The Paleolithic Era, also known as the Old Stone Age, lasted from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. This period is characterized by the development of early human tools made from stone, wood, and bone. People lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting animals and foraging for plants to survive. During the Paleolithic Era, early humans, such as Homo habilis and Homo sapiens, began to form small groups and develop social structures. They created cave paintings and carvings, which are some of the earliest forms of artistic expression. This era laid the foundation for the later development of agriculture and settled societies.