The Stone Age and early humankind

In short: The Stone Age is the longest epoch of humankind. People lived as hunter-gatherers, used stone tools and learned to control fire. With farming the Neolithic began about 11,000 years ago.

In more detail: It is divided into Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic. Modern humans (Homo sapiens) arose about 300,000 years ago in Africa.

In detail

• Tools: Hand axes, spear points, scrapers of flint.
• Fire: Warmth, protection, cooked food. It counts as a milestone of humankind.
• Cave painting: In Lascaux and Altamira animal pictures show early art.
• Neolithic revolution: Settled life, farming, livestock and villages change life.
• Ötzi: The Iceman (about 3300 BC) gives insight into the Copper Age.
• Chronology: This epoch is followed by the Bronze and Iron Ages (altes-aegypten-und-die-pharaonen).