Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution PDF

1 Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution University of Visayas Prepared by: JM Flores Objective: To provide a concise and comprehensive overview of world history from ancient civ...

1 Prelims Overview: World History and Geopolitical Evolution University of Visayas Prepared by: JM Flores Objective: To provide a concise and comprehensive overview of world history from ancient civilizations to just before World War I, focusing on key civilizations, their evolution, geographical name changes, and significant historical timelines. This overview aims to establish a foundational understanding of historical contexts, aiding in the comprehension of contemporary events and regional specifics, especially in the Philippines. Description: This review encompasses major milestones of world history, tracking the development from ancient civilizations through to the late 19th century. It covers significant periods, empires, and geographical transformations, providing a timeline of key events and developments. Significance: Understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the current geopolitical and socio-economic landscape. It offers insights into how past events have shaped modern nations, their political systems, cultures, and international relations. This foundational knowledge is essential for comprehending contemporary issues, regional dynamics, and the socio-political environment, particularly in the Philippines. Ancient Civilizations and Early Empires c. 3500 BCE - Sumeria (Mesopotamia): Emergence of the Sumerians, inventing cuneiform writing and developing city-states. c. 3100 BCE - Ancient Egypt: Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh, marking the beginning of Egypt’s dynastic period. c. 2600 BCE - Mohenjo-Daro (Indus Valley Civilization): Rise of the Indus Valley civilization, known for its planned cities and advanced drainage systems.  2 c. 2500-1500 BCE - Minoan Civilization (Crete): Flourishing of the Minoans, who built palatial centers and were prominent traders in the Mediterranean. c. 2000 BCE - Olmec Civilization (Mesoamerica): The rise of one of the first civilizations in the Americas, known for monumental stone heads and influencing later Mesoamerican cultures. c. 1600 BCE - Shang Dynasty (China): The first confirmed Chinese dynasty, known for bronze casting and oracle bones. c. 1600 BCE - Hyksos Invasion of Egypt: Foreign rulers (Hyksos) control Egypt, introducing new military technologies such as chariots. c. 1500 BCE - Kushite Kingdom (Nubia, Africa): Nubia becomes a powerful kingdom south of Egypt, known for its wealth and influence over Egypt. c. 1200 BCE - Olmec Civilization (Mesoamerica): Development of the Olmec culture, the precursor to later civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. c. 1200 BCE - Decline of the Minoan Civilization: Natural disasters and invasions lead to the fall of the Minoan civilization. Classical Age and Formation of Early Empires 1046 BCE - Zhou Dynasty (China): The Zhou overthrow the Shang Dynasty, introducing the Mandate of Heaven and feudalism. 1000 BCE - Kingdom of Israel: The rise of the unified Israelite monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon. 800 BCE - Kushites Conquer Egypt: Nubian kings establish the 25th Dynasty, ruling over Egypt. 800 BCE - Greek City-States: The formation of independent city-states in Greece, such as Athens and Sparta, leading to the classical period. 660 BCE - Foundation of Japan (Legendary): According to Japanese mythology, Emperor Jimmu establishes the Japanese imperial line. 600 BCE - Rise of the Maya Civilization (Mesoamerica): The beginning of Maya city-states, which will later develop advanced astronomy, mathematics, and writing. 550 BCE - Achaemenid Empire (Persia): Cyrus the Great establishes the Persian Empire, the largest empire in the world at the time. 500 BCE - Classical Period (India): The rise of the Mahajanapadas and later the Maurya Empire, which unifies much of India under Ashoka.  3 332 BCE - Alexander the Great Conquers Egypt: Egypt becomes part of Alexander’s empire, later ruled by the Ptolemies. 221 BCE - Qin Dynasty (China): Qin Shi Huang unites China, introduces legalism, and begins the construction of the Great Wall. 206 BCE - 220 CE - Han Dynasty (China): The Han Dynasty sees expansion, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of the Silk Road. 100 BCE - 500 CE - Roman Empire: Rome becomes a dominant force in Europe and the Mediterranean, known for legal and architectural achievements. 