History of Civilizations

Ancient Civilizations

• Mesopotamia:
  • Located in present-day Iraq
  • First urban civilization (c. 3500 BCE)
  • Inventions: wheel, writing (cuneiform), governance (city-states)
• Ancient Egypt:
  • Located in northeastern Africa
  • Lasted from c. 3100 BCE to 30 BCE
  • Contributions: pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphics, papyrus
• Ancient Greece:
  • Located in southeastern Europe
  • Lasted from c. 8th century BCE to 146 CE
  • Contributions: democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), theater, Olympics

Medieval Period

• Fall of the Roman Empire:
  • Lasted from 5th to 15th century CE
  • Marked the end of the Western Roman Empire
• Rise of Christianity:
  • Spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages
  • Played a significant role in shaping European culture and politics
• Feudalism:
  • Social and economic system in medieval Europe
  • Characterized by lords, vassals, and serfs

Early Modern Period

• Renaissance:
  • Cultural and intellectual movement in Europe (14th to 17th century)
  • Revival of classical Greek and Roman ideas
  • Notable figures: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo
• Age of Exploration:
  • European exploration and colonization of the Americas (15th to 17th century)
  • Notable explorers: Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan
• Reformation:
  • Protestant movement against the Catholic Church (16th century)
  • Notable figures: Martin Luther, John Calvin, Henry VIII

Modern Period

• Industrial Revolution:
  • Transition from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing (18th to 19th century)
  • Significant economic and social changes
• World Wars:
  • Global conflicts (1914-1918 and 1939-1945)
  • Resulted in significant political and economic changes
• Cold War:
  • Ideological and political rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union (1945-1991)
  • Characterized by proxy wars, espionage, and a nuclear arms race