Formation of the Earth
The Earth formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago from the solar nebula, marking the beginning of the Prehistory of the world.
4.6 billion years ago
3.5 billion years ago
Emergence of Prokaryotic Life
The first simple, single-celled organisms, known as prokaryotes, appeared around 3.5 billion years ago.
2.7 billion years ago
Oxygenation of the Atmosphere
Photosynthetic bacteria began producing oxygen, leading to the Great Oxidation Event, which significantly altered the Earth's atmosphere.
1.5 billion years ago
Appearance of Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells, which have a nucleus and other organelles, emerged around 1.5 billion years ago, marking a major step in the evolution of complex life.
600 million years ago
Cambrian Explosion
The Cambrian Explosion, occurring around 600 million years ago, saw a rapid diversification of life forms, leading to the emergence of most major animal phyla.
400 million years ago
Colonization of Land by Plants and Animals
Plants and animals began to colonize land around 400 million years ago, significantly altering terrestrial ecosystems.
250 million years ago
Permian-Triassic Extinction Event
The Permian-Triassic Extinction Event, occurring around 250 million years ago, was the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, wiping out nearly 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species.
65 million years ago
Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event
The Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event, around 65 million years ago, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, paving the way for mammals to become the dominant land animals.
7 million years ago
Emergence of Hominins
The earliest hominins, ancestors of modern humans, appeared around 7 million years ago in Africa.
2.5 million years ago
Stone Tools and the Paleolithic Era
The use of stone tools marks the beginning of the Paleolithic Era, which lasted until around 10,000 years ago.
1.8 million years ago
Homo Erectus
Homo erectus, an early human species, emerged around 1.8 million years ago and is known for its use of more advanced tools and control of fire.
200,000 years ago
Appearance of Homo Sapiens
Modern humans, Homo sapiens, first appeared around 200,000 years ago in Africa.
40,000 years ago
Cultural Explosion
The Upper Paleolithic period saw a cultural explosion with the creation of art, music, and more complex tools.
12,000 years ago
Neolithic Revolution
The Neolithic Revolution began around 12,000 years ago, with humans transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural societies.
5,000 years ago
Invention of Writing
The invention of writing around 5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia marks the end of prehistory and the beginning of recorded history.
