The Eolithic age, also known as the Lower Paleolithic era, is a period of prehistoric human history characterized by the emergence of primitive stone tools. This era stretched from 2.6 million years ago to roughly 200,000 years ago. Synonyms for this era include early Stone Age, prehistoric era, and the Old Stone Age. Anthropologists and archaeologists use these synonyms interchangeably to describe the times when humans relied exclusively on stone tools and weapons for hunting, gathering, and defense. The Eolithic age marked a crucial period in human evolution, as we developed fundamental skills for survival, as well as language and social development.