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Information about Prehistory

Prehistory usually refers to the period of human history before writing. Or
more precisely, the period that left no written records that we know about,
whether originals or later copies. In Egypt, prehistory would end around
3500 BC. In New Guinea, prehistory would end around 1900. Still earlier
periods of time are usually known as geological history.

When did prehistory begin? People disagree. Some would begin it with Homo
erectus, around 1.5 million years ago. Others would begin it around 40,000
BC, with the Cro-Magnons, or 4,000 BC with Adem and Eve.

Prehistory is often subdivided by a three-age system:

   * The Stone Ages:
        o Paleolithic -- Old Stone Age.
        o Epipalaeolithic -- characterised by the use of microliths, not
          distinguished by all scholars.
        o Mesolithic -- Middle Stone Age.
        o Neolithic -- Late Stone Age, usually referring to the beginnings
          of agriculture.
        o Chalcolithic or Eneolithic -- mixed stone and metal tools, not a
          period distinguished by all scholars.
   * Bronze Age -- use of copper and/or bronze tools.
   * Iron Age -- the Iron Age began around 2200 BC in Turkey and the
     Caucasus Mountains. It came later to other areas. It didn't come to
     Polynesia until the coming of the Europeans, between 1500 and 1750.

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