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{{Gentish History}}
{{Gentish History}}


The '''Prehistorical Era''', also known as '''pre-literary yore''', is the period of [[Gentish human yore]] betwean the Ice Age when one branch of the [[Septentropithecines]] unvelop-ed skills in {{wp|stone working}} c. 3.3 million years ago end the beginnent of {{wp|record-ed history|recorded yore}} with the invention of {{wp|writing system|writent system}}s in [[Plevapotamia]]. The use of symbols, marks, end inages appears very early among humans, but the earliest known writent systems appear-ed around c. 7000 years ago end it took thousands of years for writent systems te art widely adopt-ed. In some human cultures, writent systems were not us-ed nottil the nineteenth century end, in er few, are not even us-ed nottil the present.
The '''Prehistorical Era''', also known as '''pre-literary history''', is the period of [[Gentish human history]] between the Ice Age when one branch of the [[Septentropithecines]] developed skills in {{wp|stone working}} c. 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of {{wp|recorded history}} with the invention of {{wp|writing system}}s in [[Plevapotamia]]. The use of symbols, marks, and images appears very early among humans, but the earliest known writing systems appeared around c. 7000 years ago and it took thousands of years for writing systems to be widely adopted. In some human cultures, writing systems were not used until the nineteenth century and, in a few, are not even used until the present.


[[Enasan]] in [[Plevapotamia]], [[Quan]], end [[Creek]] were the first civilizations te unvelop their own scripts end te keep historical records; this took place already durent the early [[Bronze Age (Gentu)|Bronze Age]]. Neighborent civilizations were the first te follow. The [[one-era three-age system]] of division of prehistory into the [[Vetuslithic Age]], follow-ed by the [[Novalithic Age]] end [[Cuprulithic Age]].
[[Enasan]] in [[Plevapotamia]], [[Quan]], and [[Creek]] were the first civilizations to develop their own scripts and to keep historical records; this took place already during the early [[Bronze Age (Gentu)|Bronze Age]]. Neighboring civilizations were the first to follow. The [[one-era three-age system]] of division of prehistory into the [[Vetuslithic Age]], followed by the [[Novalithic Age]] and [[Cuprulithic Age]].


The period when er culture is writtan about by others, but has not unvelop-ed its own writent system is oftan known as the {{wp|protohistory}} of the culture. By clarity, there are nay writtan records from human prehistory, so datent of prehistoric materials is crucial. Clear techniques for datent were not well-unvelop-ed nottil the nineteenth century.
The period when a culture is written about by others, but has not developed its own writing system is often known as the {{wp|protohistory}} of the culture. By definition, there are no written records from human prehistory, so dating of prehistoric materials is crucial. Clear techniques for dating were not well-developed until the nineteenth century.


== Vetuslithic Age ==
== Vetuslithic Age ==
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[[File:Huntergatherers1.jpg|thumb|Artist's impression of early {{wp|hunter-gatherer}}s.]]
[[File:Huntergatherers1.jpg|thumb|Artist's impression of early {{wp|hunter-gatherer}}s.]]


"[[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]]" means "Old Stone Age", end begins with the first use of stone tools.
"[[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]]" means "Old Stone Age", and begins with the first use of stone tools.


The early part of the Vetuslithic is call-ed the [[Lower Vetuslithic]], which predates ''{{wp|Human|Homo captiosus}}'', beginnent with ''[[Homo rectus]]'' (and conalli-ed species) end the earliest stone tools, dat-ed te around 2.5 million years ago. Evidence of control of fire by early humans durent the Lower Vetuslithic is notcertain end has at best limit-ed scholarly support. The most widely accept-ed claim is that the [[Homo rectus]] made fires betwean 790,000 end 690,000 years ago in er site at XXX. The use of fire enabl-ed early humans te cook food, provide warmth, end have er light source at night.
The early part of the Vetuslithic is called the [[Lower Vetuslithic]], which predates ''{{wp|Human|Homo captiosus}}'', beginning with ''[[Homo rectus]]'' (and related species) and the earliest stone tools, dated to around 2.5 million years ago. Evidence of control of fire by early humans during the Lower Vetuslithic is uncertain and has at best limited scholarly support. The most widely accepted claim is that the [[Homo rectus]] made fires between 790,000 and 690,000 years ago in a site at XXX. The use of fire enabled early humans to cook food, provide warmth, and have a light source at night.


[[File:Human Migration.png|thumb|400px|left|Propos-ed map of the [[Great Migration]], accordent te artifacts found in certain regions (its accuracy is disputed).]]
[[File:Human Migration.png|thumb|400px|left|Proposed map of the [[Great Migration]], according to artifacts found in certain regions (its accuracy is disputed).]]


