The territory between Kutná Hora, Prague, and Plzeň contributed to the emergence of European geology. Looking at this area, we are surprised by dozens of natural prehistoric and historical sites that mark milestones in biological and civilizational development. This book is primarily a reflection on the evolution of life and later human culture. We are interested in the history of oxygen, the formation of forests, as well as periods of change, extinction, and regeneration. We follow all this at specific natural and archaeological sites and finds – for example, the oldest plants at Svatý Jan pod Skalou or the first freshwater or mixed fauna in Jince. Just as human history is the key to understanding the current development of society, the history of the land and life allows us to comprehend the current transformation of the environment. A journey into the prehistoric past of the Czech lands is also a reflection on where we come from and where we are heading.
