2.1 Paleolithic and Epipaleolithic cultures

The Paleolithic period spans millions of years, from early stone tools to modern human behavior. It's divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper phases, each marked by distinct technologies and human ancestors. The Epipaleolithic follows, bridging the gap to agriculture.

Paleolithic cultures in the Levant, like the Natufian and Kebaran, show a gradual shift towards sedentism. Stone tools evolved from simple flakes to complex microliths, reflecting changes in lifestyle and resource use. Hunter-gatherer societies adapted to diverse environments throughout this long era.

Paleolithic Periods

Chronology of the Paleolithic

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• Lower Paleolithic (1.5 million to 200,000 years ago)
  • Earliest period of human tool use and evolution
  • Characterized by simple stone tools (Oldowan and Acheulean)
• Middle Paleolithic (200,000 to 40,000 years ago)
  • Emergence of more advanced stone tool technologies (Levallois technique)
  • Associated with Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens
• Upper Paleolithic (40,000 to 10,000 years ago)
  • Marked by the appearance of fully modern human behavior
  • Includes the development of advanced stone tools, art, and symbolism
• Epipaleolithic (10,000 to 8,500 BCE)
  • Transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic
  • Characterized by the intensification of foraging and the beginnings of sedentism

Paleolithic Cultures and Technologies

Natufian and Kebaran Cultures

• Natufian culture (12,500 to 9,500 BCE)
  • Late Epipaleolithic culture in the Levant
  • Known for their semi-sedentary lifestyle and intensified foraging
  • Utilized groundstone tools and created artistic objects (figurines and jewelry)
• Kebaran culture (18,000 to 12,500 BCE)
  • Epipaleolithic culture preceding the Natufian
  • Characterized by the use of microliths and a mobile hunter-gatherer lifestyle
  • Adapted to the changing climate at the end of the last ice age

Stone Tool Technologies

• Stone tools were the primary technology of the Paleolithic
  • Oldowan tools: Simple stone flakes and choppers (Lower Paleolithic)
  • Acheulean tools: Handaxes and cleavers (Lower Paleolithic)
  • Levallois technique: Prepared core technology for producing flakes of predetermined shape (Middle Paleolithic)
• Microliths: Small, geometrically shaped stone tools used as projectile points or in composite tools (Epipaleolithic)
  • Allowed for the creation of more efficient and specialized hunting and processing tools
  • Reflect the adaptation to changing resources and environments

Paleolithic Lifestyles and Habitats

Hunter-Gatherer Societies and Adaptations

• Paleolithic people lived in small, mobile hunter-gatherer bands
  • Subsisted on wild plants and animals
  • Organized labor based on age and gender
• Adapted to various environments and climatic changes
  • Developed strategies for exploiting seasonal resources
  • Moved between different habitats (coastal, mountainous, and desert regions)

Dwellings and Settlement Patterns

• Cave dwellings were common during the Paleolithic
  • Provided shelter and protection from the elements
  • Sites such as Tabun Cave and Qafzeh Cave in Israel offer insights into Paleolithic life
• Open-air sites and temporary camps were also used
  • Allowed for flexibility in following migrating herds and seasonal resources
  • Examples include Ohalo II (Israel) and Kharaneh IV (Jordan)

Paleolithic Hominins

Early Human Ancestors

• Homo erectus (1.9 million to 143,000 years ago)
  • First hominin to leave Africa and colonize Eurasia
  • Characterized by larger brain size and more advanced stone tool technology compared to earlier hominins
• Neanderthals (400,000 to 40,000 years ago)
  • Archaic humans well-adapted to cold environments
  • Skilled hunters and tool makers
  • Interbred with modern humans

Emergence of Modern Humans

• Homo sapiens emerged in Africa around 300,000 years ago
  • Migrated out of Africa and spread across the globe
  • Developed advanced cognitive abilities, language, and symbolic expression
• Replaced or assimilated other hominin species, including Neanderthals
  • Genetic evidence suggests interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals
  • Contributed to the genetic diversity of modern human populations