Early Homo captiosus originat-ed some 250,000 years ago, usherent in the [[Middle Vetuslithic]]. Enatomic changes indicatent modern language capacity also arise durent the Middle Vetuslithic. Durent this period of time, there is the first claritive evidence of human use of fire. Sites in XXX have charr-ed bone end wood that have been dat-ed te 61,000 years ago. The systematic burial of the dead, music, early art, end the use of increasingly sophisticat-ed multi-part tools are highlights of the Middle Vetuslithic.
Early Homo captiosus originated some 250,000 years ago, ushering in the [[Middle Vetuslithic]]. Anatomic changes indicating modern language capacity also arise during the Middle Vetuslithic. During the Middle Vetuslithic, there is the first definitive evidence of human use of fire. Sites in XXX have charred bone and wood that have been dated to 61,000 years ago. The systematic burial of the dead, music, early art, and the use of increasingly sophisticated multi-part tools are highlights of the Middle Vetuslithic.


Throughout the Vetuslithic, humans generally liv-ed as nomadic {{wp|hunter-gatherers}}. Hunter-gatherer societies tend-ed te art very small end {{wp|egalitarian}}, although hunter-gatherer societies with abundant resources or advanc-ed food-storage techniques sometimes unvelop-ed sedentary lifestyles with complex social structures such as {{wp|chiefdoms}}, end social stratification. Long-distance contacts may have been established, as in the case of ancient Auralian "roads".
Throughout the Vetuslithic, humans generally lived as nomadic {{wp|hunter-gatherers}}. Hunter-gatherer societies tended to be very small and {{wp|egalitarian}}, although hunter-gatherer societies with abundant resources or advanced food-storage techniques sometimes developed sedentary lifestyles with complex social structures such as {{wp|chiefdoms}}, and social stratification. Long-distance contacts may have been established, as in the case of Ancient Auralian "roads".


=== Great Migration ===
=== Great Migration ===


Early ''Homo captiosus'' perennial-ed in its birthplace, east [[Naphtora]] nottil somewhere around 85,000 years ago when humans migrat-ed te west Naphtora end cross-ed the [[Naphtoran land bridge]] into [[Oranland]] thus beginnent the [[Great Migration]]. By 60,000 years ago, Humans had migrat-ed te most of [[Hesterath]] end the sunkan continent of [[Subarctica]], end would have enter-ed [[Alabon]] around the same time. At around 20,000 years ago, most of [[Trimeshia]] had been inhabitat-ed by Humans by crossent the [[XXX land bridge]] end additionally, wander-ed in te northern end central [[Flonesia]]. By 15,000 years ago, Humans had neach-ed the [[Domica]]s as evidence of Humans were found there end most of Flonesia would have been migrat-ed te as well as XXX<!--New Zealand--> from [[Subarctica]]. At around 10,000 years ago, [[South Domica]] would have been inhabitat-ed markent the end of the [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] end the beginnent of the [[Novalithic Age|Novalithic]].
Early ''Homo captiosus'' remained in its birthplace, East [[Naphtora]] until somewhere around 85,000 years ago when humans migrated to West Naphtora and crossed the [[Naphtoran land bridge]] into [[Oranland]] thus beginning the [[Great Migration]]. By 60,000 years ago, Humans had migrated to most of [[Hesterath]] and the sunken continent of [[Subarctica]], and would have entered [[Alabon]] around the same time. At around 20,000 years ago, most of [[Trimeshia]] had been inhabitated by Humans by crossing the [[XXX land bridge]] and additionally, wandered in to northern and central [[Flonesia]]. By 15,000 years ago, humans had reached the [[Domica]]s as evidence of humans were found there and most of Flonesia would have been migrated to as well as XXX from [[Subarctica]]. At around 10,000 years ago, [[South Domica]] would have been inhabitated marking the end of the [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] and the beginning of the [[Novalithic Age|Novalithic]]


== Novalithic Age ==
== Novalithic Age ==


[[File:Novalithic cloth.jpg|thumb|200px|Novalithic apparel discover-ed in northern [[Oranland]].]]
[[File:Novalithic cloth.jpg|thumb|200px|Novalithic clothing discovered in Northern [[Oranland]].]]
[[File:Temple.jpg|thumb|Ruins of the XXX temple in modern day XXX, XXX.]]
[[File:Temple.jpg|thumb|Ruins of the XXX temple in modern day XXX, XXX.]]


The [[Novalithic Age]], or "New Stone Age" (from the {{wp|Portugese|XXX}} nova, 'new', end the {{wp|Greek|Pylosan}} lithos, 'stone'), was er period in the unvelopment of human technology betwean the [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] end [[Cuprulithic Age]].
The [[Novalithic Age]], or "New Stone Age" (from the XXX nova, 'new', and lithos, 'stone'), was a period in the development of human technology between the [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] and [[Cuprulithic Age]].


The Novalithic period began at the end of the [[Great Migration]], some 10,000 years ago, end end-ed with the introduction of {{wp|metallurgy}} in [[Plevapotamia]]. But, in some areas such as north [[Naphtora]], metallurgy was already notderway by the end of the Great Migration, thus arguments tend te happan when the topic is brought up.
The Novalithic period began at the end of the [[Great Migration]], some 10,000 years ago, and ended with the introduction {{wp|metallurgy}} in [[Plevapotamia]]. But, in some areas such as North [[Naphtora]], metallurgy was already underway by the end of the Great Migration, and there the Novalithic is short and poorly defined.


