LOWER PALAEOLITHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Lower Palaeolithic refers to the earliest period of the Palaeolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age, characterized by the use of crude stone tools by early humans. This epoch spans from approximately 2.6 million years ago to around 200,000 years ago. The term "lower" signifies its position in time relative to the Middle Palaeolithic and Upper Palaeolithic periods.
During the Lower Palaeolithic, early human ancestors, primarily Homo habilis (or "handy man") and Homo erectus (or "upright man"), utilized basic stone tools such as pebble chopping tools, hand axes, and cleavers. These tools were primarily crafted by chipping and flaking stones to create sharp edges used for various tasks like butchering animals, scraping hides, or shaping wood.
The Lower Palaeolithic period witnessed significant advancements in early human cultures, including the emergence of fire usage, controlled use of raw materials, and social behavior such as communal living. This era also saw the expansion of early humans from Africa to Eurasia, successfully adapting to diverse environments.
The Lower Palaeolithic is a critical period in human evolution as it laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in tool-making techniques and cultural complexity seen in the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. Furthermore, it provides important insights into the behavior, capabilities, and survival strategies of early human ancestors during a time of immense environmental and ecological change.
Etymology of LOWER PALAEOLITHIC
The word "lower Palaeolithic" is derived from two main components: "lower" and "Palaeolithic".
1. Lower: The term "lower" is an English word that originates from the Middle English word "louwer" and the Old English word "islowra". It ultimately traces back to the Old English word "lywan", meaning "to grow less, decline, sink". In the context of geological or archaeological periods, "lower" is used to refer to an earlier or more primitive stage compared to a higher or more advanced stage.
2. Palaeolithic: The term "Palaeolithic" is also of English origin, coming from the combination of two Greek words: "palaiós" meaning "old" and "líthos" meaning "stone". The Greek roots reflect the nature of the Palaeolithic period as the "Old Stone Age".
