The hand axe, a prehistoric tool used as a weapon and for various other tasks, has been referred to by a number of different synonyms throughout history. One of the oldest known terms for this implement is bifacial hand axe, which refers to the fact that both sides of the tool are worked. Other synonyms for this tool include hand-adze, stone axe, and cleaver. Additionally, some cultures used more specific terms, such as the European bronze age term flint sickle axe, which was used as an agricultural tool. Regardless of the term used, the hand axe played an important role in the development and progress of human civilization.