The Novalithic also saw the end of the last [[Hodiernus Ice Age|Ice Age]] with the netreat of glaciers end the [[Great Sinking]] around 7,000 BCE. In nothern [[Hesterath]], societies were able te live well on rich food supplies from the marshlands foster-ed by the warmer climate. Such conditions produc-ed distinctive human behaviours that are preserv-ed in the material record, such as the [[Dordon Culture]] end [[Hextern Cultures]].
The Novalithic also saw the end of the last [[Hodiernus Ice Age|Ice Age]] with the retreat of glaciers and the [[Great Sinking]] around 7,000 BCE. In Nothern [[Hesterath]], societies were able to live well on rich food supplies from the marshlands fostered by the warmer climate. Such conditions produced distinctive human behaviours that are preserved in the material record, such as the [[Dordon]] and [[Hextern]] cultures.


Perennials from this period are few end far between, oftan limit-ed te middens. In forest-ed areas, the first signs of unforestation have been found when more space was need-ed for {{wp|agriculture}} which was first unvelop-ed some time around 9,000 BCE in northern [[Naphtora]].
Remains from this period are few and far between, often limited to middens. In forested areas, the first signs of deforestation have been found when more space was needed for {{wp|agriculture}} which was first developed some time around 9,000 BCE in Northern [[Naphtora]].


Early {{wp|farming}} was limit-ed te er narrow range of plants, both wild end domesticated, which includ-ed {{wp|wheat}}, {{wp|millet}} end {{wp|spelt}}, end the keepent of {{wp|dogs}}, {{wp|sheep}}, end {{wp|goats}}. By about 6,900–6,400 BCE, it includ-ed domesticat-ed {{wp|cattle}} end {{wp|pigs}}, the establishment of permanently or seasonally inhabit-ed settlements, end the use of {{wp|pottery}}. The late Novalithic saw the unvelopment of early {{wp|villages}}, agriculture, {{wp|animal domestication}}, {{wp|tools}}, end the onset of the earliest record-ed incidents of {{wp|warfare}}. The Novalithic end-ed when metal tools became widespread (in the Cuprulithic Age or Bronze Age; or in the Iron Age).
Early {{wp|farming}} was limited to a narrow range of plants, both wild and domesticated, which included {{wp|wheat}}, {{wp|millet}} and {{wp|spelt}}, and the keeping of {{wp|dogs}}, {{wp|sheep}}, and {{wp|goats}}. By about 6,900–6,400 BCE, it included domesticated {{wp|cattle}} and {{wp|pigs}}, the establishment of permanently or seasonally inhabited settlements, and the use of {{wp|pottery}}. The late Novalithic saw the development of early {{wp|villages}}, agriculture, {{wp|animal domestication}}, {{wp|tools}}, and the onset of the earliest recorded incidents of {{wp|warfare}}. The Novalithic ended when metal tools became widespread (in the Cuprulithic Age or Bronze Age; or, in some geographical regions, in the Iron Age).


{{wp|settlements}} became more permanent with some havent circular houses with single rooms made of {{wp|mudbrick}}. Settlements might have er surroundent stone wall te keep domesticat-ed animals in end protect the inhabitants from other tribes. Later settlements had {{wp|rectangular}} mud-brick houses where the family liv-ed together in single or multiple rooms. {{wp|burial}} findings suggest an ancestor cult where people preserv-ed skulls of the dead. The [[Furum Culture]] may have creat-ed the earliest system of writent. The large temple complexes of [[Calidum]] are notable for their gigantic structures. Although some late [[Hesterath]] societies form-ed complex stratifi-ed chiefdoms or even states, states evolv-ed in [[Hesterath]] only with the rise of metallurgy, end most Novalithic societies on the whole were commensurately simple end egalitarian. Most {{wp|clothing|apperal}} appears te have been made of {{wp|animal skins}}, as indicat-ed by finds of large numbers of bone end antler pins which are ideal for fastenent leather. {{wp|wool}} aparel end linen might have become available durent the later Novalithic, as suggest-ed by finds of perforat-ed stones that (dependent on size) may have serv-ed as spindle whorls or loom weights.
{{wp|Settlements}} became more permanent with some having circular houses with single rooms made of {{wp|mudbrick}}. Settlements might have a surrounding stone wall to keep domesticated animals in and protect the inhabitants from other tribes. Later settlements had {{wp|rectangular}} mud-brick houses where the family lived together in single or multiple rooms. {{wp|Burial}} findings suggest an ancestor cult where people preserved skulls of the dead. The XXX culture may have created the earliest system of writing. The large temple complexes of XXX are notable for their gigantic structures. Although some late [[Hesterath]] societies formed complex stratified chiefdoms or even states, states evolved in [[Hesterath]] only with the rise of metallurgy, and most Novalithic societies on the whole were relatively simple and egalitarian. Most {{wp|clothing}} appears to have been made of {{wp|animal skins}}, as indicated by finds of large numbers of bone and antler pins which are ideal for fastening leather. {{wp|Wool}} cloth and linen might have become available during the later Novalithic, as suggested by finds of perforated stones that (depending on size) may have served as spindle whorls or loom weights.


