Frühzeit

Frühzeit is a term used in German-speaking archaeology and history to denote the early phase of a culture's past. It is not a fixed chronological label; its exact span varies by region, culture, and scholarly tradition. In general, the Frühzeit refers to times before the establishment of enduring, literate state structures commonly associated with the medieval era. Depending on context, it can cover both prehistoric periods and early historic times, prior to more clearly defined late-antique or medieval transitions.

In German-language scholarship, Frühzeit is often contrasted with later historical periods such as Spätzeit (late period) or the medieval era. Boundaries differ by region: in some areas the Frühzeit ends with the emergence of early medieval polities; in others it extends further into the early medieval era. The term is widely used in museums, textbooks, and regional archaeology to signal material culture from antiquity to early history.

Translation and usage: In English-language contexts, Frühzeit is usually rendered as “early period” or “early history,” but the German term remains common in regional studies. The concept is inherently relative and depends on local chronology and research questions.

Etymology: Frühzeit combines früh ("early") and Zeit ("time/period").