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started very early. Some archaeologists say that agriculture, which is necessary for a large settled population.
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The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE -
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also known as the “Age of Pyramids
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Pharaohs restored power and
moved the capital to Thebes. -
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Before the classical Greeks, there were the Bronze Age Greeks. The Bronze Age Greek period lasted from around 1700 BC to 1000 BC.
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Eventually overthrown by the
Egyptians and pharaohs are restored to power -
Historical context: If a real war inspired the myth, it likely fits into the wider Late Bronze Age upheavals (around 1200 BCE) when many eastern Mediterranean sites were attacked, abandoned, or rebuilt. -
• Twin bros Romulus and Remus (raised by a wolf in the myth) argued where to build the city.
• Romulus yeeted Remus and became first king of Rome.
• Archaeology shows villages on the Palatine Hill around that same time, so myth kinda lines up with history. -
• Rome yeeted out its last king (Tarquinius Superbus) and set up a republic.
• Power was split between consuls (2 leaders), the Senate (old rich dudes), and citizen assemblies.
• Expanded by conquering Italy, then the Mediterranean.
• Civil wars (Julius Caesar, Pompey, etc.) wrecked the system. Founded 509 BCE, ended 27 BCE -
Cultural peak: drama (Aeschylus, Sophocles), early philosophy (Socrates), and landmark architecture like the Parthenon.
Encyclopedia Britannica Pericles energy: Pericles led Athens, funded the Acropolis rebuild, and pushed democratic reforms.
Encyclopedia Britannica Money muscle: Athenian navy + the Delian League funded art, public works, and Athenian power.
Encyclopedia Britannica How it fizzled: the Peloponnesian War (Athens vs. Sparta, 431–404 BCE) crushed Athenian dominance. -
• Athens (with the Delian League) vs. Sparta (with the Peloponnesian League).
• A plague hit Athens early on, killing a ton of people including leader Pericles.
• Athens’ big fail: the Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BCE).
• Sparta, backed by Persian gold, finally crushed Athens in 404 BCE. -
• King of Macedon who yeeted the Persian Empire and built one of the largest empires ever.
• Founded 20+ cities (most famous = Alexandria in Egypt).
• Spread Greek culture everywhere = Hellenistic Age.
• Died at 32 years old in Babylon (323 BCE), empire split among his generals. -
• Started when Octavian (Augustus) became first emperor in 27 BCE.
• At its peak, Rome controlled Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
• Famous for roads, aqueducts, and the Pax Romana (peace + trade boom).
• Western Empire fell in 476 CE when the last emperor was deposed. ended in the West 476 CE (Eastern half a.k.a. Byzantines kept going until 1453). -
• Started with the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth in Judea.
• Early followers spread his message across the Roman Empire.
• Christianity was often persecuted at first but grew steadily.
• By 313 CE, Emperor Constantine legalized it with the Edict of Milan. -
Overview
Time Period: ~320 CE – 550 CE Founder: Chandragupta I Region: Most of northern and parts of central India Achievements Contributions
science Math
Decimal system and concept of zero developed. Advances in medicine (surgery, herbal medicine, vaccinations). Religion
Mostly Hinduism, but Buddhism and Jainism were tolerated and respected. Decline
After around 500 CE, invasions by the Huns (from Central Asia) weakened the empire. -
• Weak leadership, political corruption, and civil wars drained Rome.
• Economic problems: heavy taxes, inflation, reliance on mercenaries.
• Barbarian invasions (Visigoths 410 CE, Vandals 455 CE) smashed cities.
• Eastern Empire (Byzantine) survived until 1453 CE.