Paleolithic vs Mesolithic
The distinction between Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods lies in the differences in human life and their evolution during these two eras. Both Paleolithic and Mesolithic are pre-historic eras of human existence and are specifically two stages of the stone age. These eras are significant because they provide evidence of the earliest existence of humans and culture. It is often thought that this was the beginning of technology, culture, and human life as a society or social organization. This article will explore the differences between the Paleolithic era and the Mesolithic era.
What is Paleolithic?
The Paleolithic period is also known as the Old Stone Age. Evidence supporting human life during this period was first found in Africa. It was during this era that humans completely evolved into modern homo sapiens. This era saw hunting and gathering societies living in small groups. Hunting societies engaged in activities where they hunted wild animals for food, while gathering societies mostly relied on plants for sustenance. The lifestyle during this era was primarily nomadic, as they had to travel in search of food. They used stone tools in daily life and also had the ability to use fire and build objects such as rafts for traveling across water, nets, spears, bows, and arrows. Humans made clothes using animal skins. The middle Paleolithic period saw humans engaging in religious or spiritual activities and creating works of art, such as cave paintings.
What is Mesolithic?
The Mesolithic period is often referred to as the Middle Stone Age and follows the Paleolithic era. This brief period led to the transition to the Neolithic period. Humans of the Mesolithic era enjoyed a warmer climate, unlike those in the Paleolithic era who had to cope with colder temperatures. This era is often considered the first step towards human domestication. Unlike the Paleolithic era, where humans engaged in hunting and gathering activities and roamed in search of food, the Mesolithic era shows signs of domestication, such as the beginning of agriculture and the domestication of animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle, albeit limited. There was a significant improvement in tools and artifacts during this era, with humans using more developed tools. This is evident through the usage of various spears for hunting.
Key Takeaways
- Paleolithic and Mesolithic are two stages of the Stone Age, with the Mesolithic era coming after the Paleolithic era.
- The Paleolithic era is known as the Old Stone Age, where humans evolved into homo sapiens and lived as hunting and gathering societies, while the Mesolithic era, or Middle Stone Age, saw initial signs of domestication and agriculture.
- There was a significant improvement in tools and artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Mesolithic era, with more developed tools being used for hunting and other activities.
