protohistoric
/ˌproʊtoʊhɪˈstɔrɪk/
adjective
- Relating to the period just before written history begins, when some records exist but are incomplete.
- Archaeologists found protohistoric settlements that predate the first full written accounts.
- Protohistoric cultures often left behind both artifacts and early symbols.
- The protohistoric era in this region is known only from a few clay tablets.