250 BCE - 900 CE - Maya Civilization: The Maya build great cities such as Tikal and develop advanced systems in mathematics and astronomy. Early Empires in Africa and the Americas 100 CE - Meroitic Kingdom (Nubia): The Kingdom of Kush continues to thrive after Egyptian dominance, known for its pyramids and iron production. 300 CE - Teotihuacan (Mesoamerica): Rise of Teotihuacan as the largest city in the Americas, with vast pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon. 300-900 CE - Nazca and Moche Civilizations (South America): Development of early Andean civilizations known for their textiles and geoglyphs (Nazca Lines). 600 CE - Islamic Expansion (Middle East and North Africa): The Islamic caliphates begin to expand rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Middle Ages and the Rise of New Powers 618-907 CE - Tang Dynasty (China): A golden age of Chinese culture, technology, and expansion. 800-1100 CE - Ghana Empire (West Africa): Rise of the Ghana Empire, a wealthy kingdom that controls the gold and salt trade routes across the Sahara. 800-1300 CE - Feudalism in Europe: The rise of feudal systems across Europe, characterized by lords, vassals, and serfs. 850-1250 CE - Toltec Civilization (Mesoamerica): Rise of the Toltec Empire in central Mexico, influencing later civilizations like the Aztecs. 1200-1300 CE - Mongol Empire: Genghis Khan and his successors establish the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from China to Europe.  4 1200-1600 CE - Mali Empire (West Africa): The Mali Empire flourishes, known for its wealth (Timbuktu) and leadership under Mansa Musa. Early Modern Empires and Exploration 1325 CE - Aztec Empire (Mesoamerica): The founding of Tenochtitlán and the rise of the Aztec Empire, dominating central Mexico. 1400 CE - Inca Empire (South America): The Inca Empire begins its expansion, becoming the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. 1492-1600 CE - Age of Exploration: European powers, such as Spain and Portugal, explore and colonize the Americas, Africa, and Asia. 1500-1600 CE - Songhai Empire (West Africa): The Songhai Empire becomes the largest empire in West Africa, controlling key trade routes. 1526-1857 CE - Mughal Empire (India): A golden age of architecture, art, and cultural synthesis in India under rulers like Akbar. 1533 CE - Fall of the Inca Empire: Francisco Pizarro conquers the Inca Empire, leading to Spanish colonization of South America. Revolutions and New World Powers 1644-1912 CE - Qing Dynasty (China): The last imperial dynasty of China, known for its expansion and conflicts with Western powers. 1775-1783 CE - American Revolution: The 13 American colonies win independence from Britain, forming the United States. 1789-1799 CE - French Revolution: Overthrow of the French monarchy, leading to the rise of Napoleon and widespread political change in Europe. 1804 CE - Haitian Revolution: The only successful slave rebellion in history leads to the independence of Haiti from France. 1821-1830 CE - Latin American Wars of Independence: Simon Bolivar and other leaders help Latin American colonies break free from Spanish rule. 1868 CE - Meiji Restoration (Japan): Japan undergoes rapid modernization and industrialization, transforming into a world power. 1861-1865 CE - American Civil War: The United States experiences a brutal civil war, leading to the abolition of slavery.  5 1884-1885 CE - Scramble for Africa: European powers divide Africa among themselves at the Berlin Conference, leading to colonization. 19th Century 1839-1842 CE - Opium Wars (China): Conflicts between China and Britain over trade and sovereignty, leading to China’s forced concessions. 1857-1858 CE - Indian Rebellion: A major uprising against British rule, which leads to direct control of India by the British Crown. 