Prehistory

The period of human existence before the invention and use of written records.

Quick Facts: Who was Prehistory?

Subject:
Prehistory
Known for:
The period of human existence before the invention and use of written records.
Verified Source:
2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Prehistory, sometimes referred to as pre-literary history, is the period of human history between the first known use of stone tools by hominins c. 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of recorded history with the invention of writing systems. The use of symbols, marks, and images appears very early among humans, but the earliest known writing systems appeared c. 5,200 years ago. The adoption of writing across the globe was a gradual process, so that the end of prehistory occurred at different times in different places, and the term is less often used in discussing societies where prehistory ended relatively recently. The period when a culture is written about by others but has not developed its own writing system is often known as the protohistory of the culture. Human prehistory differs from history not only in terms of its chronology but also in the way it deals with the activities of archaeological cultures rather than named nations or individuals.

Career & Major Achievements

Restricted to material processes, remains, and artefacts rather than written records, prehistory is anonymous. Because of this, reference terms that prehistorians use, such as "Neanderthal" or "Iron Age", are modern labels with definitions sometimes subject to debate. In most cases however, and in particular as one goes back further in time, these assigned labels are the only way of distinguishing groups of prehistoric peoples and conveying information about them in the present. By definition, there are no written records from human prehistory, which can only be known from material archaeological and anthropological evidence: prehistoric materials and human remains. These were at first understood by the collection of folklore and by analogy with pre-literate societies observed in modern times.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The notion of "prehistory" emerged during the Enlightenment in the work of antiquarians who used the word "primitive" to describe societies that existed before written records. The word "prehistory" first appeared in English in 1836 in the Foreign Quarterly Review. The geologic time scale for pre-human time periods, and the three-age system for human prehistory, were systematised during the nineteenth century in the work of British, French, German, and Scandinavian anthropologists, archaeologists, and antiquarians. An early conception of "prehistory" arose suggesting that without written records there could be no history and no way to speak meaningfully about the people who left behind no writing. The most common conception today is that history is based on a wide range of evidence, and while some historians have been uncomfortable with using prehistory as a term, the concept of prehistory has been questioned but not discarded.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

  1. 1836: 1836 Milestone — The word "prehistory" first appeared in English in 1836 in the Foreign Quarterly Review.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Prehistory

True or False: “Prehistory is solely dependent on archaeological evidence, making it entirely immune to linguistic analysis.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While archaeology is primary, prehistory also benefits significantly from insights provided by historical linguists and genetic analyses.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

  • Aaron Burr — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
  • André-Marie Ampère — Historical peer (Died in 1836) (1836): Founder of classical electromagnetism; inventor of the solenoid and electrical telegraph.
  • Preity Zinta — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Indian actress known for modern, strong female roles in Hindi cinema.
  • Prem Tinsulanonda — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A prominent Thai statesman, military officer, and long-serving Prime Minister of Thailand.
  • Premchand — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneer of Hindi and Urdu social fiction, celebrated for its critique of Indian society.
  • Preston Sturges — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering screenwriter and director known for witty, personal American comedies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prehistory

Who was Prehistory and what are their primary contributions?

The period of human existence before the invention and use of written records. Origins & Early Life: Prehistory, sometimes referred to as pre-literary history, is the period of human history between the first known use of stone tools by hominins c. 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of recorded history with the invention of writing systems. The use of symbols, marks, and images appears very early among humans, but the earliest known writing systems appeared c. 5,200 years ago. The adoption of writing across the globe was a gradual process, so that the end of prehistory occurred at different times in different places, and the term is less often used in discussing societies where prehistory ended relatively recently. The period when a culture is written about by others but has not developed its own writing system is often known as the protohistory of the culture. Human prehistory differs from history not only in terms of its chronology but also in the way it deals with the activities of archaeological cultures rather than named nations or individuals.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Prehistory?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia