Paleolithic period

The Paleolithic period, often called the Old Stone Age, spans from about 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 years ago. It marks the earliest phase of human history, characterized by the development of stone tools and the use of fire. Early humans lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting animals and foraging for plants. This nomadic lifestyle shaped social structures and cultural practices. The period ended with the advent of agriculture and permanent settlements, leading into the Neolithic period. The Paleolithic era laid the foundation for human innovation and the eventual rise of civilizations.