Prehistory Timeline

Refers to the period before written records of human history
Divided into three main periods:
1. Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): Early humans developed tools, hunted, and gathered food (c. 2.5 million - 10,000 BCE)
2. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): Humans developed more sophisticated tools, began to settle in permanent locations (c. 10,000 - 5,000 BCE)
3. Neolithic (New Stone Age): Humans developed agriculture, domesticated animals, and established permanent settlements (c. 5,000 - 2,000 BCE)

Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq): Developed writing (c. 3,500 BCE), established city-states, and created laws (e.g., Code of Hammurabi)
Ancient Egypt (modern-day Egypt): Developed hieroglyphics, built pyramids, and had a complex system of government and religion (c. 3,100 - 300 BCE)
Ancient Greece (modern-day Greece): Contributed significantly to Western philosophy, theater, and democracy (c. 8th century - 146 CE)
Ancient Rome (modern-day Italy): Established a vast empire, developed a system of laws, and made significant contributions to architecture and engineering (c. 8th century BCE - 476 CE)

Fall of the Roman Empire (476 CE): Marked the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Middle Ages
Feudalism: A social system in which lords owned land and vassals provided military service in exchange for protection and land
Crusades: A series of military campaigns launched by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule (1095-1291)

Renaissance (14th-17th centuries): A cultural and intellectual movement that marked a revival of classical Greek and Roman culture
Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries): European explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, discovered new lands and established trade routes
Reformation (16th century): A religious movement that led to the division of Christianity into Protestantism and Catholicism

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): A period of significant economic, technological, and social change marked by the development of factories and machines
World War I (1914-1918): A global conflict that involved many nations and led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction
World War II (1939-1945): A global conflict that involved many nations and led to significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and the formation of the United Nations

Cold War (1945-1991): A period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union
Globalization (late 20th century-present): A process of increasing economic and cultural interconnectedness among nations
Digital Age (late 20th century-present): A period marked by the widespread use of computers, the internet, and other digital technologies

Prehistory encompasses the era before written records of human existence.
Divided into three main periods:
- Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): Earliest humans used rudimentary tools, primarily hunted and gathered (c. 2.5 million - 10,000 BCE).
- Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): Featured advanced tool-making and the beginnings of permanent settlements (c. 10,000 - 5,000 BCE).
- Neolithic (New Stone Age): Marked by the advent of agriculture, animal domestication, and established communities (c. 5,000 - 2,000 BCE).

Mesopotamia: Known for the creation of writing around 3,500 BCE, development of city-states, and the formulation of laws (e.g., Code of Hammurabi).
Ancient Egypt: Renowned for hieroglyphics, monumental pyramids, and a complex governance and religious system (c. 3,100 - 300 BCE).
Ancient Greece: Key contributions to Western philosophy, theater, and the concept of democracy (c. 8th century - 146 CE).
Ancient Rome: Established a large empire, advanced legal systems, and made notable contributions to architecture and engineering (c. 8th century BCE - 476 CE).

Fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE led to the onset of the Middle Ages.
Feudalism: A societal structure where lords owned land, and vassals offered military service in return for protection and land.
Crusades: Military campaigns by European Christians aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control (1095-1291).

Renaissance (14th-17th centuries): A resurgence of classical Greco-Roman culture, emphasizing art and intellectual growth.
Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries): Notable explorers, including Christopher Columbus, discovered new territories and established trade networks.
Reformation (16th century): A pivotal movement that divided Christianity into Protestantism and Catholicism, impacting religious and political landscapes.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): Characterized by profound economic and technological transformation, including the rise of factories and machine production.
World War I (1914-1918): A significant global conflict that resulted in massive loss of life and extensive destruction across nations.
World War II (1939-1945): A worldwide conflict with vast casualties and destruction, leading to the establishment of the United Nations.

Cold War (1945-1991): A tense political and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, influencing global politics.
Globalization (late 20th century-present): The increasing economic and cultural integration among nations around the globe.
Digital Age (late 20th century-present): Defined by the widespread usage of computers and the internet, revolutionizing communication and information access.