Overview of World History

Characterized by the absence of written records.
Divided into:
- Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): Hunter-gatherer societies, use of stone tools.
- Neolithic (New Stone Age): Agricultural development, permanent settlements.

Sumerians (c. 3500-2000 BCE): Early writing (cuneiform), city-states in Mesopotamia.
Egyptians (c. 3100-30 BCE): Hieroglyphics, pyramids, pharaohs, Nile River's significance.
Indus Valley (c. 3300-1300 BCE): Urban planning, drainage systems, writing remains undeciphered.
Chinese Civilization (c. 2100 BCE onwards): Dynasties (Shang, Zhou), Confucianism, invention of paper.

Greek Civilization (c. 800-300 BCE): Democracy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), art, and architecture.
Roman Empire (27 BCE - 476 CE): Republic to empire transition, law, engineering, Pax Romana.

Early Middle Ages (c. 500-1000 CE): Fall of Rome, feudalism, rise of Christianity.
High Middle Ages (c. 1000-1300 CE): Growth of cities, universities, Gothic architecture.
Late Middle Ages (c. 1300-1500 CE): Black Death, Renaissance beginnings.

Renaissance (14th-17th centuries): Revival of art, science, and classical knowledge; figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries): Emphasis on reason, individualism; philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): Technological advances, urbanization, changes in labor.
World Wars (20th century): WWI (1914-1918) and WWII (1939-1945); global conflict, significant social and political changes.
Cold War (1947-1991): Tension between the USA and USSR, nuclear arms race, ideological conflict.

Post-Cold War Era (1991-present): Globalization, technological advancements, emergence of new powers.
Significant events: 9/11 attacks, financial crises, climate change awareness, ongoing conflicts.

Historical methodology: Use of primary and secondary sources, critical analysis.
Importance of historiography: Different interpretations of historical events.
Cultural history: Study of everyday life, beliefs, practices throughout history.

History examines past events, societies, and cultures through the lens of human experiences and changes over time.

Marked by no written records; understanding relies on archaeological findings.
Paleolithic Era: Characterized by hunter-gatherer societies and the use of primitive stone tools.
Neolithic Era: Transition to agriculture, development of permanent settlements, and the domestication of plants and animals.

Sumerians (c. 3500-2000 BCE): Developed cuneiform writing and established city-states in Mesopotamia.
Egyptians (c. 3100-30 BCE): Known for hieroglyphics, monumental pyramids, and the influence of pharaohs, along the fertile Nile River.
Indus Valley (c. 3300-1300 BCE): Notable for advanced urban planning and drainage systems; their writing system remains undeciphered.
Chinese Civilization (c. 2100 BCE onwards): Featured dynastic rule (Shang, Zhou), the philosophy of Confucianism, and the invention of paper.

Greek Civilization (c. 800-300 BCE): Birthplace of democracy and influential philosophy through thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, along with significant contributions to art and architecture.
Roman Empire (27 BCE - 476 CE): Transitioned from a republic to an empire, known for advancements in law, engineering feats, and the Pax Romana period of peace.

Early Middle Ages (c. 500-1000 CE): Followed the fall of Rome, characterized by feudal structures and the rise of Christianity.
High Middle Ages (c. 1000-1300 CE): Marked by urban growth, establishment of universities, and the emergence of Gothic architectural style.
Late Middle Ages (c. 1300-1500 CE): Witnessed the devastating Black Death and the beginnings of the Renaissance.

Renaissance (14th-17th centuries): A revival in art, literature, and scientific thought, with prominent figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo shaping cultural advancements.
Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries): Focus on reason and individualism, highlighted by philosophers including Voltaire and Rousseau promoting ideas of democracy and social contracts.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): Innovations in technology led to urbanization and transformed labor structures.
World Wars (20th century): WWI (1914-1918) and WWII (1939-1945) reshaped global relations and had lasting social and political impacts.
Cold War (1947-1991): Era of geopolitical tension between the USA and USSR marked by a nuclear arms race and conflicting ideologies.

Post-Cold War Era (1991-present): Defined by globalization, rapid technological progress, and the rise of new global powers.
Key events include the 9/11 terrorist attacks, significant financial crises, increasing awareness of climate change, and ongoing global conflicts.

Historical methodology stresses the importance of primary and secondary sources for research and analysis.
Historiography involves understanding diverse interpretations of historical events and perspectives.
Cultural history emphasizes the study of everyday life, societal beliefs, and practices throughout different historical contexts.