Prehistory and Ancient Civilizations

Study Notes

Mesopotamia (3500 BCE - 539 CE):
- Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians
- Inventions: writing (cuneiform), wheel, and irrigation
Ancient Egypt (3100 BCE - 30 BCE):
- Pharaonic dynasties, pyramids, and mummification
- Hieroglyphic writing and papyrus
Ancient Greece (8th century BCE - 146 CE):
- City-states: Athens and Sparta
- Contributions: democracy, philosophy, theater, and Olympics
Ancient Rome (8th century BCE - 476 CE):
- Republic and Empire periods
- Contributions: law, architecture, and governance

Period of time between ancient and modern civilizations (500 - 1500 CE)
Characterized by:
- Feudalism and chivalry
- Rise of Christianity and Islamic empires
- Limited scientific progress and cultural achievements

Renaissance (14th - 17th centuries):
- Revival of classical learning and cultural achievements
- Emergence of humanism and individualism
Age of Exploration (15th - 17th centuries):
- European discovery and colonization of the Americas
- Establishment of trade routes and global connections

Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th centuries):
- Transition from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing
- Development of capitalism and urbanization
Nationalism and Imperialism (19th - early 20th centuries):
- Rise of nation-states and colonial empires
- Competition for resources and global influence

World War I and II (20th century):
- Global conflicts and rise of superpowers
- Establishment of international organizations and global governance
Cold War and Decolonization (mid-20th century):
- Bipolar world order and proxy wars
- Independence movements and emergence of new nation-states

Mesopotamia (3500 BCE - 539 CE):
- Home to Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians
- Invented writing (cuneiform), wheel, and irrigation systems
- Developed city-states, with complex governance systems
Ancient Egypt (3100 BCE - 30 BCE):
- Pharaonic dynasties built pyramids, developed mummification
- Hieroglyphic writing and papyrus production flourished
- Achieved significant architectural and engineering feats
Ancient Greece (8th century BCE - 146 CE):
- City-states Athens and Sparta emerged as cultural hubs
- Contributions: democracy, philosophy, theater, and Olympic Games
- Famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Ancient Rome (8th century BCE - 476 CE):
- Republic and Empire periods saw significant expansion
- Contributions: law, architecture, and governance systems
- Developed aqueducts, roads, and public buildings

Lasted from 500 to 1500 CE
Characterized by:
- Feudalism and chivalry dominant social structures
- Rise of Christianity and Islamic empires
- Limited scientific progress, cultural achievements stagnant
- Black Death pandemic had significant impact on population

Renaissance (14th - 17th centuries):
- Revival of classical learning and cultural achievements
- Emergence of humanism and individualism
- Artistic innovations, such as Leonardo da Vinci's works
Age of Exploration (15th - 17th centuries):
- European discovery and colonization of the Americas
- Establishment of trade routes and global connections
- Explorers like Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Magellan

Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th centuries):
- Transition from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing
- Development of capitalism and urbanization
- Emergence of new social classes, industrial working class
Nationalism and Imperialism (19th - early 20th centuries):
- Rise of nation-states and colonial empires
- Competition for resources and global influence
- Emergence of new global powers, like USA and Japan

World War I and II (20th century):
- Global conflicts and rise of superpowers
- Establishment of international organizations and global governance
- League of Nations, then United Nations established
Cold War and Decolonization (mid-20th century):
- Bipolar world order and proxy wars
- Independence movements and emergence of new nation-states
- Emergence of global issues, like nuclear proliferation and environmentalism