Palaeolithic vs. Neolithic

Timeline: Stone Age to Iron Age

FoodPalaeolithic Age• Men hunted and women

gathered from around the area as needed.

• Flora and fauna was markedly different (e.g. Mammoths).

Neolithic Age• People learned how to grow

crops.• People domesticated animals,

insects and fish to provide meat, skins and milk.

Shelter

Paleolithic Age• There were no permanent

homes.• Because people hunted and

gathered, they had to move to where the food was. Therefore, homes were temporary .

Neolithic Age• They had permanent homes.• Homes were usually made from

timber, wattle & daub, or mud brick.

ClothingPalaeolithic Age• Clothing was made primarily from

fur.• The climate during the time was

cold, so people dressed to stay warm.

Neolithic Age• Furs and skins fastened with

antler or bone pins.• Use of natural dyes.• In some places, people were able

to make fabric using linen and wool.

Tools

Palaeolithic Age• Simple shaped stone tools

like cutters, scrapers and hand axes.

• Also, they used spear tips and sticks.

Neolithic Age• Widespread use of ground-stone

tools.• More advanced shaped tools like

bows and arrows and harpoons.• Antler or wood plows.• Ends with use of metals (copper).

CulturePalaeolithic Age• Animistic religions.• Ceremonial burial.• Musical instruments.

Neolithic Age• Use of statues, monuments

and temples for religion.• Monumental burial

mounds.

SocietyPalaeolithic Age• Some trade for key goods (e.g.

flint).• Very low population density.• Everyone learned similar broad

skills.• More equal.• Based on sharing.

Neolithic Age• More trade, including for status

goods.• Centers of population

(towns/cities).• Specialization• Elites and lower classes.• Surpluses have to be protected.