Paleolithic Timeline From 2,600,000 - 300,000 BCE

By Squintss
  • 26 BCE

    Early Stone Tools 2,600,000 BCE

    Early Stone Tools 2,600,000 BCE
    Early hominins like Homo habilis made simple stone tools, such as flakes. These tools mark the earliest signs of tool use, likely employed in butchery and food processing
  • 18 BCE

    Homo erectus: First Migrators 1,800,000 BCE

    Homo erectus: First Migrators 1,800,000 BCE
    Recovery of its fossils both in Africa and Asia indicates that Homo erectus is the first hominin species to have migrated out of Africa. The species was quite adaptive, using both Oldowan and Acheulean tools.
  • 16 BCE

    Acheulean Hand Axe 1,600,000 BCE

    Acheulean Hand Axe 1,600,000 BCE
    Homo erectus produced more sophisticated stone tools, such as the Acheulean hand axe, whose design was sharper and more refined than those from H. habilis. The tools reflect a higher degree of cognitive development and tool-making skills.
  • 8 BCE

    Control of Fire 800,000 BCE

    Control of Fire 800,000 BCE
    Archaeological evidence suggests that Homo erectus was the first to control fire, which helped with cooking food, protection from predators, and surviving in colder climates
  • 6 BCE

    Homo heidelbergensis 600,000 BCE

    Homo heidelbergensis 600,000 BCE
    Considered a transitional species between Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis. They had larger brains and built shelters, marking a significant advancement in tool-making and survival techniques.
  • 3 BCE

    Wooden Spears for Hunting 300,000 BCE

    Wooden Spears for Hunting 300,000 BCE
    Evidence from this period suggests that early hominins, particularly Homo heidelbergensis, began to use wooden spears for hunting large game.