Dating Systems and Historical Periods

Dating Systems

• AD is used for dates after the believed birth of Jesus Christ and counts up the further you go from it.
• BC is used for dates before the birth of Jesus Christ and counts down the further you go from it.

Historical Periods

• A decade is 10 years, a century is 100 years, and a millennium is 1000 years.
• The Age of Bands refers to the period between 100,000 BC and 10,000 BC before the agricultural revolution.
  • People lived in groups of 30-50 and were nomadic.
  • They used basic tools and depended on animals for survival.
• The Age of Tribes lasted between 10,000 BC and 3000 BC.
  • People began living in static settlements.
  • Trade and agriculture started during this period.
• The Age of Kingdoms started around 3000 BC and lasted until 1500 AD.
  • People still farmed and made goods at home.
  • Polytheism (belief in many gods) emerged, with kingdoms sometimes containing several million people.
• The Age of Empires followed, spanning from 1500 AD to 1945.
  • Factory production began.
  • Some regions transitioned to monotheism (belief in one god).
  • Empires often encompassed millions of people.
• By the end of the 20th century, most countries gained independence.

Historical Research

• Historians start their research by asking questions.
• To learn about the past, historians use different sources.
• Historians reach interpretations after completing their research.
• Historians have a role in presenting their findings.

Key Concepts

• Enquiries: Questions or investigations to find out more about something.
• Interpretations: The way people understand and explain information or events.
• Representations: How something is shown or depicted.
• Nomadic: People who move from place to place rather than living in one place all the time.
• Static Settlement: An area where people live and stay in one location.
• Concept: An idea or way of thinking about something.
• Change: When something becomes different from what it was before.
• Continuity: When something stays the same over time.
• Monarchy: A form of government where a king or queen is the head of state.
• Polytheism: The belief in many gods.
• Empire: A group of countries or territories controlled by one powerful ruler or government.
• Colony: A country or region controlled by a more powerful country.
• Legacy: Something handed down from the past, such as traditions, achievements, or ideas.
• Primary Sources: Original materials from the time or event being studied.
• Monotheism: The belief in only one god.

Dating Systems

• AD is used for dates after the year of Jesus Christ's birth.
• BC is used for dates before Jesus Christ's birth.
• The further from Jesus Christ's birth, the higher the AD number, and the lower the BC number.
• A decade represents 10 years, a century 100 years, and a millennium 1000 years.

The Historian's Process

• Historians start by asking questions to learn about the past.
• They rely on historical sources to gather information.
• After research, historians interpret their findings and form conclusions.
• Finally, they choose how to present their work, whether through writing, visual media, or other forms.

Age of Bands (100,000 BC - 10,000 BC)

• People lived in nomadic groups of 30-50 individuals.
• They relied on simple tools and hunted animals for survival.

Age of Tribes (10,000 BC - 3000 BC)

• People began to settle in fixed locations.
• They started trading goods and cultivating food.

Age of Kingdoms (3000 BC - 1500 AD)

• Kingdoms emerged, marking the beginning of organized political structures.
• People continued to farm and produce goods at home.
• Polytheism became widespread with the belief in multiple gods.
• Kingdoms could encompass millions of people.

Age of Empires (1500 - 1945)

• Large empires began to form, controlling vast territories and populations.
• Industrial production rose, with goods being manufactured in factories.
• Monotheism, the belief in one God, became prominent in some regions, while others rejected religious beliefs.
• Empires could contain millions of people.

Age of National Independence (20th Century onwards)

• Countries started demanding self-governance.
• Most nations achieved full independence by the end of the 20th century.

Key Concepts and Glossary

• Enquiries: Investigating and asking questions to gain knowledge.
• Interpretations: How individuals understand and explain information or events.
• Representations: How information is displayed or depicted, for example, through art or written accounts.
• Nomadic: Moving from place to place, often in search of food or resources.
• Static Settlements: Fixed locations where people establish residences and communities.
• Concept: An idea or a way of understanding a particular topic.
• Change: Alterations or transformations over time.
• Continuity: Aspects that remain consistent over time.
• Monarchy: A system of government with a king or queen as the head of state.
• Polytheism: Belief in multiple gods.
• Empire: A large group of countries or territories ruled by a single entity.
• Colony: A territory controlled by a more powerful country.
• Legacy: Something passed down from the past, including traditions, achievements, and ideas.
• Primary Sources: Original materials created during the time period being studied, such as letters, photos, or diaries.
• Monotheism: Belief in one God.