Introduction to World History
1. Ancient Civilizations
- Mesopotamia (c. 3100 BCE – 539 BCE): The cradle of civilization, known for the
development of writing (cuneiform) and early cities like Ur and Babylon.
- Ancient Egypt (c. 3100 BCE – 30 BCE): Renowned for pyramids, the Nile River's
importance, and pharaohs like Ramses II.
- Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300 BCE – 1300 BCE): Early urban culture with planned cities
like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
- Ancient China (c. 1600 BCE – 221 BCE): Dynasties like Shang and Zhou, contributions
include silk, gunpowder, and the Great Wall.
2. Classical Period
- Greece (c. 800 BCE – 146 BCE): Birthplace of democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato,
Aristotle), and influential city-states like Athens and Sparta.
- Rome (753 BCE – 476 CE): Roman Republic and Empire, engineering feats, legal systems,
and Christianity's rise.
- Maurya & Gupta Empires (c. 321 BCE – 550 CE): Indian empires known for Ashoka’s rule
and advancements in science and mathematics.
3. Middle Ages (500 CE – 1500 CE)
- Byzantine Empire: Eastern Roman Empire, known for Justinian Code and Hagia Sophia.
- Islamic Golden Age (8th – 14th Century): Advances in medicine, mathematics, and
astronomy.
- Feudal Europe: Manorial system, castles, and the Black Death.
- Mongol Empire (1206 – 1368): Largest contiguous empire, led by Genghis Khan.
4. Renaissance & Enlightenment (14th – 18th Century)
- Renaissance (14th – 17th Century): Rebirth of arts and sciences, figures like Leonardo da
Vinci and Michelangelo.
- Scientific Revolution (16th – 18th Century): Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton’s discoveries
reshaping understanding.
- Enlightenment (17th – 18th Century): Philosophical movement advocating reason, liberty,
and democracy (Locke, Rousseau, Voltaire).
5. Modern Era
- Industrial Revolution (18th – 19th Century): Mechanization, steam engines, urbanization.
- World Wars (1914-1918, 1939-1945): Global conflicts, rise and fall of empires.
- Cold War (1947-1991): U.S. vs. USSR, nuclear arms race, and ideological divide.
- 21st Century: Globalization, technological advancements, and modern political
developments.
Understanding world history provides insight into human progress, cultural exchanges, and
the foundations of modern society.