Stone Age

The Stone Age is part of the three-age system (Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age) that categorizes prehistoric societies by the primary material used to forge tools, and thus, their sophistication. The Stone Age is the earliest and longest period of human prehistory, defined by the use of stone tools. Its timeframe varies significantly across the globe, with some regions transitioning to metal use earlier than others. Generally, it began around 3 million years ago with the first known stone tool and lasted until approximately 3300 BCE in some regions.

During this vast era, humans evolved from early hominids to anatomically modern Homo sapiens, developing increasingly sophisticated cognition. Societies were initially organized as hunter-gatherers, gradually transitioning towards settled agriculture and animal domestication. Advancements included complex stone tools, the control of fire, early artistic expression, and the blossoming of religious beliefs and rituals. 

The end of the Stone Age is marked by the emergence of metal technologies. The Bronze Age thus ushered in a new era of human development. 

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