Question

what period does prehistory refer to by scholarly convention

Answer 1

Prehistory refers to the period of human history before the invention of writing systems, which marks the beginning of recorded history. Scholarly convention typically defines prehistory as encompassing the time from the earliest human ancestors (approximately 3 million years ago) until the advent of writing, which varied by region but is often placed around 3000 BCE to 2500 BCE. This period includes significant developments in human evolution, the use of tools, the establishment of agricultural practices, and the formation of early societies. The exact timelines can vary based on geographical context, as different cultures developed writing systems at different times.