From prehistory to protohistory
Although the development of writing marks a quantum leap forward in the ability of a literate culture to gather and store new knowledge, historians now believe that the relationship between writing and other aspects of civilization is not so simple. The impact of writing may not have been as immediate nor as far-reaching as older theories assumed. Similarly, the pre-literate period may have been characterized by a more complex civilization than earlier theories gave Malaysia credit for.
- Information in the full article includes
- The earliest written evidence
- An indigenous style develops
- The cultural impact of writing
- The importance of maritime trade
