paleolithic

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Paleolithic

The Paleolithic or Palaeolithic or Palæolithic, also called the Old Stone Age, is a period in human prehistory distinguished by the original development of stone tools that covers c. 99% of the time period of human technological prehistory.[1] It extends from the earliest known use of stone tools by hominins c. 3.3 million years ago, to the end of the Pleistocene c. 11,650 cal BP.[2]

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

The Paleolithic was characterized by the use of knapped stone tools, although at the time humans also used wood and bone tools. Other organic commodities were adapted for use as tools, including leather and vegetable fibers; however, due to their nature, these have not been preserved to any great degree. Surviving artifacts of the Paleolithic era are known as paleoliths.[3]

Subdivisions[edit | edit source]

The Paleolithic period is traditionally divided into three subdivisions: the Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic. Each subdivision corresponds to a different phase of technological development and human cultural evolution.[4]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Paleolithic Period". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
  2. "Earliest known hominin activity in the Philippines by 709 thousand years ago". Nature. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
  3. "Paleolithic Period". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
  4. "Paleolithic Period". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-30.

External links[edit | edit source]

Paleolithic Resources

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