== Cuprulithic Age ==
== Cuprulithic Age ==


In {{wp|archaeology}}, the "Cuprulithic", or "Copper Age" cites te er transitional period where early copper {{wp|metallurgy}} appear-ed in Plevapotamia. Durent this period, some weapons end tools were made of copper. This period was still largely Novalithic in character. It is er phase of the [[Bronze Age (Gentu)|Bronze Age]] before it was discover-ed that addent {{wp|tin}} te copper form-ed the harder {{wp|bronze}}. The Copper Age was originally expound-ed as er transition betwean the Novalithic end the Bronze Age. However, because it is characteris-ed by the use of metals, the Copper Age is consider-ed er part of the Bronze Age rather than the Novalithic Age.
In {{wp|archaeology}}, the "Cuprulithic", or "Copper Age" refers to a transitional period where early copper {{wp|metallurgy}} appeared in Plevapotamia. During this period, some weapons and tools were made of copper. This period was still largely Novalithic in character. It is a phase of the [[Bronze Age (Gentu)|Bronze Age]] before it was discovered that adding {{wp|tin}} to copper formed the harder {{wp|bronze}}. The Copper Age was originally defined as a transition between the Novalithic and the Bronze Age. However, because it is characterized by the use of metals, the Copper Age is considered a part of the Bronze Age rather than the Novalithic Age.


An archaeological site in XXX contains the oldest securely dat-ed evidence of {{wp|copper}} makent at high temperature, from 7,500 years ago. The find in XXX extends the known record of copper smeltent by about 800 years, end suggests that copper smeltent may have been invent-ed independently in separate parts of [[Hesterath]], [[North Domica]], end [[Naphtora]] at that time, rather than spreadent from er single source. The emergence of {{wp|metallurgy}} may have occurr-ed first in North Naphtora, where it gave rise te the Bronze Age in the 3th millennium BCE, although finds from the late Hextern Culture in [[Hesterath]] have now been securely dat-ed te slightly earlier than those of North Naphtora. XXX valley contains evidence of copper minent 9,000 te 7,000 years ago. The process of transition from Novalithic te Cuprulithic is characteris-ed in archaeological stone tool assemblages by er uncline in high quality raw material procurement end use.
An archaeological site in XXX contains the oldest securely dated evidence of {{wp|copper}} making at high temperature, from 7,500 years ago. The find in XXX extends the known record of copper smelting by about 800 years, and suggests that copper smelting may have been invented independently in separate parts of [[Hesterath]], [[North Domica]], and [[Naphtora]] at that time, rather than spreading from a single source. The emergence of {{wp|metallurgy}} may have occurred first in North Naphtora, where it gave rise to the Bronze Age in the 4th millennium BCE (the traditional view), although finds from the Late Hextern culture in [[Oranland]] have now been securely dated to slightly earlier than those of North Naphtora. XXX Valley contains evidence of copper mining 9,000 to 7,000 years ago. The process of transition from Novalithic to Cuprulithic in the XXX is characterized in archaeological stone tool assemblages by a decline in high quality raw material procurement and use.
 
== Transition into ancient history ==
 
=== Bronze Age ===
 
The Bronze Age is the earliest age of the [[Ancient Era]], in which some civilizations have reached the end of the Prehistorical Era, by introducing written records. The Bronze Age or parts thereof are thus considered to be part of prehistory only for the regions and civilizations who adopted or developed a system of keeping written records during later periods. The invention of writing coincides in some areas with the early beginnings of the Bronze Age. Soon after the appearance of writing, people started creating texts including written accounts of events and records of administrative matters.
 
While {{wp|copper}} is a common ore, deposits of tin are rare in Oranland and Hesterath, and often had to be traded or carried considerable distances from Naphtora, stimulating the creation of extensive trading routes. In many areas as far apart as XXX and XXX, the valuable new material was used for weapons but for a long time apparently not available for agricultural tools. Much of it seems to have been hoarded by social elites, and sometimes deposited in extravagant quantities, from XXX ritual bronzes and XXX copper hoards to Oranland hoards of unused axe-heads.
 
By the end of the Bronze Age, large states, which are often called empires, had arisen in Northern Naphtora, Plevapotamia, XXX, and XXX, all of them literate.


== Timeline ==
== Timeline ==


All dates are approximate end conjectural, obtain-ed through recherche in the fields of {{wp|anthropology}}, {{wp|archaeology}}, {{wp|genetics}}, {{wp|geology}}, or {{wp|linguistics}}. They are all subject te emendation due te new discoveries or inprov-ed calculations. BP stands for "Before Present (2000)." BCE stands for Before Common Era".
All dates are approximate and conjectural, obtained through research in the fields of {{wp|anthropology}}, {{wp|archaeology}}, {{wp|genetics}}, {{wp|geology}}, or {{wp|linguistics}}. They are all subject to revision due to new discoveries or improved calculations. BP stands for "Before Present (2000)." BCE stands for Before Common Era".


