Approximately, when did the prehistoric period end?

1 Answer
Jul 18, 2018

Anywhere from 3500 BC to 1977AD or later.

Explanation:

Prehistory ends when history starts being recorded. In order to record history there needs to be some system of writing in place. The earliest known writing system was in Sumeria around 3500 BC. Egypt was close behind (3200 BC) and other writing systems began popping up around.

In 1977 a British ethnologist began living with the Piraha tribe in Brazil. Since the language of that tribe has no writing system that signified the end of their prehistoric period. I cannot think of any other people that do not use a writing system and have not been in contact with someone who has, although the possibility definitely exists.