Paleolithic

Paleolithic

1. The Paleolithic is defined as the Ancient Stone Age and encompasses the time between the beginning of human life and the end of the ice age on Earth. The Paleolithic is divided into three stages: Lower 2.5 million-100,000 BC. C., and Average 100,000-35,000 a. C.

   • The Paleolithic period is characterized by the nomadism of prehistoric society in search of food for its survival; the establishment of temporary habitats near rivers and lakes; the elaboration of carved stone utensils for use as hunting tools and gadgets; human colonization of the planet from Africa.
   • The natural discovery of fire by the natural action of meteorological phenomena and its subsequent control by rubbing sticks or reeds to combat the cold, harden hunting weapons and facilitate the ingestion of food.
   • Main feature
     • The populations were nomadic and used to mobilize in small tribes or small groups.
     • The main activities in the gathering of fruits and hunting.
     • The discovery of fire occurred during the Lower Paleolithic.
     • Man took refuge in precarious huts and caves, hence the origin of the name "cavemen" that humans also received from this period.
     • The first rudimentary tools were made, made from broken stones. Then they improved and included materials such as wood and bone.
     • Various theories regarding religious and spiritual behavior emerged from the Paleolithic period. It is believed that the first Neanderthal humans could have developed a sophisticated behavior related to the deceased and funeral ceremonies. Evidence has been found that could be related to the burial of their dead to protect them from the destruction of predatory animals. On occasion, human remains were even found along with what could be offerings, animal remains and art statuettes that they themselves made.
   • Palaeolithic stages
     • Lower Palaeolithic: It is the first part that spanned from 3 million years ago to 250,000 BC. C. Humans were nomads, they took refuge in caves to protect themselves from the cold and wild animals. The great contribution to humanity was the discovery of fire.
     • Middle Palaeolithic. It is the second stage that spanned from 250,000 BC. Until 30,000 a. Continuously evolving humans reached the Neanderthal phase, characterized by their sophisticated intelligence and by improving the weapons they used for hunting.
     • Superior paleolithic. It is the third stage that spanned from 30,000 BC. Until the 10,000 a. C. The greatest amount of evidence of artistic development was found (such as cave paintings and small clay or bone sculptures). The evolution of the human reached the phase of Cro-Magnon man, who had a greater capacity to communicate.
       • During the last stage of the Paleolithic, humans developed the ability to communicate and, as a consequence, managed to organize themselves into populations with larger members and practiced the division of roles and functions within the family clan.
         • The men went hunting and took care to protect the women and children. The women took care of taking care of the children, gathering fruits and working the skins of the animals that they used as shelter and for the construction of houses.