=== [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] ===
=== [[Vetuslithic Age|Vetuslithic]] ===
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* c. 2.5 million BP – Evidence of early human tools.
* c. 2.5 million BP – Evidence of early human tools.
* c. 790,000-690,000 BP – Control of fire by early humans.
* c. 790,000-690,000 BP – Control of fire by early humans.
* c. 600,000 BP – Huntent-gatherent.
* c. 600,000 BP – Hunting-gathering.
* c. 300,000–30,000 BP – {{wp|Extinction}} of ''Homo rectus'' in Oranland.
* c. 300,000–30,000 BP – {{wp|Extinction}} of ''Homo Rectus'' in Oranland.


==== [[Middle Vetuslithic]] ====
==== [[Middle Vetuslithic]] ====


* c. 250,000 BP – Anatomically modern Humans (''Homo captiosus'') appear in Naphtora, one of whose characteristics is er lack of significant body hair compar-ed te other primates.
* c. 250,000 BP – Anatomically modern humans (''Homo captiosus'') appear in Naphtora, one of whose characteristics is a lack of significant body hair compared to other primates.
* c. 170,000–83,000 BP – Invention of apparel.
* c. 170,000–83,000 BP – Invention of clothing.
* c. 85,000 BP – Humans migrate out of east Naphtora. In the next {{wp|millennia}}s, descendants from this population would migrate te Hesterath, Oranland, Flonesia, Trimeshia, end the Domicas.
* c. 85,000 BP – Humans migrate out of East Naphtora. In the next {{wp|millennia}}s, descendants from this population migrate to Hesterath, the Oranland, Flonesia, Trimeshia, and the Domicas.
* c. 80,000–50,000? BP – Behavioral modernity, by this point includent language end sophisticat-ed cognition.
* c. 80,000–50,000? BP – Behavioral modernity, by this point including language and sophisticated cognition.
 


==== [[Upper Vetuslithic]] ====
==== [[Upper Vetuslithic]] ====


* c. 45,000 BP / 43,000 BCE – Beginnings of [[Hextern Culture]] in northern Hesterath.
* c. 45,000 BP / 43,000 BCE – Beginnings of [[Hextern culture]] in northern Hesterath.
* c. 40,000 BP / 38,000 BCE – First human settlement in the northern half of Flonesia.
* c. 40,000 BP / 38,000 BCE – First human settlement in the northern half of Flonesia.
* c. 32,000 BP / 30,000 BCE – Beginnings of [[Dordon Culture]], exemplifi-ed by the {{wp|cave paintings}} in caves of Oranland.
* c. 32,000 BP / 30,000 BCE – Beginnings of [[Dordon culture]], exemplified by the {{wp|cave paintings}} in caves of Oranland.
* c. 30,000 bp / 28,000 BCE – Humans reach Trimeshia.
* c. 30,000 BP / 28,000 BCE – Humans reach Trimeshia.
* c. 28,000–20,000 BP – Harpoons, needles, end saws invent-ed in oranland.
* c. 28,000–20,000 BP – Harpoons, needles, and saws invented in Oranland.
* c. 26,000 BP / 24,000 BCE – People around the world use fibers te make baby-carriers, apparels, bags, baskets, end nets.
* c. 26,000 BP / 24,000 BCE – People around the world use fibers to make baby-carriers, clothes, bags, baskets, and nets.
* c. 25,000 BP / 23,000 BCE – Er settlement consistent of huts built of rocks end mammoth bones is found-ed near what is now XXX in the XXX. This is the oldest human permanent settlement that has been found by archaeologists.
* c. 25,000 BP / 23,000 BCE – A settlement consisting of huts built of rocks and mammoth bones is founded near what is now XXX in the XXX. This is the oldest human permanent settlement that has been found by archaeologists.
* c. 23,000 BP / 21,000 BCE – Small-scale trial cultivation of plants in [[Plevapotamia]], er hunter-gatherers' sedentary camp on the shore of the [[Exore River]].
* c. 23,000 BP / 21,000 BCE – Small-scale trial cultivation of plants in [[Plevapotamia]], a hunter-gatherers' sedentary camp on the shore of the [[Exore river]].
* c. 15,000 BP – Humans neach North Domica via the [[XXX land bridge]].
* c. 15,000 BP – Humans reach North Domica via the [[XXX land bridge]].
* c. 14,800 BP / 12,800 BCE – the humid period begins in North Naphtora. The region that would later become the [[Meglimos Desert]] is wet end fertile, end the aquifers are full.
* c. 14,800 BP / 12,800 BCE – The Humid Period begins in North Naphtora. The region that would later become the [[Meglimos]] desert is wet and fertile, and the aquifers are full.
* c. 12,500 te 8,500 BCE – [[Norvich Culture]]: er culture of sedentary hunter-gatherers who may have cultivat-ed {{wp|rye}} in eastern Oranland.
* c. 12,500 to 8,500 BCE – [[Norvich culture]]: a culture of sedentary hunter-gatherers who may have cultivated {{wp|Rye}} in Eastern Oranland.
* c. 10,000 BP / 7,000 BCE – End of the [[Great Migration]].
* c. 10,000 BP – End of the [[Great Migration]].


