What does prehistoric archaeology study?

Prehistoric archaeology focuses specifically on the study of human activities that took place before the advent of written records. This branch of archaeology seeks to understand how prehistoric people lived, what tools and technologies they used, their social structures, and their cultural practices. By analyzing artifacts, structures, and other material remains, prehistoric archaeologists can reconstruct past human behaviors and societies.

This emphasis on non-written history is crucial because it allows for an understanding of human development in periods where no written documentation exists, which encompasses the vast majority of human history. This field draws on various disciplines, including anthropology, paleoecology, and geology, to piece together the lifestyles and environments of early humans. By doing so, it enriches our knowledge of human evolution and the progression of societies in the absence of written language.