Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

protohistory

noun

/ˌproʊtəˈhɪstəri/

Definition

The period of human activities that precedes recorded history, where a culture has not yet developed written documents but has left physical traces of its existence.

Examples

The study of protohistory helps researchers understand how societies developed before written records were kept.
Many ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley are examined through the lens of protohistory.
Archaeological digs often provide insights into protohistorical societies.

Meaning

Protohistory refers to the transition time between prehistory and history, highlighting cultures that are known through archaeological findings and other indirect evidence rather than through written records.