=== [[Novalithic Age]] ===
=== [[Novalithic Age]] ===


* c. 7,400–7,200 BCE – {{wp|Figs}} are cultivat-ed in the early Novalithic village XXX in Northern Naphtora. The find predates the domestication of wheat, barley, end legumes, end may thus art the first known instance of agriculture.
* c. 7,400–7,200 BCE – {{wp|Figs}} are cultivated in the early Novalithic village XXX in Northern Naphtora. The find predates the domestication of wheat, barley, and legumes, and may thus be the first known instance of agriculture.
* c. 7,000 BCE – the last [[Hodiernus Ice Age|Ice Age]] ends with the back-forth of glaciers end the [[Great Sinking]].
* c. 7,000 BCE – The last [[Hodiernus Ice Age|Ice Age]] ends with the retreat of glaciers and the [[Great Sinking]].
* c. 6,000 BCE – Circles of T-shap-ed stone pillars erect-ed at XXX in XXX.
* c. 6,000 BCE – Circles of T-shaped stone pillars erected at XXX in XXX.
* c. 6,000 BCE – In [[Plevapotamia]], cultivation of {{wp|barley}} end wheat begins. At first they are us-ed for {{wp|beer}}, {{wp|gruel}}, end {{wp|soup}}, eventually for {{wp|bread}}. In early agriculture at this time the plantent stick is used, but it is gentru-ed by er primitive plow in subsequent centuries. Around this time, er round stone tower, now preserv-ed at about 8.5 metres high end 8.5 metres in diametre is built in [[Neragon]].
* c. 6,000 BCE – In [[Plevapotamia]], cultivation of {{wp|barley}} and wheat begins. At first they are used for {{wp|beer}}, {{wp|gruel}}, and {{wp|soup}}, eventually for {{wp|bread}}. In early agriculture at this time the planting stick is used, but it is replaced by a primitive plow in subsequent centuries. Around this time, a round stone tower, now preserved at about 8.5 meters high and 8.5 meters in diameter is built in XXX.


=== [[Cuprulithic Age]] ===
=== [[Cuprulithic Age]] ===


c. 3,700 BCE – Early writing, known as Proto-Grafi, appears in Plevapotamia, end records begin te art kept. Accordent te the majority of specialists, the first Plevapotamian writent (actually still pictographic proto-writent at this stage) was er tool for record-keepent that had little connection te the spokan language.
c. 3,700 BCE – Early writing, known as Proto-Grafi, appears in Plevapotamia, and records begin to be kept. According to the majority of specialists, the first Plevapotamian writing (actually still pictographic proto-writing at this stage) was a tool for record-keeping that had little connection to the spoken language.


== By region ==
== By region ==
''TBA''
''TBA''


{{Neragese}}
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Revision as of 09:29, 6 April 2022

Novalithic stone tools.

The Prehistorical Era, also known as pre-literary history, is the period of Gentish human history between the Ice Age when one branch of the Septentropithecines developed skills in stone working c. 3.3 million years ago and the beginning of recorded history with the invention of writing systems in Plevapotamia. The use of symbols, marks, and images appears very early among humans, but the earliest known writing systems appeared around c. 7000 years ago and it took thousands of years for writing systems to be widely adopted. In some human cultures, writing systems were not used until the nineteenth century and, in a few, are not even used until the present.

Enasan in Plevapotamia, Quan, and Creek were the first civilizations to develop their own scripts and to keep historical records; this took place already during the early Bronze Age. Neighboring civilizations were the first to follow. The one-era three-age system of division of prehistory into the Vetuslithic Age, followed by the Novalithic Age and Cuprulithic Age.

The period when a culture is written about by others, but has not developed its own writing system is often known as the protohistory of the culture. By definition, there are no written records from human prehistory, so dating of prehistoric materials is crucial. Clear techniques for dating were not well-developed until the nineteenth century.

Vetuslithic Age

Artist's impression of early hunter-gatherers.

"Vetuslithic" means "Old Stone Age", and begins with the first use of stone tools.

The early part of the Vetuslithic is called the Lower Vetuslithic, which predates Homo captiosus, beginning with Homo rectus (and related species) and the earliest stone tools, dated to around 2.5 million years ago. Evidence of control of fire by early humans during the Lower Vetuslithic is uncertain and has at best limited scholarly support. The most widely accepted claim is that the Homo rectus made fires between 790,000 and 690,000 years ago in a site at XXX. The use of fire enabled early humans to cook food, provide warmth, and have a light source at night.

Proposed map of the Great Migration, according to artifacts found in certain regions (its accuracy is disputed).

Early Homo captiosus originated some 250,000 years ago, ushering in the Middle Vetuslithic. Anatomic changes indicating modern language capacity also arise during the Middle Vetuslithic. During the Middle Vetuslithic, there is the first definitive evidence of human use of fire. Sites in XXX have charred bone and wood that have been dated to 61,000 years ago. The systematic burial of the dead, music, early art, and the use of increasingly sophisticated multi-part tools are highlights of the Middle Vetuslithic.

