Ancient history

When did the old stone age begin and end?

Beginning: The Old Stone Age (Paleolithic) began around 2.6 million years ago with the emergence of the first stone tools created by early hominids.

End: The Old Stone Age transitioned into the Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic) around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. The end of the Old Stone Age is marked by the development of more advanced stone tool technologies, the beginning of agriculture, and the emergence of settled societies.