1861-1865 CE - American Civil War: Conflict between the Northern and Southern U.S. states, leading to the end of slavery. The Age of Exploration (15th - 17th Century) The Age of Exploration, or Age of Discovery, spanned from the early 15th century to the early 17th century, driven by European maritime powers like Spain, Portugal, France, and England. This era dramatically reshaped the world, as explorers sought new trade routes, resources, and lands. It ultimately led to European colonization and the establishment of vast empires, changing the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the globe. Key Drivers of Exploration: 1. Economic Motivations: European powers sought to bypass Ottoman control of the traditional land routes to Asia and directly access Asian goods like spices, silk, and gold. This desire to dominate trade motivated the search for sea routes. 2. Technological Advancements: Innovations such as the caravel, astrolabe, compass, and improved cartography (maps) enabled long ocean voyages. These advancements allowed explorers to travel further and more efficiently. 3. Religious Zeal: Catholic monarchs in Spain and Portugal were eager to spread Christianity to new lands, especially after the Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. Missionary efforts often went hand-in-hand with exploration. 4. Curiosity and Prestige: Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and John Cabot were driven by personal ambition, as well as the prestige that came from discovering new lands. Major Explorations: Portuguese Voyages: Led by Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal spearheaded early exploration along the African coast. In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope, opening the sea route to Asia. In 1498, Vasco da Gama reached India, establishing Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.  6 Christopher Columbus (1492): Under the sponsorship of Spain, Columbus crossed the Atlantic and reached the Caribbean, although he believed he had found Asia. His voyages initiated the European colonization of the Americas. Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1522): Magellan's expedition became the first to circumnavigate the globe, demonstrating the vastness of the Earth and confirming that the world was interconnected by oceans. Conquests in the Americas: The Spanish Conquistadors—Hernán Cortés in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro in Peru—conquered the powerful Aztec and Inca empires, exploiting their wealth and expanding Spain’s dominion. Results of Exploration: 1. Colonial Empires: European nations established colonies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, leading to the dominance of European powers. Spain and Portugal dominated early, but England, France, and the Netherlands soon followed. 2. Columbian Exchange: The exchange of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and diseases between the New World (Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia). It radically transformed the diets and economies of both hemispheres but also decimated indigenous populations due to the introduction of Old World diseases like smallpox. 3. Global Trade Networks: The Age of Exploration integrated economies on a global scale. Silver from the Americas funded European expansion and trade with Asia. The transatlantic slave trade also developed, forcibly transporting Africans to work in American colonies, particularly in plantations. The Decline of the Age of Exploration (17th - 18th Century) By the 17th and 18th centuries, the Age of Exploration gradually transitioned into an age of colonization, imperial rivalry, and more structured maritime empires. Several factors contributed to the decline of exploration as a primary focus: 1. Shift to Empire Building After initial discoveries, European powers turned their attention to consolidating and administering their overseas colonies. This led to the rise of the British, French, and Dutch empires. Colonial powers were more focused on maintaining their territories and exploiting resources rather than discovering new lands. 2. Mercantilism European nations adopted mercantilist policies, focusing on maximizing exports and accumulating wealth, particularly gold and silver. Colonial powers established strict control over  7 trade to benefit the mother country, leading to fewer exploratory expeditions and more commercial ventures. 3. Scientific and Intellectual Shift By the 18th century, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment shifted European focus from geographic exploration to intellectual pursuits. Europe’s intellectual elite were now more interested in cataloging the natural world and understanding the universe rather than seeking new lands. 