Paleolithic Period—2.5 million-10,000 BCE

Paleolithic Period  (2.5 million – 10,000 BCE year Ago)

The Paleolithic Period, commonly referred to as the Old Stone Age, represents a prehistoric era marked by the utilization of stone tools. Spanning an extensive period in human history, it begins with the emergence of the first stone tools approximately 2.5 million years ago and extends to the advent of agriculture around 10,000 BCE.

The Paleolithic Period is divide into three subperiods: the Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic.

1. Lower Paleolithic (2.5 million – 300,000 BCE)

The Lower Paleolithic is the earliest subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age. It spans from approximately 2.5 million to 300,000 years ago. This period is characterize by the use of simple stone tools and the presence of hominins, including species like Homo habilis and Homo erectus. Let’s break down the timeline and notable archaeological findings during the early part of the Paleolithic Period in the region of present-day Pakistan:

1. 2,000,000 BCE – 1,000,000 BCE:
   • Tools crafted by proto-humans, dating back two million years, have been discover in the region of present-day North Pakistan.
   • Pebble stones from the archaeological site of Riwat, Murree, have been discover, dating back approximately 1.9 million years ago.
   • The earliest archaeological site in the subcontinent is the palaeolithic hominid site in the Soan River valley.
   • Soanian sites are in the Sivalik region across the Indian subcontinent.
2. 500,000 BCE:
   • Some of the earliest relics of Stone Age man have been discover in the Soan Valley of the Potohar region near Rawalpindi, dating back to 500,000 BCE.

During this period, proto-humans in the region were utilizing basic stone tools, marking the early stages of technological and cultural development. The Soan Valley, with its rich archaeological sites, provides valuable insights into the lifestyles and tool-making practices of ancient human populations. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the long and continuous history of human habitation in what is now Pakistan, showcasing a deep-rooted connection between early inhabitants and the landscapes they inhabited.

2. Middle Paleolithic (300,000 – 30,000 BCE)

The Middle Paleolithic is the second subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, following the Lower Paleolithic and preceding the Upper Paleolithic. It spans from approximately 300,000 to 30,000 years ago. This period is characterize by further developments in tool technology, increased social complexity, and the presence of Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) in addition to Homo sapiens.

During the period from 300,000 BCE to 100,000 BCE in the region that is now Pakistan:

1. Tools and Artifacts:
   • Flake tools, microliths, and other chopping tools have been discover in the Soan Valley.
   • These tools were primarily made from metamorphic quartzite rocks.
   • The stone tool artifacts fpund in this assemblage are identified as part of the second inter-pluvial period in Pakistan.
2. Homo Erectus in Bhimbetka:
   • Some of the Bhimbetka shelters, located in present-day India, were inhabit by Homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago.
   • Bhimbetka, known for its rock shelters with prehistoric paintings, provides evidence of early human occupation and activities in the Indian subcontinent during this time frame.

This period represents an important phase in human prehistory, marked by the continued use and development of stone tools. The archaeological findings in the Soan Valley contribute to our understanding of the technological advancements and adaptation strategies of ancient human populations. The presence of Homo erectus in Bhimbetka further extends the timeline of human habitation in the broader region.

3. Upper Paleolithic (30,000 – 10,000 BCE)

The Upper Paleolithic is a period in human prehistory that lasted from approximately 30,000 to 10,000 BCE. This epoch is characterize by significant cultural and technological developments among early Homo sapiens, and it represents the latter part of the larger Paleolithic era. In 43,000 BCE, an important archaeological site known as Riwat 55 emerged, and it represents a modern form of the Early Riwat Site. Key features of this site include:

1. Archaeological Site of Riwat 55:
   • Riwat 55 is an archaeological site that dates back to this period.
   • The site reveals significant structures, including a low wall footing, a pit, and a stone-lined niche.
   • These structures are associated with a freshly flaked stone assemblage that includes blades.
2. Structural Components:
   • The site showcases a low wall footing, suggesting the presence of constructed walls or enclosures.
   • A pit, indicative of human activities such as storage or disposal, adds to the complexity of the site.
   • A stone-lined niche, possibly serving a specific purpose, is part of the structural elements discovered.
3. Stone Tools:
   • The freshly flaked stone assemblage found at Riwat 55 includes blades.
   • The use of blades as tools indicates the technological proficiency of the ancient inhabitants.

The discovery at Riwat 55 provides valuable insights into the architectural practices and tool-making capabilities of the prehistoric population during this time. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of human culture and activities in the region around 43,000 BCE.

Transition to Neolithic (10,000 – 2,000 BCE)

The Transition to the Neolithic Period marks a significant phase in human history characterized by the shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. This transformative period occurred roughly between 10,000 and 2,000 BCE and brought about fundamental changes in human societies, including advancements in agriculture, the domestication of animals, and the establishment of permanent settlements.

1. Agricultural Revolution:
   • Timeframe (10,000 – 8,000 BCE):
     • The cultivation of plants and the domestication of crops such as wheat, barley, and legumes began.
     • The transition from a reliance on wild resources to intentional cultivation allowed for more reliable food sources.
2. Domestication of Animals:
   • Timeframe (8,000 – 5,000 BCE):
     • Animals, including goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs, were domesticated for various purposes such as food, labor, and textiles.
     • Domestication of animals contributed to a more settled lifestyle and the development of pastoralism.
3. Establishment of Permanent Settlements:
   • Timeframe (8,000 – 5,000 BCE):
     • With the advent of agriculture, people began to settle in one location for more extended periods.
     • The establishment of permanent settlements led to the development of early villages and towns.
4. Technological Advancements:
   • Timeframe (5,000 – 2,000 BCE):
     • Advances in pottery, weaving, and other crafts accompanied the growth of settled communities.
     • The development of more sophisticated tools and implements contributed to increased efficiency in farming and daily activities.
5. Social and Cultural Changes:
   • Timeframe (5,000 – 2,000 BCE):
     • The transition to settled agriculture had profound effects on social structures, with the emergence of more complex societies.
     • The accumulation of surplus food enabled the development of social hierarchies and specialized roles.
6. Spread of Neolithic Practices:
   • Neolithic practices gradually spread across different regions, with distinct cultural variations.
   • Neolithic communities interacted through trade, cultural exchange, and migration.
7. End of the Neolithic Transition (2,000 BCE):
   • The Neolithic Period generally comes to end around 2,000 BCE, giving way to subsequent periods characterized by more advanced civilizations and complex societies.

The Transition to the Neolithic marked a pivotal moment in human history, laying the foundation for the development of agriculture-based civilizations and shaping the course of human societies for millennia to come.