History of Humanity: Prehistory, Ancient Times and Key Ages
The study of history is one of the most important subjects for understanding humanity. History is the last field of study of humanity. Historians study the evolution of societies, their causes and consequences, and the events that have occurred in the past. The study of history helps us better understand today's society and avoid past errors.
The study of history is largely divided into two stages: prehistory, which covers the period before the invention of writing around 3000 BC, and history, which begins with the invention of writing.
Prehistory
Prehistory is the period from the appearance of the first humans and their instruments until the invention of writing. It began approximately 2.4 million years ago and extends until 3000 BC.
Stages of prehistory
The stages of prehistory are based on the materials humans used to make their tools.
Paleolithic (Old Stone Age)
The Paleolithic period lasted from about 2.4 million years ago until around 10,000 BC. It is known as the Old Stone Age, and its tools were made by knapping stone, which consisted of striking one stone with another to obtain flakes. The economy of Paleolithic peoples was based on subsistence and gathering, and they lived off the collection of fruits and the hunting of animals. Their lifestyle was nomadic.
Neolithic (New Stone Age)
The Neolithic period ran from approximately 10,000 to 4000 BC. It is known as the New Stone Age or Polished Stone Age. Its main advance was the development of more refined stone-working techniques, notably polishing, which produced smooth surfaces and edges on tools. During this period, humans discovered agriculture and livestock farming, which gave rise to permanent settlements.
Metal Age
The Metal Age began around 4000 to 3000 BC. Humans started to learn how to work metals, which were difficult to manufacture into instruments. First came copper and bronze, and later iron. During this time, humanity developed more complex social and economic organization.
History
History begins with the invention of writing, around 3000 BC, and extends to the present day.
Stages of history
Ancient Age
The Ancient Age spans from 3000 BC to 476 AD, the date of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages run from 476 AD to the 15th century. The fall of the Western Roman Empire marked its beginning, while many historians place its end in 1453, when the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) fell to the Turks with the capture of Constantinople. The Middle Ages ended around the time of Columbus's discovery of America in 1492.
Modern Age
The Modern Age extends from the end of the 15th century to the French Revolution in 1789.
Contemporary Age
The Contemporary Age runs from 1789 to the present day.
Sources of prehistory and history
Sources used to learn about prehistory include archaeological remains, since there are no written documents from that period. Humans also left their own remains, as well as those of animals and plants.