Edit Definition
The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric time period during which humans widely used stone for toolmaking.
Stone tools were made from a variety of different kinds of stone. For example, flint and chert were shaped (or chipped) for use as cutting tools and weapons, while basalt and sandstone were used for ground stone tools, such as quern-stones. Wood, bone, shell, antler and other materials were widely used, as well. During the most recent part of the period, sediments (like clay) were used to make pottery. A series of metal technology innovations characterize the later Chalcolithic (Copper Age), Bronze Age and Iron Age.
The period encompasses the first widespread use of tools in human evolution and the spread of humanity from East Africa to the rest of the world. It ends with the development of agriculture, the domestication of certain animals, and the smelting of copper ore to produce metal. It is termed prehistoric since humanity had not yet started writing — the traditional start of recorded history.
The date range of this period is ambiguous, disputed, and variable according to the region in question. While it is possible to speak of a general 'stone age' period for the whole of humanity, some groups never developed metal-smelting technology, so remained in a 'stone age' until they encountered technologically developed cultures. However, it is believed that this period began somewhere around 2.5 million years ago with the first hominid tool makers in Africa. The transition out of the Stone Age occurred between 6000 BC and 2500 BC for much of humanity living in North Africa, Asia and Europe.
Definition
The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric time period during which humans widely used stone for toolmaking.Stone tools were made from a variety of different kinds of stone. For example, flint and chert were shaped (or chipped) for use as cutting tools and weapons, while basalt and sandstone were used for ground stone tools, such as quern-stones. Wood, bone, shell, antler and other materials were widely used, as well. During the most recent part of the period, sediments (like clay) were used to make pottery. A series of metal technology innovations characterize the later Chalcolithic (Copper Age), Bronze Age and Iron Age.
The period encompasses the first widespread use of tools in human evolution and the spread of humanity from East Africa to the rest of the world. It ends with the development of agriculture, the domestication of certain animals, and the smelting of copper ore to produce metal. It is termed prehistoric since humanity had not yet started writing — the traditional start of recorded history.
The date range of this period is ambiguous, disputed, and variable according to the region in question. While it is possible to speak of a general 'stone age' period for the whole of humanity, some groups never developed metal-smelting technology, so remained in a 'stone age' until they encountered technologically developed cultures. However, it is believed that this period began somewhere around 2.5 million years ago with the first hominid tool makers in Africa. The transition out of the Stone Age occurred between 6000 BC and 2500 BC for much of humanity living in North Africa, Asia and Europe.
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Articles
Article
Divisions of the Stone Age
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by
Uma Kumari published on 26 June 2012 |
The Stone Age is divided into three stages. They are as follows: 1. Palaeolithic Age Oldest of Stone Age Periods, before 10,000 BC. Hunting and Gathering was the way of life in this age. Palaeolithic man used fire for cooking and to scare away the animals while living in caves. To ensure protection early man covered himself... [continue reading]
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9000 BCEWild sheep flocks are managed in the Zagros mountains.
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9000 BCECultivation of wild cereals in the Fertile Crescent.
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8000 BCEEnd of the last Ice Age.
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7500 BCELong-distance trade in obsidian begins.
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7000 BCEDomestication of goats.
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6700 BCEDomestication of sheep.
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6500 BCETextiles of flax.
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6500 BCEDomestication of pigs.
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6200 BCEFirst copper smelting in Anatolia.
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c. 6000 BCEFirst irrigation.
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6000 BCEDomestication of cattle.
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5000 BCEIrrigation and agriculture begin in earnest in Mesopotamia.
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5000 BCEHierarchical societies emerge in southeast Europe.
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4500 BCEInvention of the plow.
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4000 BCEUse of wool for textiles.
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3650 BCEInvention of the wheel.
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