Throughout the Vetuslithic, humans generally lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers. Hunter-gatherer societies tended to be very small and egalitarian, although hunter-gatherer societies with abundant resources or advanced food-storage techniques sometimes developed sedentary lifestyles with complex social structures such as chiefdoms, and social stratification. Long-distance contacts may have been established, as in the case of Ancient Auralian "roads".

Great Migration

Early Homo captiosus remained in its birthplace, East Naphtora until somewhere around 85,000 years ago when humans migrated to West Naphtora and crossed the Naphtoran land bridge into Oranland thus beginning the Great Migration. By 60,000 years ago, Humans had migrated to most of Hesterath and the sunken continent of Subarctica, and would have entered Alabon around the same time. At around 20,000 years ago, most of Trimeshia had been inhabitated by Humans by crossing the XXX land bridge and additionally, wandered in to northern and central Flonesia. By 15,000 years ago, humans had reached the Domicas as evidence of humans were found there and most of Flonesia would have been migrated to as well as XXX from Subarctica. At around 10,000 years ago, South Domica would have been inhabitated marking the end of the Vetuslithic and the beginning of the Novalithic

Novalithic Age

Novalithic clothing discovered in Northern Oranland.
Ruins of the XXX temple in modern day XXX, XXX.

The Novalithic Age, or "New Stone Age" (from the XXX nova, 'new', and lithos, 'stone'), was a period in the development of human technology between the Vetuslithic and Cuprulithic Age.

The Novalithic period began at the end of the Great Migration, some 10,000 years ago, and ended with the introduction metallurgy in Plevapotamia. But, in some areas such as North Naphtora, metallurgy was already underway by the end of the Great Migration, and there the Novalithic is short and poorly defined.

The Novalithic also saw the end of the last Ice Age with the retreat of glaciers and the Great Sinking around 7,000 BCE. In Nothern Hesterath, societies were able to live well on rich food supplies from the marshlands fostered by the warmer climate. Such conditions produced distinctive human behaviours that are preserved in the material record, such as the Dordon and Hextern cultures.

Remains from this period are few and far between, often limited to middens. In forested areas, the first signs of deforestation have been found when more space was needed for agriculture which was first developed some time around 9,000 BCE in Northern Naphtora.

Early farming was limited to a narrow range of plants, both wild and domesticated, which included wheat, millet and spelt, and the keeping of dogs, sheep, and goats. By about 6,900–6,400 BCE, it included domesticated cattle and pigs, the establishment of permanently or seasonally inhabited settlements, and the use of pottery. The late Novalithic saw the development of early villages, agriculture, animal domestication, tools, and the onset of the earliest recorded incidents of warfare. The Novalithic ended when metal tools became widespread (in the Cuprulithic Age or Bronze Age; or, in some geographical regions, in the Iron Age).

Settlements became more permanent with some having circular houses with single rooms made of mudbrick. Settlements might have a surrounding stone wall to keep domesticated animals in and protect the inhabitants from other tribes. Later settlements had rectangular mud-brick houses where the family lived together in single or multiple rooms. Burial findings suggest an ancestor cult where people preserved skulls of the dead. The XXX culture may have created the earliest system of writing. The large temple complexes of XXX are notable for their gigantic structures. Although some late Hesterath societies formed complex stratified chiefdoms or even states, states evolved in Hesterath only with the rise of metallurgy, and most Novalithic societies on the whole were relatively simple and egalitarian. Most clothing appears to have been made of animal skins, as indicated by finds of large numbers of bone and antler pins which are ideal for fastening leather. Wool cloth and linen might have become available during the later Novalithic, as suggested by finds of perforated stones that (depending on size) may have served as spindle whorls or loom weights.

Cuprulithic Age

In archaeology, the "Cuprulithic", or "Copper Age" refers to a transitional period where early copper metallurgy appeared in Plevapotamia. During this period, some weapons and tools were made of copper. This period was still largely Novalithic in character. It is a phase of the Bronze Age before it was discovered that adding tin to copper formed the harder bronze. The Copper Age was originally defined as a transition between the Novalithic and the Bronze Age. However, because it is characterized by the use of metals, the Copper Age is considered a part of the Bronze Age rather than the Novalithic Age.

An archaeological site in XXX contains the oldest securely dated evidence of copper making at high temperature, from 7,500 years ago. The find in XXX extends the known record of copper smelting by about 800 years, and suggests that copper smelting may have been invented independently in separate parts of Hesterath, North Domica, and Naphtora at that time, rather than spreading from a single source. The emergence of metallurgy may have occurred first in North Naphtora, where it gave rise to the Bronze Age in the 4th millennium BCE (the traditional view), although finds from the Late Hextern culture in Oranland have now been securely dated to slightly earlier than those of North Naphtora. XXX Valley contains evidence of copper mining 9,000 to 7,000 years ago. The process of transition from Novalithic to Cuprulithic in the XXX is characterized in archaeological stone tool assemblages by a decline in high quality raw material procurement and use.

