Recorded-history interval
The recorded-history interval is the span for which humans have kept written or documented records.
How big is it?
5 kyr
Time · reference interval
A little perspective
About 50 times the time of A century.
A century: A century is a period of one hundred years.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Recorded-history interval
A rounded 5,000-year reference interval, not a single worldwide starting date.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
A century
One hundred Julian years for consistent conversion.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked time is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 kyr
For comparison, this page uses time. This is labelled reference interval: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value.
A rounded 5,000-year reference interval, not a single worldwide starting date.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Recorded-history interval dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kyr | Not recorded | reference interval |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible time records, ordered around the selected value.
Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TimeBlink of an eye150 msA blink of an eye is the quick closing and opening of the eyelid, usually happening involuntarily.TimeHuman lifetime80 yearsA human lifetime is the span from a person's birth to their death.
TimeAge of Earth4.54 GyrThe age of Earth is the time that has passed since the planet formed from the solar nebula.TimeAge of the universe13.8 GyrThe age of the universe is the time since the Big Bang, marking the beginning of cosmic expansion.TimeA century100 yearsA century is a period of one hundred years.TimeSince the non-avian dinosaurs66 MyrThe interval since the non-avian dinosaurs marks the time since these dinosaurs disappeared from Earth.
PeopleRed-cell lifespan120 daysRed-cell lifespan is the average time a human red blood cell remains in circulation before being removed from the bloodstream.
TimeVenus solar day116.8 daysA Venus solar day is the interval between two successive sunrises at the same location on Venus, which is much longer than an Earth day.