Palaeolithic: The Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) is the longest period of human history, lasting from 2.6 million years ago until about 10,000 years ago. During this period, humans used simple stone tools, such as hand axes, scrapers and choppers, to hunt and gather food. They also lived in caves and rock shelters.
Mesolithic: The Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) is a transitional period between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic. It lasted from about 10,000 years ago until about 6,000 years ago. During this period, humans began to use more sophisticated stone tools, such as bows and arrows, and they started to domesticate plants and animals. They also began to live in settlements.
Neolithic: The Neolithic (New Stone Age) is the final period of the Stone Age. It began about 6,000 years ago and lasted until the development of metalworking. During this period, humans began to use polished stone tools, such as axes, hoes and sickles. They also developed pottery, and they started to build monumental structures, such as Stonehenge.