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7000 BCE
Indus Valley Civilization Founded
Civilization is started in Indus River Valley. The Indus River Valley housed many of the bigger cities of civilization during this time. The fall of the Indus River Valley is still unknown. -
4500 BCE
First Sumerian Civilization
Sumerian civilizations are some of the first in human history. The first civilizations were located in modern day Iraq. This was in southern Mesopotamia and greatly influenced future culture in the area. -
2800 BCE
Sumerians Invent Writing
The Sumerians developed one of the earliest forms of writing: Cuneiform. Cuneiform was created by making markings in clay with a reed. Cuneiform was used for keeping records in Sumerian city-states. -
2700 BCE
Old Kingdom in Egypt
Starts with King Sneferu. This era features many great kings like Khufu and Menkaure. Also known as the "Age of Pyramids" as the pyramids of Giza were constructed during this era. -
2600 BCE
Sumerians City States
Sumerians develop some of the first city-states, These city states greatly increased the amount of people able to live in one area. Most were surrounded by a wall to protect the people inside. -
2600 BCE
First Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza started construction in 2600 BCE. It would take around 30 years to complete the over 450 foot pyramid. The pyramid was built for King Khufu. -
2334 BCE
Akkadian Empire Founded
The Akkadian Empire was founded by uniting some city-states in Mesopotamia. The empire was founded by Sargon of Akkad. The empire would control vast amounts of land in Mesopotamia. -
2154 BCE
Fall of Akkadian Empire
After almost 200 years the Akkadian Empire started to decline. The empire was struggling from internal fights and economic problems. The official end to the Akkadian Empire was caused by the capital being raided by a nearby nomadic group. -
2055 BCE
Middle Kingdom in Egypt
Starts with King Mentuhotep II taking control of Egypt. Most great artworks were created in this era. Egypt's territory was expanded during this time. -
1900 BCE
Fall of Indus River Valley Civilization
Indus River Valley cities are abandoned. No one is 100% sure why this happened. Most theories point to problems with the rivers either drying up or flooding. -
1894 BCE
Babylonian Empire Founded
The Babylonian Empire was established by King Sumu-abum. Babylon was made the capital and the empire was expanded from there. The empire gained traction and consumed the region. -
1792 BCE
Hammurabi Code
The Hammurabi Code includes 282 laws. Named after the king of the time, the Hammurabi Code covered all ranges of laws like criminal and civil laws. The Hammurabi Code is one the first legal systems in human history. -
1600 BCE
Creation of Shang Dynasty
The creation of the Shang Dynasty is still unknown for certain. Stories tell of Cheng Tang who overthrew an evil king to start the new dynasty. The Shang Dynasty would last 600 years after this. -
1550 BCE
New Kingdom in Egypt
New Kingdom starts after Hyksos topple the Middle Kingdom. Egyptian army grew during this time. Economy also improved during this time. -
1279 BCE
New Kingdom in Egypt Collapses
Weak central government leads to kingdom to falling apart. The capital was moved into northern Egypt. This caused the southern part to split off, splitting the kingdom again, -
1200 BCE
Shang Dynasty Expansion
The Shang Dynasty expanded its controlled land using its powerful military. They used advanced tools made from bronze. The Shang Dynasty would require conquered lands to pay tribute to the dynasty. -
1046 BCE
Fall of Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty would fall after nearly 600 years. The collapse was caused after internal conflicts and after people had lost faith in its leaders. It was replaced with the Zhou Dynasty. -
1045 BCE
Zhou Dynasty
Zhou expanded eastward, ruling over China and replacing Shang Dynasty. Zhou Dynasty establishes Mandate of Heaven. This is the longest lasting dynasty in Chinese history. -
551 BCE
Confucius Born
Created Confucianism. Confucianism focuses on creating a morally right person rather than trying to please a god. Instead honor ancestors for upholding good values and social order. -
221 BCE
Qin Dynasty
Unites China after almost two centuries of civil war. The Qin Dynasty created a single monetary system for China. The Dynasty ends after harsh living conditions for peasants.