Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is prehistory and when did it end?
What is prehistory and when did it end?
Prehistory is the period of human history between the first known use of stone tools by hominins around 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of recorded history with the invention of writing systems. The end of prehistory varied in different places and is less often used in discussing societies where prehistory ended relatively recently.
When did the earliest known writing systems appear?
When did the earliest known writing systems appear?
The earliest known writing systems appeared around 5,000 years ago.
Which civilizations were the first to develop their own scripts and keep historical records?
Which civilizations were the first to develop their own scripts and keep historical records?
In the early Bronze Age, Sumer in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley Civilisation, and ancient Egypt were the first civilizations to develop their own scripts and to keep historical records.
How long did it take for writing systems to be widely adopted?
How long did it take for writing systems to be widely adopted?
When did most other civilizations reach the end of prehistory?
When did most other civilizations reach the end of prehistory?
What is the significance of the K-T event in prehistory?
What is the significance of the K-T event in prehistory?
How did the Stone Age come to an end and what marked the transition?
How did the Stone Age come to an end and what marked the transition?
What role did iridium-enriched clay play in understanding the K-T event?
What role did iridium-enriched clay play in understanding the K-T event?
What technological advancements marked the beginning of the Bronze Age?
What technological advancements marked the beginning of the Bronze Age?
What were some key developments during the Stone Age?
What were some key developments during the Stone Age?
