Paleolithic Period

c. 2.5 million to c. 10,000 BCE

Ancient cave painting of multiple human handprints in white, black, and red colors on a rocky reddish-brown surface.

The Paleolithic Period or “Old Stone Age” is distinguished by the use stone tools and the world’s earliest art

Basics

Foundations in historical thinking

Ancient calendar stone with text "BC vs. AD, BCE vs. CE" overlay, juxtaposed with a historical manuscript in the background.

VIDEO: What do BCE/BC and CE/AD mean?

Important terms and concepts

BC vs. BCE

AD vs. CE

Graphic design with various outlined icons of Greek and Roman artifacts such as a statue, a vase, a mask, and a column, with a green background and a central banner that reads 'Coming Soon'.

COMING SOON: Overview of the Paleolithic

Caves

Paintings on cave walls are some of the most famous examples of art made in the Paleolithic period

Prehistoric cave painting depicting various animals, including possibly a large feline or predator, painted with natural pigments on a stone surface.

VIDEO: Ocher and Prehistoric Painting

Ancient cave wall with white and black handprint cave paintings of human hands.

VIDEO: Cave of the Hands, Argentina | Cueva de los Manos

Important terms and concepts

Paleolithic

Ocher/Ochre

Pigment

Cave painting

hand axe / biface

Technology

Tools are some of the earliest records of human visual expression

Ancient stone arrowhead displayed on purple platform behind glass case.

COMING SOON: Bifaces/Hand axes

Important terms and concepts

Paleolithic

hand axe / biface

Portable Objects

People were often on the move, with a need for portable objects

Important terms and concepts

sacrum

findspot

COMING SOON: Camelid sacrum in the shape of a canine, Tequixquiac, central Mexico, 14,000–7,000 BCE

Supercharge your learning!

ARTSQ Store
The Paleolithic Period
Quick View
The Paleolithic Period
Find more on the Store!
Find more on the Store!

The Neolithic Era

Learn more about the prehistoric period following the Paleolithic

Go
Go
Artistic display of three circular sculptures and a tall rectangular sculpture, with a small yellowish stone bowl in front, set against a neutral background.

Related Resources

Explore Continents