Stone, Bronze and Iron age - Timeline

The Stone Age, a vast period in human history, is segmented into three distinct ages: the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods. The timeline for these periods begins as far back as 2.5 million BC, stretching to around 8000 BC for the Palaeolithic Age, which is known for its rudimentary stone tool usage. The Mesolithic period follows, spanning approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC, marking a time of refinement in tool-making and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The Neolithic Age, from around 5000 BC to 2000 BC, sees significant advancements with the advent of farming, settled communities, and the development of pottery and weaving.

Throughout the Stone Age, Britain underwent transformative changes. The landscape shifted from a nomadic hunter-gatherer society to one of agricultural settlements, leading to the establishment of permanent dwellings and complex community structures by the end of the Neolithic period. The subsequent Bronze Age, from 2000 BC to around 1000 BC, introduced metalworking, with bronze tools and weapons becoming prevalent, as well as more sophisticated cultural practices. Finally, the Iron Age, beginning around 1000 BC, saw the emergence of iron as the dominant material, which led to stronger tools and weapons, fortifications, and the rise of prominent Celtic tribes, setting the stage for the Roman invasion. Each age is characterized by its predominant use of materials—stone, bronze, and iron—reflecting the technological and societal progress of the times.