Protohistoric period

The Protohistoric period refers to a time in human history where societies are beginning to develop written records, but comprehensive history is still limited. This phase usually comes after prehistory—when no writing existed—and before fully historical periods, when more extensive documentation is available. In this era, cultures often encounter outsiders (like explorers or traders) who leave accounts, even if local societies haven't fully adopted writing yet. Protohistoric periods help bridge the gap between ancient cultures and the more detailed historical accounts that follow, providing valuable insights into early human development and interactions.