The Old Stone Age is also commonly referred to as the Paleolithic Era. It began about 2.5 million years ago and lasted until around 12,000 years ago. This era is characterized by the development of stone tools and the emergence of early human species. The Neolithic era is characterized by the development of farming, pottery, and the use of polished stone tools, Mesolithic era is characterized by the use of microliths and the domestication of animals, The Bronze age is characterized by the use of bronze tools and weapons.