The document provides an overview of history from prehistory to the ancient world. It defines key terms like history, prehistory, and different time periods. Prehistory began with the earliest humans and lasted until the invention of writing around 3000 BC. The Palaeolithic era saw early humans living as hunter-gatherers in small groups. The ancient world then began, with important early civilizations emerging in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome between 3000 BC and 500 AD.