• Prehistory covers the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Neolithic periods, the Copper Age (Chalcolithic or Aeneolithic period), as well as the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Sources are of an archaeological nature (archaeological monuments, artefacts), meaning that prehistory is quite different to other purely historical subjects. Due to its significant overlap with the natural sciences, research of the Paleozoic era has developed into its own discipline.
  • Protohistory considers the development of European culture from the late Antique period, or changes in the human population up to the beginning of the High Middle Ages. Research draws on archaeological, as well as historical sources. Pre- and protohistory are not generally defined by regional or geographical demarcations. Research generally focusses on Europe, taking the neighbouring continents of Eurasia and North Africa into consideration where relevant.