-
Early humans cross the Bering Land Bridge from Asia to North America, eventually spreading trough out the Americas
-
The last Ice Age ends, causing sea levels to rise and changing climates.
This event helps shape human migration patterns as people begin moving to new regions. -
Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into
maize, which became a very important crop. -
The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
with the Sumerians. -
Writing is invented in Mesopotamia (cuneiform), marking the start of recorded history. This event divides "Prehistory" (before writing) from "History" after writing.
-
Egyptian hieroglyphs, developed around 3300 BCE, were initially used for religious texts and royal inscriptions on monuments and tombs. Over time, the system expanded to include official records, such as laws, decrees, and administrative documents. Combining pictorial symbols and phonetic signs, hieroglyphs played a crucial role in preserving Egypt's cultural and historical legacy.
-
Civilizations develop along major rivers: Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), the Indus Valley, and China (Yellow River). Rivers provide fertile land and resources, essential for sustaining these early societies.
-
The Great Pyramid of Giza is built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in Ancient Egypt. It remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
-
In Mesoamerica, early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures. -
Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian
city-states. -
Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s Code. -
The Incas built a vast empire in the Andes, with advanced farming, impressive road systems, and a strong government. They worshiped the Sun God Inti and used quipus for record-keeping until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
-
The Olmecs, thriving from 1200 BCE to 400 BCE, are considered Mesoamerica's first major civilization. Known for their colossal stone heads and influence on later cultures like the Maya and Aztecs, they developed advanced art, architecture, and urban centers like San Lorenzo and La Venta. Their legacy in religion and culture endured long after their decline.
-
The Chavín civilization (900–200 BCE) thrived in the Andean highlands of Peru, known for its religious center at Chavín de Huántar. They excelled in symbolic art, monumental architecture, and metallurgy. Their influence on later Andean cultures, like the Moche and Nazca, remains significant.
-
The Chavín civilization flourished in the Andes of Peru around 900 to 200 BCE. Known for their advanced art, architecture, and religious practices, they built the impressive Chavín de Huántar temple. The Chavín influenced later cultures with their religious iconography and trading networks.
-
This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions. -
Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian
independence. -
-
-
Alexander’s passing led to the spread of Greek culture across a vast area, starting the
Hellenistic era. -
The Maya Civilization Flourishes • 250-900 CE
The Maya develop a complex society with city-states, hieroglyphic writing, and achievements in astronomy and mathematics. -
After a series of conflicts, Rome conquered Greece, bringing an end to Greek political
independence. -
The Moche built a complex society along the northern coast of the Andes in Peru, with advanced irrigation, pottery, and metalwork. They worshiped many gods and practiced rituals involving sacrifice until their decline around the 8th century.
-
Large cities and centralized states like Teotihuacan and Monte Albán flourished in
Mesoamerica. -
New cultures emerged, such as the Toltecs, Mayan kingdoms, and the Mexica (Aztec)
Empire. -
The arrival of Spanish forces led to major changes and the end of indigenous state systems
in the region. -
The United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing an international standard for human rights.