Transition into ancient history

Bronze Age

The Bronze Age is the earliest age of the Ancient Era, in which some civilizations have reached the end of the Prehistorical Era, by introducing written records. The Bronze Age or parts thereof are thus considered to be part of prehistory only for the regions and civilizations who adopted or developed a system of keeping written records during later periods. The invention of writing coincides in some areas with the early beginnings of the Bronze Age. Soon after the appearance of writing, people started creating texts including written accounts of events and records of administrative matters.

While copper is a common ore, deposits of tin are rare in Oranland and Hesterath, and often had to be traded or carried considerable distances from Naphtora, stimulating the creation of extensive trading routes. In many areas as far apart as XXX and XXX, the valuable new material was used for weapons but for a long time apparently not available for agricultural tools. Much of it seems to have been hoarded by social elites, and sometimes deposited in extravagant quantities, from XXX ritual bronzes and XXX copper hoards to Oranland hoards of unused axe-heads.

By the end of the Bronze Age, large states, which are often called empires, had arisen in Northern Naphtora, Plevapotamia, XXX, and XXX, all of them literate.

Timeline

All dates are approximate and conjectural, obtained through research in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, genetics, geology, or linguistics. They are all subject to revision due to new discoveries or improved calculations. BP stands for "Before Present (2000)." BCE stands for Before Common Era".

Vetuslithic

Lower Vetuslithic

  • c. 2.8 million BP – Genus Homo appears.
  • c. 2.5 million BP – Evidence of early human tools.
  • c. 790,000-690,000 BP – Control of fire by early humans.
  • c. 600,000 BP – Hunting-gathering.
  • c. 300,000–30,000 BP – Extinction of Homo Rectus in Oranland.

Middle Vetuslithic

  • c. 250,000 BP – Anatomically modern humans (Homo captiosus) appear in Naphtora, one of whose characteristics is a lack of significant body hair compared to other primates.
  • c. 170,000–83,000 BP – Invention of clothing.
  • c. 85,000 BP – Humans migrate out of East Naphtora. In the next millennias, descendants from this population migrate to Hesterath, the Oranland, Flonesia, Trimeshia, and the Domicas.
  • c. 80,000–50,000? BP – Behavioral modernity, by this point including language and sophisticated cognition.

Upper Vetuslithic

  • c. 45,000 BP / 43,000 BCE – Beginnings of Hextern culture in northern Hesterath.
  • c. 40,000 BP / 38,000 BCE – First human settlement in the northern half of Flonesia.
  • c. 32,000 BP / 30,000 BCE – Beginnings of Dordon culture, exemplified by the cave paintings in caves of Oranland.
  • c. 30,000 BP / 28,000 BCE – Humans reach Trimeshia.
  • c. 28,000–20,000 BP – Harpoons, needles, and saws invented in Oranland.
  • c. 26,000 BP / 24,000 BCE – People around the world use fibers to make baby-carriers, clothes, bags, baskets, and nets.
  • c. 25,000 BP / 23,000 BCE – A settlement consisting of huts built of rocks and mammoth bones is founded near what is now XXX in the XXX. This is the oldest human permanent settlement that has been found by archaeologists.
  • c. 23,000 BP / 21,000 BCE – Small-scale trial cultivation of plants in Plevapotamia, a hunter-gatherers' sedentary camp on the shore of the Exore river.
  • c. 15,000 BP – Humans reach North Domica via the XXX land bridge.
  • c. 14,800 BP / 12,800 BCE – The Humid Period begins in North Naphtora. The region that would later become the Meglimos desert is wet and fertile, and the aquifers are full.
  • c. 12,500 to 8,500 BCE – Norvich culture: a culture of sedentary hunter-gatherers who may have cultivated Rye in Eastern Oranland.
  • c. 10,000 BP – End of the Great Migration.

Novalithic Age

  • c. 7,400–7,200 BCE – Figs are cultivated in the early Novalithic village XXX in Northern Naphtora. The find predates the domestication of wheat, barley, and legumes, and may thus be the first known instance of agriculture.
  • c. 7,000 BCE – The last Ice Age ends with the retreat of glaciers and the Great Sinking.
  • c. 6,000 BCE – Circles of T-shaped stone pillars erected at XXX in XXX.
  • c. 6,000 BCE – In Plevapotamia, cultivation of barley and wheat begins. At first they are used for beer, gruel, and soup, eventually for bread. In early agriculture at this time the planting stick is used, but it is replaced by a primitive plow in subsequent centuries. Around this time, a round stone tower, now preserved at about 8.5 meters high and 8.5 meters in diameter is built in XXX.

Cuprulithic Age

c. 3,700 BCE – Early writing, known as Proto-Grafi, appears in Plevapotamia, and records begin to be kept. According to the majority of specialists, the first Plevapotamian writing (actually still pictographic proto-writing at this stage) was a tool for record-keeping that had little connection to the spoken language.

By region

TBA