Microliths are small stone tools that were used by humans during the Mesolithic period. These tools are typically between 2 and 5 centimeters long, and were often used as the tips of arrows or spears. Microliths were different from the tools made during the Palaeolithic period in several ways.

Size and Shape

One of the main differences between microliths and Palaeolithic tools is their size and shape. Microliths were much smaller and more finely crafted than the tools made during the Palaeolithic period. They were often made from small flakes of stone, rather than large rocks, which allowed for greater precision in their design.

Function

Another difference between microliths and Palaeolithic tools is their function. While Palaeolithic tools were often used for a variety of tasks, including hunting, scraping, and cutting, microliths were primarily used as the tips of arrows and spears. This specialization in function suggests that the people who made and used microliths had a more sophisticated understanding of hunting and warfare.

Materials

Microliths were often made from different materials than the tools made during the Palaeolithic period. While Palaeolithic tools were typically made from large rocks like flint, microliths were often made from smaller, more specialized materials like obsidian or chert. This allowed for greater precision in their design, and also made them easier to transport and use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, microliths were small stone tools that were used by humans during the Mesolithic period. They were different from the tools made during the Palaeolithic period in several ways, including their size and shape, their function, and the materials from which they were made. Microliths were a significant technological advance, and their use suggests that the people who made and used them had a more sophisticated understanding of hunting and warfare than their Palaeolithic counterparts.