Prehistory

Main thing

Prehistory is the vast stretch of time before written records, a period that spans from around 3.3 million years ago, when our ancestors first started using tools, to roughly5,000 years ago, when writing was invented. This era is a captivating narrative ofhuman evolution, survival, and development.For instance, imagine living around 1.76 million years ago during the Early Stone Age, a time when you had to create your own tools from stone, hunt and gather your food, and generate fire for warmth and cooking. Or picture yourself in the Middle Stone Age, around 300,000 years ago, when humans began to use more complex tools and started to control fire. Fast forward to the Late Stone Age, approximately 40,000 yearsago, when art, music, and other forms of cultural expression began to flourish. Thesesnapshots offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of prehistory.

Terms

• Prehistory: The period of time before written records, spanning from around 3.3 million years ago to roughly 5,000 years ago. Example: The Stone Age, which began around 3.3 million years ago and ended around 5,000 years ago, is a part of prehistory.

• Stone Age: The earliest known period of human culture, marked by the creation and use of stone tools. This era is divided into three periods: the Early Stone Age (or Paleolithic), the Middle Stone Age (or Mesolithic), and the Late Stone Age (or Neolithic). Example: Early humans during the Stone Age used tools made of flint.

• Tools: Devices used to carry out a particular function. In prehistory, these were often made from stone, bone, and wood. Example: Early humans used stone tools for various purposes, such as hunting, gathering, and crafting.

An analogy

Think of prehistory as a movie without a script. We have the set, the props, and the actors, but no written dialogue or direction. We piece together the story from the artifacts and fossils left behind, much like a detective solving a mystery.

A main misconception

A common misconception about prehistory is that it was a time of primitive savagery. In reality, our ancestors were innovative and adaptable, developing tools, art, and complex social structures.For example, many people believe that prehistoric humans were primarily cave dwellers, when in fact, they built a variety of shelters using materials available in their environment.

The history

Prehistory began around 3.3 million years ago, when our ancestors first started using tools. This period, known as the Stone Age, lasted until about 5,000 years ago, when humans began to develop writing.In different parts of the world, prehistory ended at different times. For instance, in the Middle East, writing was developed around 3200 BC, marking the end of prehistory in that region. In contrast, in New Zealand, prehistory ended as late as the 19th century with the arrival of European settlers.As the famous anthropologist Louis Leakey said, "The most important advances of civilization are processes that all but wreck the societies in which they occur."

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Understanding Human Behavior: By studying prehistory, we can gain insights into human behavior and societal development. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it helps us understand why we behave the way we do and how our societies have evolved over time.

2. Environmental Conservation: Prehistory provides valuable lessons about how early humans interacted with their environment. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it can guide modern conservation efforts and help us make sustainable choices.

3. Archaeology and Anthropology: Prehistory is a fundamental part of these academic disciplines. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it helps archaeologists and anthropologists understand human history and evolution.

Interesting facts

• The oldest known human-made tools are about 3.3 million years old.

• The Lascaux Cave in France, discovered in 1940, contains some of the most famous prehistoric art, dating back around 17,000 years.

• Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved natural mummy from around 3300 BC, provides a fascinating glimpse into late prehistoric life. His body was found with a variety of tools and clothing, including a copper axe, a flint knife, and a quiver of arrows.