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It just so happens that a continuous written history can only be traced back to the 17th century, and everything before that is shrouded in darkness. Most written sources from earlier periods only come to the attention of historians in the 18th and 19th centuries, when they were discovered. Or "discovered" - the forgery of ancient texts and artifacts was widespread at that time.

Archaeology can only confirm the level of cultural and technological development, but it cannot provide information about economic and political relations. In this matter, one has to rely on written sources. Or not - see above.