Stone Age Club - Stone Age Weapons and Inventions
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The earliest weapons and tools used by people in the stone age were ones that didn't need much crafting or handiwork. That's what made the club such a perfect gadget for the everyday stone age guy or gal.
What is a stone age club?
A club is essentially just a big heavy bit of tree. It could be a root, a branch or a part of a log. As long as it was light enough to lift but heavy enough to thwack things with, it could be used as a club.
How was this stone age weapon made?
The stone age opportunist would grab any sturdy piece of tree that was nearby to use as a weapon. Making a club could be as easy as that. On the other hand, the more sophisticated stone age inventor would carefully craft their weaponry. The most effective clubs were ones with a thinner shaft at one end to grip with your hand and a wider head at the other end, perfect for conking things with.
When was it invented?
The oldest club found by historians is a heavy piece of wood found in Zambia. This particular artefact is a stunning 300,000 years old (from the Palaeolithic era of the Stone Age)! There are many other clubs that have been found across Europe that date between 3,000 and 8,000 years ago (in the Neolithic era of the Stone Age).
What was it used for?
Clubs were likely used for hunting animals for food, an essential task back in the Stone Age (after all, there was no Asda to nip to when you're feeling the need for steak). They were an effective close-range weapon, meaning people in the stone age would have to get up close and personal to hit their prey. Clubs were probably also used as a tool. After all, they're great at pounding things into dust!
What about war?
Historians have mixed feelings about whether clubs were used for war during the stone age. Although I'm sure we'd all agree that they'd make great weapons for warfare. They're much quicker to construct than axes or spears so you can quickly get your pals kitted out for a ruck. Who wouldn't want to run into battle with a big old piece of tree in your hand? There's a 10,000 year old battleground called Nataruk where many of the 27 skeletons found at the ancient battle site have wounds that historians think were likely caused by clubs.