4. Internal Conflicts and Wars European powers became embroiled in various wars throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), and Seven Years' War (1756-1763). These conflicts consumed resources and redirected focus away from exploration. The Road to Imperialism and the 19th Century The focus of global expansion shifted from discovery to imperialism and industrialization by the late 18th and 19th centuries. European powers began asserting direct control over vast colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, which led to intense rivalries and political tensions. 1. Industrial Revolution (Late 18th - Early 19th Century) The Industrial Revolution in Europe accelerated the need for raw materials and new markets, driving further colonization rather than exploration. Industrialized nations sought to exploit the resources of Africa, Asia, and the Americas for their burgeoning industries. 2. The Scramble for Africa (19th Century) After centuries of focusing on coastal exploration, the 19th century saw the Scramble for Africa, where European powers partitioned and colonized almost the entire continent. By the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), most of Africa was divided between Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and other European powers. 3. Rise of Nationalism and Revolutions The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw revolutions in Europe and the Americas. The American Revolution (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789-1799) were catalysts for political change. Colonies in Latin America, under leaders like Simón Bolívar, gained independence from Spain and Portugal in the early 19th century. 4. Global Imperialism  8 European imperialism continued to expand into new regions, such as India (British control solidified after the Indian Rebellion of 1857), Southeast Asia (French Indochina), and the Pacific. The Opium Wars (1839-1860) between Britain and China also reflected the aggressive imperialism of European powers. The Decline of Imperialism and Prelude to World War I By the late 19th century, imperial rivalries, particularly in Africa and Asia, began to destabilize the European balance of power, contributing to the tensions that eventually led to World War I. 1. Rivalry Among European Powers The race for colonies fueled tensions between European powers, particularly between Germany, Britain, and France. These rivalries were partly responsible for creating the complex web of alliances and conflicts that led to World War I. 2. Nationalism and Independence Movements Colonized nations began to experience growing nationalist movements, with local populations seeking independence from European control. This movement was initially small but would grow stronger in the 20th century, further challenging the global imperial system. 3. The Beginning of the End of Empires The early 20th century saw the decline of some European empires, particularly the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. The rise of the United States and Japan as emerging world powers also began to challenge traditional European dominance. Conclusion The Age of Exploration was the beginning of a new era of European global dominance, connecting the world through trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. However, by the 19th century, exploration as a primary objective had declined, giving way to colonization, imperialism, and the industrial-driven scramble for resources. These dynamics, combined with nationalistic fervor and imperial rivalries, set the stage for the global conflicts that culminated in World War I.  9 PHILIPPINES Prehistoric Period Global Event: Emergence of Early Civilizations (c. 3000 BCE) ○ Philippines: The archipelago was inhabited by Austronesian people who migrated from Taiwan and Southeast Asia around 2500 BCE. The early Filipinos were organized in tribal communities, practicing fishing, agriculture, and early trade. Global Event: Rise of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Indus Valley Civilizations (c. 3000-1500 BCE) ○ Philippines: Early Filipino communities began developing tools and pottery, trading with neighboring islands, though no centralized state emerged during this time. Classical Antiquity (1000 BCE – 500 CE) Global Event: Roman Empire, Han China, and Maurya Empire in India (c. 500 BCE - 500 CE) ○ Philippines: By 