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Pre-colonial

"Before the arrival of colonial powers, the Philippines thrived during its pre-colonial era, with indigenous communities actively participating in vibrant trade with neighboring cultures and economies, as well as foreign traders."

PHILIPPINES PREHISTORY

The first Homo species to inhabit the Philippines arrived during the Pleistocene period, dating back approximately 631,000 to 777,000 years ago. This is substantiated by archaeological findings in Kalinga, which have unearthed artifacts providing evidence of their presence.

The earliest recorded hominin remains discovered in the Philippines are fossils dating back 67,000 years, uncovered in 2007 within the Callao Caves in Cagayan.

An earlier discovery, made in 1962 within Tabon Cave in Palawan, yielded fossilized fragments of skulls and jawbones from three individuals known as the 'Tabon Man.' These ancient inhabitants were believed to be Negritos, among the earliest peoples to settle in the archipelago.

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Baybayin is an indigenous writing system that originated in the Philippines and was in use prior to Spanish colonization, enduring until at least the eighteenth century. The term 'baybay' in Tagalog translates to 'to spell,' and this script was primarily employed for writing Tagalog, although with some adaptations, it was also utilized for writing Ilocano (Iloko), Kapampangan, Pangasinan, Bisaya, and Bikol languages.

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Pre-colonial Philippines & Things you might not know about our history | Our Philippines
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As we conclude our journey through the Pre-colonial Philippines, we've uncovered a world where indigenous cultures thrived, trade networks flourished, and traditions were richly woven into the fabric of daily life. This era serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the Philippines' early inhabitants. Their legacy lives on, shaping the nation we know today, and reminding us of the vibrant tapestry of history that defines the Philippines from its very beginnings.

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