The 39th Century Before the Common Era

The 39th century before the common era was a span of one hundred years beginning approximately in the year 3900 before the common era and ending in 3801 before the common era. This period corresponds to the end of the Neolithic era across much of the world and the beginning of the use of copper and bronze (Chalcolithic) in the Middle East and Europe.

No written records document this century, as writing had not yet begun. Knowledge of the period therefore depends on archaeological excavation and carbon-14 dating of artifacts discovered, which means that the dates provided carry considerable margins of uncertainty.

The Middle East

In central Mesopotamia, small cities along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers continued to grow. This period corresponds to the early phases of Uruk culture, characterized by large fields, irrigation systems, and monumental temple architecture showing social hierarchy. Pottery workshops and specialized craftspeople began to emerge.

Egypt and Nubia

In the upper Nile Valley, cultures predating Egyptian kingdoms, including the Naqada phases, were developing. Settlements depended on floodplain agriculture and pastoral herding, with long-distance trade in gold, precious stones, and seashells.

Europe and Other Regions

In Europe, farming spread northward. Cultures building large stone monuments (megaliths) appeared along the Atlantic coasts. In Asia, rice cultivation along the Yangtze River and millet agriculture along the Yellow River supported permanent settlements. In the Americas, maize and squash farming gradually expanded.