1000 BCE, the Philippines saw the emergence of the Manunggul Jar culture, a sophisticated burial practice. There were small-scale trade interactions with nearby Austronesian communities, though no centralized kingdoms were formed. Global Event: Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE), Gupta Empire in India, Classical Greece ○ Philippines: Coastal settlements in the Philippines, particularly in Luzon and Visayas, engaged in trade with Chinese and Malay traders during this period. Trade items included pottery, beads, and iron tools. Middle Ages (500 CE – 1500 CE) Global Event: Rise of Islamic Caliphates, Tang and Song Dynasties in China (7th - 10th century) ○ Philippines: Islam began to spread to the southern islands of the Philippines (Mindanao and Sulu) by the 10th century, brought by Arab traders and missionaries. This eventually led to the establishment of sultanates in the region, such as the Sultanate of Sulu. Global Event: The Mongol Empire, Crusades, and the Black Death (13th - 14th century)  10 ○ Philippines: The Philippines had flourishing trade relations with China and the neighboring Southeast Asian kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit. Early political units called barangays were formed, each led by a datu. Age of Exploration (15th – 17th Century) Global Event: Christopher Columbus reaches the Americas (1492); Vasco da Gama discovers sea route to India (1498) ○ Philippines: Ferdinand Magellan arrives in the Philippines in 1521, marking the first contact between the Philippines and Europe. Magellan is killed in the Battle of Mactan by Lapu-Lapu, a local chieftain. Global Event: Establishment of Spanish and Portuguese Empires (16th century) ○ Philippines: The Philippines is formally claimed by Spain in 1565, with the establishment of Spanish colonial rule under Miguel López de Legazpi. Manila is established as a major center for the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, connecting Asia to the Americas. Enlightenment and Revolutionary Era (18th Century) Global Event: American Revolution (1775-1783), French Revolution (1789-1799) ○ Philippines: Spanish colonial rule continued, marked by exploitation of native Filipinos (called indios by the Spanish). There was resistance against forced labor (polo y servicio), the tributo tax system, and the encomienda system. However, there were no major independence movements yet. 19th Century (1800-1900): Imperialism, Revolutions, and Nationalism Global Event: Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), Latin American Wars of Independence ○ Philippines: Spain's control over the Philippines was relatively stable but faced challenges, such as a growing sense of Filipino identity among the educated ilustrado class. This was fueled by reforms in Europe and the spread of Enlightenment ideas. Global Event: Industrial Revolution (18th - 19th Century) ○ Philippines: The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 shortened travel time between Europe and the Philippines. It facilitated the spread of liberal ideas and allowed Filipino ilustrados like José Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar to study in Europe, leading to the rise of the Propaganda Movement, which sought reforms in Spanish rule. Global Event: Revolutions of 1848, Unification of Germany and Italy  11 ○ Philippines: The Propaganda Movement gained momentum in the late 19th century, advocating for political reforms and Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes. However, the Spanish authorities remained repressive. Philippine Revolution and Spanish-American War (Late 19th Century) Global Event: Spanish-American War (1898) ○ Philippines: The execution of José Rizal in 1896 spurred the Philippine Revolution, led by Andrés Bonifacio and later Emilio Aguinaldo. Filipino revolutionaries fought against Spanish colonial rule. The revolution coincided with the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898. Global Event: Treaty of Paris (1898) ○ Philippines: Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States under the Treaty of Paris (1898), ending more than 300 years of Spanish rule. This led to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), where Filipino revolutionaries fought against American annexation but were eventually defeated. Early 20th Century and World War I Global Event: World War I (1914-1918) ○ Philippines: