Technological Innovations That Changed Archaeology in Ancient History

The Old Stone Age

• The Stone Age was the time period when tools were primarily made of stone. It is usually divided into the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, the Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age and the Neolithic or New Stone Age, based on the implementation of new technologies as reflected in the archaeological record. In sites dating back to the Old Stone Age, archaeologists have found evidence of a series of technological innovations spanning millions of years, most of which are improvements in the design of flaked stone tools or in early humans' knowledge of how to use fire. The Old Stone Age lasted from around two million years ago to around 13,000 B.C. when the Ice Age ended and people developed the ability to make stone sculptures.

The Middle and New Stone Ages

• The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age lasted from around 10,000 to 5,000 B.C., and the major technological innovation found in archaeological digs from this time period is the ability to carve sculptures out of stone. In the Neolithic, or New Stone Age period, people developed the technology to create pottery, as well as the massive megalithic religious structures such as Stonehenge and New Grange.

The Bronze Age

• At archaeological sites in Mesopotamia and China dating back to about 3,000 B.C., and at sites in Europe from around 2,000 B.C. onward, bronze tools have been found. Bronze is an alloy made of around 85 percent copper and 15 percent tin or arsenic. It is stronger than copper would be alone, but it is easier to work with because it melts at cooler temperatures. Bronze tools and weapons were far superior to those made of stone, and this revolutionary technology led to the development of some of the earliest known Chinese dynasties, as well as the powerful early civilizations of the Middle East.

The Iron Age

• At sites dating to about 1,500 B.C. in parts of Africa and Asia, and at sites dating to around 1,000 B.C. in Europe, archaeologists have found iron tools. Iron tools made agricultural work much easier, giving people the leisure time to create more sophisticated art, jewelry and clothing. Iron weapons also allowed the Celtic tribes to establish dominance of northern Europe. The Iron Age technological revolution marks the final stage of ancient archaeology.