The late stage of the Stone Age, beginning around 8,000–9,000 years ago, characterized by the use of polished stone tools, pottery, weaving, and the development of agriculture and animal husbandry.

The Old Stone Age; the earliest stage of human cultural development characterized by the use of chipped stone tools and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Mesolithic Era; the Middle Stone Age. A transitional period in human history between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, beginning roughly 10,000 years ago, characterized by hunting and gathering and the invention of the bow and arrow.