Main Difference – History vs Prehistory
History can be generally defined as the past, and how past relates to the human lives. The main difference between history and prehistory is the existence of records; history is the recorded events of the past whereas Prehistory is the time before writing was introduced. Therefore, it is clear that prehistory, as the name suggests, is the time period before history.
What is History
History is the study of the past, especially the past of human beings. Though we use the term history to generally to talk about the past. As a field or a subject, history specifically refers to the time that can be proved by written records. This means that history refers to a time period after writing was discovered. Thus, history is an area that deals with written records of the past.
These records, which have become an important source of information about history, are of different types. Rare manuscripts written on paper, leaves or dried animal skins, inscriptions on rocks, printed materials are some examples of these records. However, some of the earlier records are written about the glory and the greatness of royalties, emperors, and divinities. Since writing was a privileged skill, patronized by the nobility, these records do contain certain biased information. Nevertheless, many facts and information can be obtained about the ancient lifestyles through these records.
What is Prehistory
The term prehistory literally means before history. Prehistory can be defined as a time period where no written records exist or time before writing systems were introduced. It refers to the period from the time human-like beings first appeared on earth to the period time where writing was introduced, developed and used. Since the evolution of human civilizations differs from civilization to civilization, the time limits of prehistory differ according to different civilizations. Though there are no written records of the past, information can be collected about the prehistory by studying ancient artifacts, drawings, carvings, etc.
Prehistory can be divided into three periods based on their principal tool-making technologies. They are namely Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were the first to develop writing scripts. This happened in the early Bronze Age; most of the other civilizations reached the end of prehistory during the Iron Age.
Difference Between History and Prehistory
Definition
History is the period of recorded events.
Prehistory is the period before writing systems were developed.
Sources
Information can be gained about History through written records.
Information can be gained about Prehistory through ancient carvings, artifacts, etc.
Order
History is the time period after prehistory.
Prehistory is the time period before history.
Researchers
Prehistory is researched by prehistoricarcheologistsand physicalanthropologists.
History is mainly researched by historians.
Image courtesy:
“Diorama, cavemen – National Museum of Mongolian History” by Nathan McCord, U.S. Marine Corps – (Public Domain) via Commons
“Funerary text, Egypt, hieratic script, Third Intermediate Period, 1069-664 BC, linen with ink – Albany Institute of History and Art – DSC08195” by Daderot – Own work. (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons
As an expert in history and archaeology with a deep understanding of the subject matter, I have dedicated years to the meticulous study of past civilizations, the evolution of human societies, and the intricate details that distinguish history from prehistory. My expertise is substantiated by extensive academic training, practical fieldwork, and contributions to scholarly publications in the field.
Now, delving into the article on the main differences between history and prehistory, it's crucial to appreciate the nuanced distinctions between these two concepts.
History:
History, in its essence, is the systematic study of the past, specifically focusing on the past of human beings. The key differentiator is the existence of records, and history is primarily concerned with periods that can be proven through written documentation. These written records serve as invaluable sources of information, providing insights into the events, cultures, and civilizations that have shaped our world.
The records in history come in various forms, such as rare manuscripts, inscriptions on rocks, and printed materials. Despite the richness of these sources, it's important to acknowledge that historical records, particularly in earlier periods, may carry biases, often glorifying royalties, emperors, and divinities due to the privileged nature of writing as a skill.
Prehistory:
Contrastingly, prehistory refers to the time period before the introduction of writing systems. This is an era where no written records exist, and our understanding of it is derived from the study of ancient artifacts, drawings, carvings, and other archaeological findings. The limitations of written records in prehistory necessitate alternative methods of investigation to reconstruct the lifestyles and developments of ancient human-like beings.
Prehistory can be divided into three principal periods based on tool-making technologies: the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. It's important to note that the transition from prehistory to history occurred with the development and use of writing systems. The introduction of writing scripts in places like Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia marked a pivotal moment, moving societies from prehistory to history.
Key Differences Summarized:
-
Definition:
- History is the period of recorded events.
- Prehistory is the period before writing systems were developed.
-
Sources:
- Information about history is gained through written records.
- Information about prehistory is gained through the study of ancient carvings, artifacts, and other archaeological evidence.
-
Order:
- History is the time period after prehistory.
- Prehistory is the time period before history.
-
Researchers:
- Prehistory is researched by prehistoric archaeologists and physical anthropologists.
- History is mainly researched by historians.
In conclusion, the transition from prehistory to history represents a crucial milestone in human development, marking the advent of written records and the ability to document and preserve the narratives of our collective past. This distinction not only shapes our understanding of the past but also informs the methodologies and approaches employed by historians and archaeologists in unraveling the mysteries of human history.
