Human Prehistory: From the Stone Age to the Metal Age

Understanding Prehistory

Prehistory is the period covering the initial part of the human past, characterized by the absence of written documents, relying instead on archaeological evidence.

The Paleolithic Era (Stone Age)

This period is defined by the use of stone tools. It is divided into two main phases:

Lower Paleolithic

• Lifestyle: Nomadic, seeking refuge in caves based on subsistence needs.
• Tools: Initially used wood, then developed the Acheulean hand axe, followed by crude knives and scrapers.
• Survival: Developed wooden fishing tools and hunting implements. Fire was obtained by rubbing stones together.
• Social Structure: Lived in disorganized hordes without formal leadership.

Upper Paleolithic

• Adaptation: Continued nomadism, but glaciations forced longer stays in caves.
• Art: Emergence of cave paintings and sculptures, such as the Venus of Willendorf.

The Neolithic Era

With a more favorable climate, humans began settling in permanent locations. Key developments included:

• Architecture: Construction of log houses with thatched roofs and wooden walls.
• Economy: The practice of agriculture and the domestication of animals.
• Innovation: Invention of the wheel and the use of horses for transportation.

The Age of Metals

This era marked the advancement of metallurgy:

• Copper and Bronze: Mastery of fire allowed for the smelting of copper and the creation of bronze alloys (copper and tin).
• Other Metals: Development of silver, gold, lead, and iron working.

Ancient History

This period begins with the invention of writing and concludes with the fall of the Roman Empire.

Chronological Timeline

• 2,500,000 BC: Early human origins.
• 2,000,000 BC: Homo habilis appears.
• 1,500,000 BC: Homo erectus manufactures stone tools and discovers fire.
• 100,000 BC: Homo sapiens (Neanderthal) emerges as a skilled hunter.
• 40,000–35,000 BC: Homo sapiens sapiens develops art and tools made of bone and horn.
• 8,000 BC: Neolithic Revolution: Humans become sedentary, farmers, and ranchers.
• 4,000 BC: Metal Age: Manufacturing of metal tools and construction of megaliths.