The Paleolithic Age / Epoch

Paleolithic Age: Unveiling Ancient Human History Through Stone Tools and Art.

Paleolithic Age 2.5 million years ago

 

Paleolithic age: Paleolithic culture in the World developed in the Pleistocene period of the ice age. The Paleolithic Age, spanning approximately 2.6 million to 10,000 years ago, unfolds a captivating narrative of human evolution and adaptation. Divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper phases, this era witnessed the progression from basic stone tools in the hands of early hominins to the flourishing creativity of Homo sapiens. In the Lower Paleolithic, Homo habilis and Homo erectus crafted the rudimentary Oldowan and Acheulean tools.. In the Pleistocene period a great portion of the earth's surface was covered with ice blankets. The term Paleolithic is derived from two Greek words paleo and lithic meaning old stone. The remains of Paleolithic Age have been found in different areas in the passage of time they began to cover their bodies with the skin of animals or the barks of trees. 

                                    The primitive men were ignorant of the art of making dwelling places. They never tried to make their permanent dwelling houses as they often roamed far and wide to quench their search of food. They used to live in caves, sapped trees on the river barks and lakes. Later on they began to make huts to live in. No Paleolithic graves have been found in India. Most probably dead were left to natural decomposition or were left on the spot becoming a prey to wild animals and birds. The Paleolithic man had short stature, dark shin, thick curly hair and flat. The primitive men were ignorant of any social and political life. But with the passage of time and for fear of wild animals, they began to live in groups.

 

Hunting near the side places both men and women were able to hunt, because hunting was main source for living.
 

                    Origin of Paleolithic Age

The Paleolithic Age was founded in various places in the world. around 2.5 million years ago in Africa, Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Zhoukoudian in China, Altamira in Spain, and in India Paleolithic Age has been found at numerous archaeological sites. Prominent locations include Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, where ancient rock shelters display prehistoric art, and Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu, known for its stone tools. These locations have yielded archaeological evidence, fossils, and artifacts, contributing to our understanding of early human history.

The Civilization has been divided in three Phrases;

1. Lower Paleolithic { 2.5 million - 3000,000 years ago}
2.  Middle Paleolithic {300,000 - 30,000 years ago}
3. Upper Paleolithic { 30,000 - 10,000 years ago} 

 

1.  Lower Paleolithic { 2.5 million - 3000,000 years ago}: The Lower Paleolithic is the earliest phase of the Paleolithic Age. It spanned from about 2.5 million to 300,000 years ago. During this period, early hominins, including Homo habilis and Homo erectus, crafted simple stone tools for hunting and basic tasks. During this time, early hominins made simple stone tools. They used them for hunting and basic tasks. These hominins included Homo habilis and Homo erectus. Notable sites such as Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and Dmanisi in Georgia reveal the fundamental nature of these tools and shed light on early hominin behaviors and migration patterns. Notable sites such as Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and Dmanisi in Georgia reveal the fundamental nature of these tools and shed light on early hominin behaviors and migration patterns. The Lower Paleolithic was a critical stage in human evolution. It showed the rise of tool use and the adaptation of early humans to many environments.

 

2.  Middle Paleolithic {300,000 - 30,000 years ago}: The Middle Paleolithic, spanning from approximately 300,000 to 30,000 years ago, is characterized by significant advancements in stone tool technology. Homo neanderthalensis, a close relative of Homo sapiens, thrived during this era.Homo neanderthalensis, a close relative of Homo sapiens, thrived during this era. Sites like Shanidar Cave in Iraq and La Chapelle-aux-Saints in France provide insights into Neanderthal lifestyles. They show their burial practices and advanced tools. The Middle Paleolithic represents a crucial phase in human prehistory, showcasing increased cultural complexity and adaptation strategies.Archaeological sites such as Shanidar Cave in Iraq and La Chapelle-aux-Saints in France provide insights into Neanderthal lifestyles, including burial practices and tool sophistication. The Middle Paleolithic was a key time in human prehistory. It showed more culture and better ways of adapting.

 

3. Upper Paleolithic { 30,000 - 10,000 years ago}: The Upper Paleolithic lasted from around 30,000 to 10,000 years ago. It saw impressive cultural achievements and inventions by Homo sapiens. This period is characterized by finely crafted stone tools, intricate artwork, and the emergence of symbolic expression.This period is characterized by finely crafted stone tools, intricate artwork, and the emergence of symbolic expression. Notable sites like Lascaux in France and Altamira in Spain have elaborate cave paintings. They highlight advanced thinking and a rich art culture. The Upper Paleolithic also saw the development of complex social structures and the transition to more sophisticated hunting and gathering strategies, laying the groundwork for the eventual shift to agriculture.

 

 

   In Conclusion The Paleolithic Age is illuminated by archaeological findings, fossil records, and artifacts from global sites. They unveil the captivating story of early human development. These remnants offer invaluable insights into our ancestors' tool-making skills, cultural expressions, and the gradual evolution of Homo sapiens.These remnants offer invaluable insights into our ancestors' tool-making skills, cultural expressions, and the gradual evolution of Homo sapiens. Studying this prehistoric era enriches our understanding. It shows the roots of human ingenuity and adaptation.