Paleolitic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods

Palaeolithic period (old stone age): The Palaeolithic period extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago. This long stretch of time is divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. This long span of time covers 99% of human history.

Mesolithic period (middle stone age): From 12,000 years to 10,000 ago. Stone tools found during this period are generally tiny, and are called microliths.

Neolithic period : from 10,000 years ago.