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predynastic

predynastic

9.9
A time before kings ruled in a region, often early Egypt
  • noun
  • /ˌprɛdɪˈnæstɪk/
  • Specialized
: período predinástico
  • In early 1897, the antiquities markets of Luxor were awash with objects dating from the Predynastic period (4000-3100 B.C.).
  • predynastic period

Examples

  • Her latest research underdog, which has grown out of the Kharga Oasis project, is petroglyphs, especially animal scenes from the Predynastic period, before 3000 B.C.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Although the ka was shown in human form later on, an animal form seems likely in the Predynastic period.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Egypt, late predynastic, ca. 3100 B.C. Basalt, 39.5 cm (15.5 ").

    Academic text (1996)
  • Dominating the Predynastic town was an impressive ceremonial center, one of Egypt's earliest temple complexes, with a 130-foot-long oval courtyard in front of a monumental shrine.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Archaeologists discovered several artifacts from the predynastic period, shedding light on ancient Egyptian culture.

  • The findings in Upper Egypt indicate that trade flourished during the predynastic era long before written records began.

  • Many pottery styles originated in the predynastic period, highlighting the region's artistic evolution.

Antonyms

4 7.8

About a family of rulers who pass power from parent to child

Surface Forms

predynastic singular
predynastics plural

Morphology

predynastic = predynastic (semi-transparent) = pre + dynast + ic

The noun is converted from the adjective, but learners may need context to infer that it denotes the historical period itself.

Etymology

The word predynastic comes from pre- meaning 'before' and dynasty meaning 'a line of rulers or kings'. So the predynastic is the time 'before kings' or 'before organized dynasties', and archaeologists use this word for the early period in a region's history.