Hunting was a major enterprise to obtain food during the Paleolithic Era. Usually, only the stone and bone used for hunting weapons have survived. For that reason, the record is incomplete. What has been found are hand axes, spear points and other stone tools such as knives that progress to finely chipped edges and finish. Bones of animals close to the living area indicate that Paleolithic men hunted or trapped animals for food. Grains and seeds also indicate that they engaged in gathering berries and other grown foods.
During the last part of the Paleolithic, about 9500 B.C., people started farming. By refining their axes, they were able to clear land of trees and brush. They started to plant grains and vegetables, and made new tools to cultivate land for planting. Excess grain and vegetables can be stored for future uses. Domestic animals started to appear at this time. Agriculture required people stay in one location to care for livestock and crops. This requires a change in the way they live.
Because the establishment of agriculture allowed humans to grow food, they weren't dependent on moving around for their food supply. Agriculture allowed them to stay in one location, with people starting villages and other settlements around 8000 B.C. They lived in groups of 150 to 2,000. This large group was broken into smaller family groups. Large burial mounds and fortified construction require cooperation, indicating that people of this time were organized. These developments were the start of organized society.
The first surviving Paleolithic art is from about 30,000 B.C. It was during an ice age and done on cave walls when people lived in caves. The purpose may have been for religious reasons, an attempt to control animals or to record a successful hunt. They used ocher and charcoal to make paint. They also made small sculpture from tusks and bone. The sculptures were normally of faceless women, and thought to be fertility objects. During the Paleolithic Era burials become important, perhaps for religious reasons. Personal items were included with the body, and preparing the body for burial was important.