Paleolithic Period: characteristics, phases, summary

O Paleolithic is the first period of Prehistory. The first human groups sought to adapt to the environment in which they lived and sought survival for through the hunting of animals, fishing for fish in the rivers and harvesting vegetables and fruits available wherever passed. The first humans were nomads and they were constantly on the move, fleeing from the elements of nature or wild animals, as well as looking for space that could provide food or protection for the moment. The main transformation that took place in this period was the fire discovery.

Read too: Art of Prehistory in PPaleolithic and Neolithic Periods

Prehistory Division

Despite being questioned by recent historiography, the division of Prehistory helps to understand the various moments experienced by primitive humans from their appearance on Earth until the formation of the first civilizations of antiquity Eastern. This division allows the location of hominin actions over time. By following these moments, we notice the transformations in the relationship between man and nature over the years.

Prehistory is divided as follows:

• Paleolithic: the first period is characterized by hunting, fishing, fruit picking and the discovery of fire.

• Neolithic: hominids became sedentary, starting to practice agriculture.

• Age of Metals: it is marked by the use of metal in the daily lives of the first human groups, with the production of weapons to fight ferocious animals or enemy groups.

Paleolithic Characteristics

Hominids lived from the hunting, fishing and gathering vegetables and fruits available in nature. They were nomads, that is, they were constantly on the move, and had no fixed place to live, as they were vulnerable to natural phenomena. THE discovery and fire control they allowed heating against the cold, scaring away wild animals and roasting food.

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Paleolithic Periods

The Paleolithic is also called Pebble Period, as the hominids used the stones that were at their disposal to sharpen your spears or create sharp objects, that facilitated the hunting of animals and the harvesting of fruits. The Paleolithic was divided into three phases (Lower, Middle and Upper).

Stone tips used by hominids as tools or working tools. [1]

• Lower Paleolithic (2.5 million years to 250,000 years a. Ç.)

It's the oldest period of prehistory. The first hominids were dependent on the environment in which they lived and needed to adapt in order to survive. used chipped stones to make objects necessary for your daily life. Hunting was a common practice, and the carcass of animals was consumed in its entirety. The meat killed hunger, and the skin served as a blanket for the coldest days. The bones were used as amulets or as cutting tools.

During this period, the first division of labor in history. The men were responsible for hunting, fishing and the safety of the groups, while the women took care of the children and the collection of vegetables and fruits.

• Middle Paleolithic (250,000 years to 50,000 years a. Ç.)

In the Middle Paleolithic, there were significant changes in the lives of the first human groups, especially after the discovery of fire and its control. Fire was used to illuminate the interior of caves, scare away wild animals and roast the meat of hunted animals. At social relations solidified-if, as the groups gathered around the fire.

Another feature of this period was the emergence of the first religious manifestations, mainly in the death of one of the members of the group. The body was buried with the garments and ceramic objects, which denotes the beginning of rites related to death. Religious practices became frequent and a reason for belonging among the members of the groups.

• Upper Paleolithic (50 thousand years to 12 thousand years a. Ç.)

Experiences acquired in previous periods have given hominids knowledge about the environment in which they lived, which made their actions more efficient. Hunting remained a commonplace practice, and hominids were able to build traps and capture large animals such as the mammoth.

At climate changes that period motivated changes in the lives of hominids. THE glaciation made these groups stay longer in the caves. Firelight illuminated its interior and warmed from the cold. It was at that moment that the cave painting became a common practice.

Important Paleolithic Transformations

The discovery of fire was very important. [2]

THE fire discovery it transformed the lives of hominids, as they were then able to stay in caves safely and warm themselves from the cold. In addition, fire roasted food and scared away wild animals.

Another important transformation in the Paleolithic was the use of chipped stone. The experiences gained from the experience gave the hominids knowledge about the best way to hunt, fish and gather. By chipping the stones, the tools used in everyday life became more effective. The spears became sharp, which favored the attacks of the first human groups when hunting animals.

Art in the Paleolithic

You first records of cave painting they are from the Paleolithic. When establishing themselves in caves, either to protect themselves from the cold or as a temporary shelter, hominids drew on the walls the animals captured in a hunt or those they wanted to hunt. These paintings were made from the blood of animals or leaves and flowers. Rock art is the main source of information about Prehistory.

The paintings represent human beings in isolation or performing daily activities. You animals depicted on cave walls were those that hominids managed to capture during hunts or those that attacked them. Another feature of rock art is the religiosity. Some paintings represent the first religious rituals practiced in the Paleolithic.

See too: Important aspects about art in prehistory

Example of cave painting.[3]

Summary on the Paleolithic

• The Paleolithic was the first period of Prehistory, in which hominids hunted, fished and gathered what was available to them in nature.

• Group experience for protection and security.

• The first hominids were nomadic, that is, they had no fixed place to live.

• The discovery of fire gave protection to hominids, warmth on cold days and a new flavor to food.

• The rock art was made on the walls of caves and represented the daily life of the first human groups.

solved exercises

Question 1 - Mark the alternative that correctly characterizes primitive art in the Paleolithic.

A) The paintings were made on the bodies of hominids as a sign of belonging to the group.

B) Pieces of trees were posted on the walls of the caves as reminders of where the first groups passed.

C) The cave paintings were made in caves and represented human beings and animals that made up the daily lives of hominids.

D) Hominids drew on the skin of captured animals to demarcate their ownership.

Resolution

Alternative C. The discovery of fire allowed hominids to inhabit the caves safely and warm from the cold. The walls were used to portray the events experienced by these human groups and also outline the first religious rites.

Question 2 - It is the oldest period in the Paleolithic and is characterized by the first division of human groups. We are talking about:

A) Lower Paleolithic.

B) Neolithic.

C) Upper Paleolithic.

D) Middle Paleolithic.

Resolution

Alternative A. The Lower Paleolithic is characterized by the first division of labor. Men were responsible for hunting and fishing, while women were in charge of harvesting fruits and vegetables.

Image credits

[1] mario cesar mendonça gomes from Itatiba (SP), Brazil / commons

[2] Thiago Kenzo Hokazono De Conti / commons

[3] AgredaVillarroel / commons

By Carlos César Higa
History teacher

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

HIGA, Carlos César. "Paleolithic Period"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/paleolitico.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.