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# The Stone Ages ## Information Station ### Overview The Stone Age began 2.5 million years ago and is the earliest known time humans lived on Earth. This time period is known as the Stone Age because humans used stones that were carved into tools. There were 3 stone ages: Paleolithic, Mesolithic,...

# The Stone Ages ## Information Station ### Overview The Stone Age began 2.5 million years ago and is the earliest known time humans lived on Earth. This time period is known as the Stone Age because humans used stones that were carved into tools. There were 3 stone ages: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. Lithic is another word for rock or stone. ### Paleolithic or Old Stone Age - 2,500,000 BCE - 10,000 BCE The Paleolithic stone age was the longest stone age. Simple tools made from stones were used. Many early species of humans, including Neanderthals, coexisted during this time in Africa. Climate changes caused sea levels to drop, allowing migration across land bridges to other continents like the Americas, Australia, and the Middle East. ### Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age - 10,000 BCE - 8,000 BCE Significant advancements in stone tools occurred during the Mesolithic Stone Age. Stones were polished for better feel and function. The use of microliths (tiny sharp rocks) allowed for the creation of serrated knives. Chipped rocks were used to create sharp edges for tools. Neanderthals went extinct, and the first human population lived in this stone age. Communities relied on hunting and gathering for survival. ### Neolithic or New Stone Age - 8,000 BCE - 3,000 BCE This age saw advancements in tools and communities. Stone was polished and ground to be molded for specific uses. This was a significant improvement from chipped rocks. Communities became more permanent as humans began to domesticate plants and animals. This meant they no longer needed to follow animals for food; they could plant crops and harvest their own food.