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

By Squintss
  • Early Stone Tools 2,600,000 BCE
    26 BCE

    Early Stone Tools 2,600,000 BCE

  • Homo erectus: First Migrators 1,800,000 BCE
    18 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.
  • Acheulean Hand Axe 1,600,000 BCE
    16 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.
  • Control of Fire 800,000 BCE
    8 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
  • Homo heidelbergensis 600,000 BCE
    6 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.
  • Wooden Spears for Hunting 300,000 BCE
    3 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.