* Lasted from 2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago
* Characterized by the use of simple stone tools, such as hand axes, scrapers, and choppers
* Humans were hunter-gatherers and lived in caves or other natural shelters
Neolithic Era (New Stone Age)
* Lasted from about 10,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago
* Characterized by the development of agriculture, pottery, and polished stone tools
* Humans began to settle in permanent villages and towns