ancient times; remote antiquity
Refers to very old times, often in historical or literary contexts. In Japanese history, it can specifically denote the Jōko period (ancient era).
Valuable pottery was excavated from ancient ruins.
This custom dates back to ancient times.
ancient history
Compound of 上 (jō, 'upper, early') and 古 (ko, 'old, ancient'), literally 'early antiquity'. The reading is on'yomi.