Unit 1 timeline

First Hominid

20,000 BCE

These "people" mark the beginning of our evolutionary lineage and were discovered 1.8 million years ago. They were upright, Hominid-human-like creatures who created the basis for modern theories. The discovery of these people has been crucial in discovering how humans evolved.

The Sumerians

4500 BCE

The Sumerians were one of the earliest known civilizations in human history. They emerged around 4500 BCE in the southern part of Mesopotamia. They were some of the first people to build cities with large populations and complex social structures. They also created one of the first forms of writing.

Cuneiform

3500 BCE

Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing which was developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. This form of writing was primarily used to keep track of records. The Sumerians would press into clay to create the wiring and they arranged it in an order so they were able to read them.

Mesopotamia

3500 BCE

Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq, is often called the cradle of civilization due to its early developments in urbanization, writing, and centralized governance. it was home to several influential cultures, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These civilizations made significant advancements in law, mathematics, and literature, with notable achievements such as the Code of Hammurabi.

First cities of Uruk

3300 BCE

Uruk is often considered one of the world's first true cities, emerging around 3500 BCE in the southern part of Mesopotamia. The city covered an area of approximately 2.5 square miles making it the largest city of the time.

The Old Kingdom

2700 BCE

The Old Kingdom of Egypt is often referred to as the "Age of the Pyramids". It has been named this because it was a time in ancient Egyptian history in 2700 BCE. The Old Kingdom was an important period in ancient Egyptian history, characterized by strong centralized rule, important architecture, and cultural improvements.

The Great Pyramid

2450 BCE

The Great Pyramid was created by King Khufu around 2400 BCE and is a historic symbol in Egypt. The pyramid originally stood at 146.6 meters and the base covered about 13 acres of land. It is made of millions of blocks of limestone and still stand today, although it has been weathered and worn down.

The Middle Kingdome

2054 BCE

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt was a period of political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural renaissance. It is marked by the reunification of Egypt under the rule of powerful pharaohs who centralized authority and expanded the nation's borders. The era saw significant achievements in literature, art, and architecture, including the construction of impressive temples and the development of new literary genres.

Babylonians

1894 BCE

The Babylonians are best known for their contributions to law, astronomy, and literature, with their civilization reaching its peak under King Hammurabi. Hammurabi's Code exemplifies their advancements in governance and justice. The Babylonian Empire also made significant strides in architecture and culture.

Reign of Hammurabi

1790 BCE

The reign of Hammurabi marked a success in Babylonian history through the expansion of the empire and the establishment of Babylon as a major power in Mesopotamia. Hammurabi is most renowned for creating Hammurabi's Code which set standards for justice and detailed laws covering various aspects of daily life. His leadership not only centralized administrative control and improved infrastructure but also left a lasting legacy on legal and governmental practices in subsequent civilizations.

Hyksos defeated Middle Kingdom

1650 BCE

The Hyksos invaded and brought about the end of Egypt's Middle Kingdom establishing their own rule during the Second Intermediate Period. They introduced new technologies and weapons, such as the horse-drawn chariot, which gave them a military advantage over the Egyptians. Eventually, the native Egyptian rulers of Thebes successfully expelled the Hyksos around 1550 BCE, leading to the rise of the New Kingdom and the reunification of Egypt.

New Kingdom

1550 BCE

The New Kingdom of Egypt was a period of power, and cultural flourishing, marked by the expansion of Egypt's borders through military conquests under pharaohs. This era saw the construction of monumental architecture and the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The New Kingdom also witnessed significant developments in religion, with the rise of the cult of Amun and the brief, revolutionary monotheistic period under Akhenaten.

Ramses ll comes to power

1279 BCE

Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, became pharaoh of Egypt and ruled for 66 years. He is famous for his building projects, like the temples at Abu Simbel, and for his military victories, such as the Battle of Kadesh. Ramses II also signed the first known peace treaty with the Hittites, securing long-term peace and stability for Egypt.

"Sea People" attack egyptians

1200 BCE

Around 1200 BCE, a group of seafaring invaders called the "Sea Peoples" attacked Egypt and other nearby civilizations. Pharaoh Ramses III fought back and defeated them in a major battle at the Nile Delta. Although Egypt won, the attacks weakened the country and caused chaos in the region.

Zhou rules

1045 BCE

The Zhou Dynasty ruled China and introduced the idea that the king's rule was approved by the gods, known as the "Mandate of Heaven." They expanded China and set up a feudal system where local lords governed regions but were loyal to the Zhou king. Over time, the kingdom weakened, leading to the Warring States period, where different states fought for power.

Daoism

501 BCE

Daoism is a Chinese philosophy that focuses on living in harmony with nature and the flow of the universe, called the Dao. It teaches that people should be simple, humble, and take things as they come without forcing actions. Daoism has influenced Chinese culture, encouraging balance and peace.

Civil war breaks out

403 BCE

A civil war happened when groups within a country fought for power. In Rome, leaders like Julius Caesar fought each other, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire. In China, the Warring States period was a time of constant fighting between different states before they were united under the Qin Dynasty.

legalism

280 BCE

Legalism is a Chinese philosophy that says strict laws and punishments are needed to keep people in order. It believes people are naturally selfish and need strong rules to act correctly. Legalism was used during the Qin Dynasty, leading to a unified but harsh government.

Qin Shi Huang rises

221 BCE

Qin Shi Huang became the first emperor of China in 221 BCE after uniting the warring states. He created a strong government and made changes like standardizing currency and measurements. Though he achieved a lot, his harsh rule and forced labor for projects like the Great Wall caused unhappiness.

terracotta army

210 BCE

The Terracotta Army is a group of life-sized clay statues made to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. It includes thousands of soldiers, chariots, and horses, each with unique details. Found in 1974, it is one of the most important archaeological discoveries, showing the emperor's power and the skill of ancient craftsmen.