The roots of humanity, there’s nothing that captures me more than the Stone Age. Picture a time when humans roamed the Earth and the technology of the time was new tools made of stone, when survival depended on how skilled you were with a spear or bow. It was the longest period in human history so I immersed myself in this period. I explored sites across the world, but today I’ll share about what I remember from Europe. From the still standing Stonehenge in England to the lesser-known dolmens in Brittany, France. I will give you a first-hand look at the Stone Age in Europe and how it shaped the people and society we know today.
The Stone Age in Europe, can be roughly divided into three ages: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. We are talking about a large expanse of time where a lot of things happened, great advancements in humanity and the basic inventions of humanity are found. However, it is so long ago that memories become foggy. The Paleolithic period began around 2.6 million years ago, and it lasted until the start of the Mesolithic, which began roughly 11,000 years ago. During this period, the early humans were nomadic hunters-gatherers, surviving solely on hunting and fishing for food. The Mesolithic and the Neolithic periods are sometimes known as the ‘New Stone Age.’ It is during this period that early humans started making polished stone tools and began farming.
During my adventures, I beheld Stonehenge in its glory, the iconic monument in modern day Wiltshire, England. I believe it’s construction started about 5,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. This structure was adeptly built, the craft and precision were so outstanding that it has been able to survive the ages and escaped the fate of time. To my memory, Stonehenge served as a burial ground and a place to hold rituals, especially during the summer solstice. It’s a beautiful reminder of the people’s deep-rooted beliefs and elaborate rituals in the Neolithic period.
Another site that I remember fondly is located in Brittany, FranceThe Carnac stones, but specifically the dolmens. Dolmens are crypt-like structures built of massive stone slabs that commemorate the dead. The Mastery and engineering that took place to construct these elaborate tomb is well beyond the contemporary view of the Stone Age. These tombs were constructed during the Neolithic period as well, the people believed in an afterlife and held a lot of reverence for their ancestors.
In Scotland, the Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old prehistoric village is likely the best-preserved in Europe. The simplicity and practical use of space in the Skara Brae were striking. The villagers who lived in this village were farmers and fishermen. During this time humanity was forced to adapt to their environment or face extinction, and the people of Skara Brae are a great reminder of that fear in today age.
I was drawn to the fragility of early humans, scared of the world and learning how to survive. It is fascinating to think about how the ancients lived and the profound impact it has had on humanity today. From their elaborate rituals to their practical way of living and reliance on the natural environment, I remember the Stone Age people were far more intelligent and innovative than we give them credit for today. Visiting ancient sites like Stonehenge, the dolmens, and the Skara Brae can transport you back in time, giving you a glimpse of humanity’s evolution and a deeper appreciation of the past.
Deeper Reading:
“Europe before Rome: A Site-by-Site Tour of the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages” by T. Douglas Price
