Timeline
Prehistory is the longest period of human development. It began with the emergence of the first humans several million years ago. In Europe and the Balkans, humans arrived approximately 1.5 million years ago. This earliest phase of this evolution is known as the Old Stone Age or Palaeolithic (from Greek). During this period, Neanderthals appeared and disappeared while "modern humans" (Homo sapiens sapiens) emerged.
The main prehistoric ages are named after the materials people used to make tools (stone, copper, bronze, and iron). Each new age is associated with numerous significant changes to human lifestyle. A major shift occurred about 10,000 years ago with the end of the last Ice Age and subsequent global warming. Humans were forced to adapt to environmental changes and gradually began to grow their own food. Agriculture and animal husbandry first developed in the Middle East, then spread to the Balkans and Europe around 6500 BCE. This transition marked the beginning of the New Stone Age (Neolithic).
The next period is the Copper Age (Chalcolithic). This period marks the discovery of metallurgy and the processing of the first metals in human history: copper and gold. This development first occurred in the Balkans around 5000 BCE.
The Bronze Age (around 3200 BCE) began with another important discovery: mixing copper with another metal (first arsenic and then tin) creates stronger, more durable tools. In what is now Bulgaria, this period also marked significant cultural transformation with the arrival of new populations with distinct customs. These were the Thracians, whom you will learn more about in the subsequent halls.
Old Stone Age – Palaeolithic:
Early: 1.5 million – 250,000 years before present
Middle: 250,000 – 45,000 years before present
Late: 45,000 – 10,000 years before present
New Stone Age – Neolithic:
Early: 6200 – 5400 BCE
Late: 5400 – 4900 BCE
Copper Age – Chalcolithic:
Early: 4900 – 4500 BCE
Late: 4500 – 3800 BCE
Bronze Age:
Early: 3200 – 2000 BCE
Middle: 2000 – 1600 BCE
Late: 1600 – 1000 BCE