5500–3000
B.C.
Predynastic Egyptian cultures develop (5500–3100
B.C.); begin using
agriculture (c. 5000 B.C.). Earliest known civilization arises in
Sumer
(4500–4000 B.C.).
Earliest recorded date in Egyptian calendar (4241 B.C.). First year of Jewish
calendar (3760 B.C.). First phonetic writing appears (c. 3500 B.C.). Sumerians
develop a city-state civilization (c. 3000 B.C.). Copper used by Egyptians and
Sumerians.
Western Europe
is neolithic, without metals or
written records.