While the Philippines was under American colonial rule, it was not directly involved in World War I. However, Filipino soldiers served in the US Army, and the war heightened calls for self-governance. In 1916, the Jones Act was passed, promising eventual Philippine independence, although it did not provide a specific timeline. Conclusion From prehistoric Austronesian migrations to Spanish colonization, the arrival of Western powers, and the rise of Filipino nationalism, the Philippines' history was shaped by its encounters with the outside world. The country transitioned from a tribal society to being colonized by Spain, then the United States, before finally gaining independence in the 20th century, with global events like the Age of Exploration, revolutions, and wars playing key roles.  12 GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES Ancient Civilizations and Their Present-Day Names 1. Sumeria – Iraq 2. Ancient Egypt – Egypt 3. Indus Valley (Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro) – Pakistan, India 4. Minoan Civilization – Greece (Crete) 5. Ancient China (Shang, Zhou Dynasties) – China 6. Ancient Japan (Jomon, Yayoi Periods) – Japan 7. Ancient Greece (Classical) – Greece 8. Ancient Rome – Italy (Roman Empire: parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East) 9. Phoenicia – Lebanon 10. Achaemenid Empire (Persia) – Iran 11. Olmec Civilization – Mexico 12. Norte Chico Civilization – Peru 13. Maya Civilization – Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras 14. Aztec Empire – Mexico 15. Inca Empire – Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile 16. Kingdom of Kush – Sudan Middle Ages (500 CE – 1500 CE) and Present-Day Names 1. Byzantine Empire – Turkey, Greece, parts of the Balkans 2. Frankish Empire – France, Germany 3. Holy Roman Empire – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic 4. Islamic Caliphates (Umayyad, Abbasid) – Middle East, North Africa (various parts, like Iraq, Syria, Egypt) 5. Ghana Empire – Mali, Mauritania 6. Songhai Empire – Mali, Niger, Nigeria 7. Medieval China (Tang, Song Dynasties) – China 8. Medieval Japan (Heian, Kamakura Periods) – Japan 9. Mongol Empire – Mongolia, China, Central Asia, Russia 10. Viking Age Scandinavia – Norway, Sweden, Denmark Age of Colonization (15th – 19th Centuries) and Present-Day Names 1. Spanish Empire – Spain, Latin American countries (Mexico, Peru, Colombia, etc.) 2. Portuguese Empire – Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola 3. British Empire – United Kingdom, United States, India, Australia, Canada 4. French Colonial Empire – France, Canada (Quebec), parts of Africa (Algeria, Senegal, etc.)  13 5. Dutch Empire – Netherlands, Indonesia, South Africa 6. Ottoman Empire – Turkey, parts of the Middle East, and Southeast Europe 7. Russian Empire – Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe 8. Mughal Empire – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh Present-Day Nations 1. Ancient Mesopotamia (Sumeria, Assyria, Babylon) – Iraq 2. Ancient Persia (Achaemenid Empire) – Iran 3. Roman Empire Territories – Italy, parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East 4. Aztec Empire – Mexico 5. Inca Empire – Peru 6. Byzantine Empire – Turkey, Greece 7. Spanish Empire – Spain and Latin American countries Asia Period Ancient Ancient Ancient Age of Last Present Civilizations (up Civilizations (1000 Civilizations (0 Exploration and Empires Day to 1000 BCE) BCE - 0 CE) CE - before Age Colonization (up to 1800 of Exploration) CE) China - Shang - Zhou Dynasty: - Qin Dynasty: - Ming Dynasty: - Qing - People's Dynasty: c. 1046 BCE - 256 221 BCE - 206 1368 CE - 1644 Dynasty: Republic of 1600 BCE - BCE BCE CE 1644 CE - China: 1046 BCE - Han Dynasty: 1912 CE 1949 CE - 206 BCE - 220 Present CE India - Indus Valley - Vedic Period: c. - Maurya - Mughal - Mughal - India: Civilization: c. 1500 BCE - 500 Empire: 322 Empire: 1526 Empire: 1947 CE - 3300 BCE - BCE BCE - 185 BCE CE - 1857 CE 1526 CE - Present 1300 BCE - Gupta Empire: 1857 CE 320 CE - 550 CE Persia (Iran) - Elamite - Achaemenid - Parthian - Safavid - Safavid - Iran: 1935 Civilization: c. Empire: 550 BCE - Empire: 247 Dynasty: 1501 Dynasty: CE - 2700 BCE - 539 330 BCE BCE - 224 CE CE - 1736 CE 1501 CE - Present BCE - Sassanian 1736 CE Empire: 224 CE - 651 CE Mesopotamia - Sumerian - Babylonian - Assyrian - Ottoman - Ottoman - Iraq: 1932 (Iraq) Civilization: c. Empire: 1894 BCE Empire: 911 Empire: 1534 Empire: CE - 4500 BCE - - 539 BCE BCE - 609 BCE CE - 1918 CE 1534 CE - Present 1900 BCE - 1918 CE Neo-Babylonian Empire: 626 BCE - 539 BCE  14 Central Asia - Scythian - Xiongnu - Kushan - Mongol - Mongol - Various Tribes: up to Confederation: c. Empire: 30 CE - Empire: 1206 Empire: Modern 1000 BCE 3rd century BCE - 375 CE CE - 1368 CE 1206 CE - States: 1st century CE - Sassanian 1368 CE 1991 CE - Influence: 224 Present CE - 651 CE Mongol Khans - Not Applicable - Not Applicable - Genghis Khan: - Yuan Dynasty: - Yuan - Various 1206 CE - 1227 1271 CE - 1368 Dynasty: Modern CE CE 1271 CE - States: - Kublai Khan: 1368 CE 1991 CE - 1260 CE - 1294 Present CE Islamic - Not Applicable - Not Applicable - Rashidun - Ottoman - Ottoman - Various Caliphates Caliphate: 632 Empire: 1517 Empire: Modern CE - 661 CE CE - 1918 CE 1517 CE - States: - Umayyad 1918 CE 1918 CE - Caliphate: 661 Present CE - 750 CE - Abbasid Caliphate: 750 CE - 1258 CE Notes: China: Historical progression from the Shang and Zhou dynasties through Qin, Han, Ming, Qing dynasties to modern China. India: From the Indus Valley Civilization through Vedic, Maurya, Gupta Empires to Mughal Empire, and modern India. Persia (Iran): From Elamite through Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian empires to Safavid Dynasty and modern Iran. Mesopotamia (Iraq): Ancient civilizations including Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian, transitioning to Ottoman period and modern Iraq. Central Asia: Includes early Scythian tribes, Xiongnu Confederation, Kushan Empire, and Mongol Empire. Mongol Khans: Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan's era, leading to the Yuan Dynasty. Islamic Caliphates: Development from Rashidun to Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, culminating in the Ottoman Empire.  15 Europe Period Ancient Ancient Ancient Age of Last Present Day Civilizations (up Civilizations Civilizations (0 Exploration and Empires (up to 1000 BCE) (1000 BCE - 0 CE - before Age Colonization to 1800 CE) CE) of Exploration) Greece - Minoan - Ancient Greece: - Hellenistic - Ottoman - Ottoman - Greece: Civilization: c. c. 800 BCE - 146 Greece: 323 Greece: 1458 CE Greece: 1830 CE - 2700 BCE - 1450 BCE BCE - 30 BCE - 1821 CE 1458 CE - Present BCE 1821 CE Rome (Italy) - Roman - Roman - Roman Empire: - Papacy: 756 CE - Papal - Italy: 1861 Kingdom: 753 Republic: 509 27 BCE - 476 CE - 1870 CE States: 756 CE - Present BCE - 509 BCE BCE - 27 BCE CE - 1870 CE Britain - Britannia - Anglo-Saxon - Norman - British Empire: - British - United (United (Roman Britain): Kingdoms: 410 England: 1066 1583 CE - 1997 Empire: Kingdom: Kingdom) 43 CE - 410 CE CE - 1066 CE CE - 1154 CE CE 1583 CE - 1707 CE - 1997 CE Present France - Gaul (Roman - Merovingian - Carolingian - French Empire: - French - France: 843 France): c. 58 Dynasty: 481 CE Empire: 800 CE - 1534 CE - 1962 Empire: CE - Present BCE - 476 CE - 751 CE 888 CE CE 1534 CE - 1962 CE Spain - Iberian - Visigothic - Al-Andalus: 711 - Spanish Empire: - Spanish - Spain: 1469 Peninsula Kingdom: 418 CE CE - 1492 CE 1492 CE - 1898 Empire: CE - Present (Pre-Roman): c. - 711 CE CE 1492 CE - 1000 BCE - 218 1898 CE BCE Germany - Germanic - Germanic - Holy Roman - German States: - Holy - Germany: Tribes: up to 0 Tribes: 0 CE - Empire: 800 CE - Various Roman 1871 CE - CE 500 CE 1806 CE principalities Empire: 800 Present within the Holy CE - 1806 Roman Empire CE Russia - Early Slavs and - Kievan Rus': - Grand Duchy of - Tsardom of - Russian - Russia: Varangians: up to 882 CE - 1240 Moscow: 1283 Russia: 1547 CE Empire: 1917 CE - 1000 CE CE CE - 1547 CE - 1721 CE 1721 CE - Present 1917 CE Notes: Kievan Rus': A federation of Slavic tribes under the rule of the Varangians, which is considered the cultural and political predecessor to modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Grand Duchy of Moscow: The precursor to the modern Russian state, which emerged as the dominant power in northeastern Russia. Tsardom of Russia: The state ruled by a tsar, which succeeded the Grand Duchy and laid the foundations for the Russian Empire. Russian Empire: An empire that lasted from 1721 until the Russian Revolution in 1917. Modern Russia: Refers to the Russian Federation established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, continuing to the present day.