When we think about the past, we often use the terms “ancient history” and “prehistoric times” interchangeably. However, these terms actually refer to two distinct periods of human history. In this article, we will explore the differences between ancient history and prehistoric times.
What is Ancient History?
Ancient history refers to the period of human history that began with the invention of writing, which is usually dated to around 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). This marked a major turning point in human history, as it allowed people to record their thoughts, ideas, and histories for future generations.
Some of the most well-known civilizations from ancient history include:
- The Egyptians
- The Greeks
- The Romans
- The Chinese
During this time period, people developed complex societies with laws, governments, religions, and cultural traditions. They also made significant advancements in science, technology, art, and literature.
What is Prehistoric Times?
Prehistoric times refers to the period of human history that predates the invention of writing. This means that there are no written records from this time period, making it more difficult for historians to study.
Prehistoric times can be divided into three main periods:
1. Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)
This period began around 2.6 million years ago and lasted until around 10,000 BCE. During this time period, humans were primarily hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups and relied on stone tools for survival.
2. Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)
This period began around 10,000 BCE and lasted until around 6000 BCE. During this time period, humans started to develop more advanced tools and began to settle in one place instead of constantly moving.
3. Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)
This period began around 6000 BCE and lasted until around 3000 BCE. During this time period, humans developed agriculture, which allowed them to produce their own food and create larger settlements. They also developed pottery, weaving, and other crafts.
Key Differences Between Ancient History and Prehistoric Times
One of the main differences between ancient history and prehistoric times is the availability of written records. Ancient history is characterized by the development of writing systems, which allowed people to record their histories, laws, and cultural traditions. Prehistoric times, on the other hand, have no written records and are therefore more difficult for historians to study.
Another key difference is the level of technological development. During ancient history, people made significant advancements in science, technology, art, and literature. In prehistoric times, however, humans were primarily concerned with survival and developing basic tools for hunting and gathering.
Conclusion
In summary, ancient history refers to the period of human history that began with the invention of writing around 3000 BCE. This period is characterized by complex societies with laws, governments, religions, and cultural traditions.
Prehistoric times refer to the period of human history that predates the invention of writing. It can be divided into three main periods: Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). The main differences between these two periods are the availability of written records and the level of technological development.