Old & New Stone Age
Paleolithic & Neolithic eras
Old Stone Age
The stone age period involved early men developing techniques and instruments for their most important need which was survival. The root Paleo means old or ancient. During the Old Stone Age, the Paleolithic, starting around 2.5 million years ago, humans were grouped together in small scale societies such as bands and gained their subsistence from gathering plants and hunting wild animals. A special kind of sharp stone called flint was used to cut things as the humans became smarter. They started to make more complex tools than before. The flints were used as barbs on arrows, spears and other composite tools. The people of this time were also able to communicate with each other. All of their words and ideas were expressed through symbols.
Tools of the Old Stone Age
Paleolithic Furniture
Paleolithic Wall Art
New Stone Age - Neolithic Period
Neo is a root we have in the English language, it comes from the Greek word Neos. In the new stone age people were still using mostly stone tools. The New Stone age began in 9500 B.C, and ended when metals bagan to come into use. In the new Stone age the climate was warmer than the climate in the Old Stone age, there are many theories why the earth warmer but no one knows the real reason. Around 12,000 Years ago the earth ended its last great ice age. A temperate climate meant that animals and people could stay in one place. Some people decided to give up their nomadic lifestyle and settle down. Homes became permanent. People learned to grow their own crops, rather than search for wild berries and grains. The raising of crops and animals is called agriculture.