1,000,000-8500 BC Palaeolithic

The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age starts in Europe with the first arrival of humans from about 1 million years ago. Throughout this period there were regular changes in climate, with northern Europe at times being covered by thick ice-sheets, and at other times enjoying an almost Mediterranean climate. These shifts in climate determined which parts of the continent could be colonised, but also led to changes in human physical morphology, and the invention and introduction of new technologies to cope with the more extreme conditions.

The earliest colonisers were probably a form of Homo erectus, although the main expansion into more northerly areas of Europe about 500,000 years ago was probably by Homo heidelbergensis. This species probably evolved into early Neanderthals from about 400,000 years ago. Neanderthals were shorter and stockier and more able to cope with cold climates. They also developed improved hunting skills, were able to haft stone tools onto handles and shafts, and had the use of fire.

Modern humans (Homo sapiens) arrived in Europe about 40,000 years ago from Africa and the Near East. Their arrival coincided with the extinction of the Neanderthals. It is not known whether this was through direct confrontation, or whether modern humans had advantages in tools, hunting skills and clothing that allowed them to win the competition for resources.