The Stone Age (archaeology context)

The Stone Age is a prehistoric period marked by the earliest use of stone tools by human ancestors. It spans from roughly 2.5 million years ago to around 3000 BCE, preceding written history. During this time, humans primarily relied on hunting, gathering, and later, rudimentary farming. The era is divided into three phases: the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). It represents a fundamental phase in human development, showcasing the gradual advancement of tool technology, social organization, and cultural practices that laid the foundation for later civilizations.