preclassic
/priːˈklasɪk/adjective
1= pre-classical.
2 Archaeol. Usually with capital initial. Of, relating, or belonging to that period of Meso-American civilization from 1500 b.c. to a.d. 300 which preceded the Classic.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Anthropological Review. From pre- + classic. Compare French préclassique.