sentence - Meaning of earlier in "1 year ago, maybe earlier"

Someone told me this a while ago, but I always remember it cause I couldn't quite understand.

Does the "earlier" in the sentence "1 year ago, maybe earlier." means that it was prior to 1 year ago (meaning it could be even 10 years) or does it mean it's less than 1 year (like 5 months ago)?

Thanks.