The Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age, is the earliest period of human history, lasting from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. During this time, early humans, known as hominins, developed basic tools made from stone, wood, and bone. They lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting animals and foraging for plants for food. The Paleolithic era is characterized by the emergence of art, such as cave paintings and carvings, which provide insight into the lives and beliefs of early humans. This period laid the foundation for later developments in human culture and society, leading to the transition into the Neolithic era and the advent of agriculture.