prehistory
definition
the period of human history before the invention of writing
example
Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts from prehistory, shedding light on the lives of early humans.
synonyms
ancient historyprehistoric periodprimeval times
word origin — The term 'prehistory' combines the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'history,' which comes from the Greek word 'historia' meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge acquired by investigation.'