A historical era is a specific time frame historians have classified due to commonalities within that time frame. ... One of the ways history is commonly divided is into three separate periods: the Ancient Period (from 3600 BC - 500 AD), the Middle Ages (from 500 -1500), and the Modern Era (from 1500-present).

Time Frames of History

The study of history involves the examination of events, people, and societies that have existed in the past. In order to understand the chronology of historical events, it is important to establish a framework that organizes them into specific time periods. These time frames of history help historians and students to analyze and interpret the past in a structured manner. One such framework is outlined in Chapter 1 - "What, Where, How and When?" of Class 6 Social Science (SST) textbook. Let's explore this framework in detail.

Prehistoric Period
The prehistoric period refers to the time before the invention of writing. It is divided into two main stages:

1. Paleolithic Age: This period, also known as the Old Stone Age, lasted from around 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago. During this time, early humans were primarily hunters and gatherers, using stone tools for survival.

2. Neolithic Age: The Neolithic Age, also called the New Stone Age, began around 12,000 years ago and lasted until around 4,000 BCE. It marked the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture, with the domestication of plants and animals.

Ancient Period
The ancient period is characterized by the emergence of early civilizations around the world. It is divided into various civilizations:

1. Indus Valley Civilization: This civilization flourished in the Indian subcontinent from around 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE. It was known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and trade networks.

2. Mesopotamian Civilization: Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq, was one of the earliest civilizations in human history. It existed from around 3500 BCE to 539 BCE and was known for its invention of writing (cuneiform) and the development of city-states.

3. Egyptian Civilization: Ancient Egypt thrived along the Nile River from around 3100 BCE to 30 BCE. It is renowned for its pyramids, pharaohs, hieroglyphics, and mummification practices.

4. Chinese Civilization: Chinese history dates back to the Xia Dynasty (around 2070 BCE to 1600 BCE) and has a rich and continuous cultural heritage that continues to this day.

Medieval Period
The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, spanned from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century CE. It witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and significant changes in political, social, and economic structures.

Modern Period
The modern period encompasses the era from the 15th century CE to the present day. It includes the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, the Industrial Revolution, colonialism, the World Wars, decolonization movements, and the ongoing globalization process.

Contemporary Period
The contemporary period refers to the present time. It includes recent events, developments, and issues that shape our world today, such as technological advancements, globalization, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts.

By dividing history into these time frames, students are able to gain a better understanding of the progression of human societies, cultural changes, and the interconnections between different civilizations and regions. It enables them