By Natural Philosopher Mike Prestwood
Timeline Story

Early Stone Tools

Early Stone Tools

When: 2.7 Million BCE
Note: 2.7 Million to 2 Million BCE
Absolute Years From Now: -2700000
Story Reference Date: 07/09/2021

The earliest known stone tools date back to at least 2.6 million years ago. These basic stone tools were made and used by early humans–hominids. Did they also use wood tools? Sure, or at least very likely, but we have yet to find any preserved back as far as stone tools which hold up to the test of time much better than wood. 

The stone tools include hammerstones, stone cores, and sharp stone flakes. By about 1.76 million years ago, early humans began to make Acheulean handaxes and other large cutting tools.

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