Ancient Civilization Timeline

3500 BCE

Ancient Mesopotamia
3000 BCE

Ancient Egypt
Period: 2950 BCE to 2575 BCE

Early Dynastic Period/ old kingdom (2950 -2575 BC) - Dynasties I-III

This period is where the Egyptian civilization begins. The first Pharaohs of Egypt, “Menes”, conjoined the Upper and Lower parts of Egypt into a single civilization. The capitol was at the midpoint of the two lands, in a city called “Memphis”. During this time, the Egyptians developed writing, it was called “Hieroglyphic”. By the third dynasty, Pharaohs are already building pyramid shaped structures as architectures.
2700 BCE

Ancient India
2600 BCE

Indus Valley
Period: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley civilization appeared around 2600BCE. They have over 1,052 cities, and very well trade system. They were the first people to use wheeled transportation. Art craft and writing were found. it proved they had more than over 400 symbols or possibly 600.
Period: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE

End of Indus Valley Civilization

After 1900 BCE, most of the cities were abandoned. Archeologist believes that this could be due to climate change. Later the surviving cities got run over by the Aryans, which was the end of the Indus Valley Civilization, but the beginning of the Vedic Age.
Period: 2575 BCE to 2465 BCE

The pyramid age Dynasties IV (c. 2575-2465 BCE)

During this period, the Pharaohs conquered the most lands, and the Egyptian Empire reaches its highest point. Djoser’s step pyramid at Sakkara was the first Pyramid to be entirely made of stone. Later during the fourth dynasty, the great pyramid of Giza complex was made.
2340 BCE

Akkadian Empire
Period: 2340 BCE to 2190 BCE

The First Empire: Akkadian Empire

The first empire was the Akkadian Empire, formed around 2340 BCE and fell in 2190 BCE. It was ruled by Sargon of Akkad and his successors. He created the Akkadian language, which became the chief language of Mesopotamia. Trade routes were established, and where there is traders, cities were created. Later this empire was followed by Ur, a city located near the coast Persian Gulf.
Period: 2000 BCE to 1001 BCE

Ancient Israel

According to the Hebrew Bible some Jewish people could have fled from Egypt to the Levant area. 2000 BCE-1001 BCE Also, according to the Hebrew Bible. A person named David became the king of Israel, after killing a giant named Goliath.
Period: 1975 BCE to 1640 BCE

The Middle Kingdom 1975 BC to 1640 BCE

It separated into the first and second intermediate period. Egypt started to expand its territories. North to Nubia, south to Semna. To establish international trade, Egyptians made a Red sea port as base, to further the trade with the land of Punt.
1894 BCE

Babylon
Period: 1894 BCE to 539 BCE

The Babylon Empire

One of the most successful empire of Mesopotamia was the Babylon Empire. It started from around 1894 BCE to 539 BCE. Babylon is known for their reputation in the Bible. It contains one of the seven wonders of the world, the hanging garden of Babylon.
Period: 1792 BCE to 1750 BCE

The Babylon Empire (kings)

Babylon had lots of king, several great ones such as Hammurabi. He ruled from 1792-1750 BCE. During the time he conquered all of Mesopotamia and parts of Syria. He also created the first set of law.
Period: 1766 BCE to 1122 BCE

Xia and Shang Dynasties

Xia dynasty was the first ancient China dynasty. No one knows for sure, if the Xia dynasty actually existed. The second dynasty was the Shang dynasty. This dynasty lasted from 1766 BCE – 1122 BCE. It was followed by the Zhou dynasty. Zhou dynasty was separated into two parts: The Spring and Autumn period and The Warring State Period.
1700 BCE

Ancient China
Period: 1570 BCE to 1070 BCE

The New Kingdom starting from the 17th dynasty

This period was the highest point of Egyptian history. Thebes reunited all the territories they had lost. After Egypt took control over the road across Sinai, and onward to as far as Palestine. At that time Egypt was in the lead across middle East.
Period: 1500 BCE to 500 BCE

Vedic Age

The Vedic Age is known as the dark ages for India, this lasted throughout 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The Aryans were people from central Asia who spoke an Indo-European language. They were known for the “Vedas”. Vedas is an old religion that contains many different Gods and Goddess, charms, poems, etc.
Period: 1500 BCE to 500 BCE

Vedic Age (2)

Aryans destroyed the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization and created kingdoms. During that time, each kingdoms fought with each other. So that period was called “The Violent Times”. Literature such as Mahabharata tells the story of these dark times. There is another literature called Upanishads. It tells the end of the Vedic age.
Period: 1500 BCE to 500 BCE

End of Vedic Age

The Aryans made a great impact in the history of India. They made India the only ancient civilization with a republic government system, away from the classical system. They also gave birth to India civilization, and three very closed religion Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
1300 BCE

Ancient Israel
Period: 1070 BCE to 332 BCE

The Late Dynastic Age, The Persian period and Alexander the Great’s conquest

New threats appeared. Slowly Ancient Egypt is coming to an end. First the Persian took control over Egypt. Then Alexander the great came to Egypt in 332BCE. After he died, one of his commander Ptolemy traveled to Egypt and that is the beginning of Ptolemaic Egypt.
1000 BCE

South America
Period: 1000 BCE to 500 BCE

Before the 1000BCE South America

Before the 1000BCE the trade network linking the high Andes and the Coastal plains of Peru have been expanding. These increased agricultural products, and it’s rapidly moving towards a full Urban civilization.
Period: 970 BCE to 931 BCE

Ancient Israel (2)

King Solomon constructed the “First Temple”, a place to worship God. Also, he was known as the wisest man who ever lived, and one of the most foolish. 970 BCE-931 BCE. After Solomon died, the kingdom split in to the Northern and southern kingdoms.
Period: 970 BCE to 550 BCE

Ancient Israel (3)

The Southern kingdom was renamed Judah. Israel and Judah were constantly at war with each other. In the last war, Assyrians sided with Judah, and destroyed the Israel Kingdom. Later Judah was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II (a Babylon king). 970 BCE-550 BCE Please note a lot of these were accorded to Hebrew Bible.
Period: 900 BCE to 800 BCE

The Greek Dark Ages

During the Greek Dark Ages, people live in small villages and as population grew, village leaders began to develop governments to organize its citizens.
800 BCE

The 12 Olympians

The 12 Olympians are: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Dionysus. Sometimes Hades or Persephone would be on it.
800 BCE

Ancient Greece
800 BCE

Ancient Greek architectures

Ancient Greece architectures were the finest among Ancient civilizations. Their style of architectures created a huge impact on the world. Famous architectures like the Doric and Ionic temples, and the Parthenon of Athens.
Greece countians 3 ancient wonders of the world, the statue of Zeus, the temple of Artemis and the Colossus of Rhodes.
800 BCE

Ancient Greece Religion

The Greeks believed in the Greek gods. It was said in the beginning Uranus and Gaia created the world. Because Uranus kept killing his own children, Kronos volunteered to kill Uranus and succeeded. Uranus married Rhea and had the Greek gods. He was like his father, afraid his children would take over, so he swallowed all of them except Zeus. Later Zeus rescued his siblings and killed Kronos. They began the Golden age.
Period: 776 BCE to 479 BCE

The Archaic period / The Olympic Games (2)

In Greece, all free males were allowed to attend. This game was actually a religious festival. During Midday the Greeks would sacrifice lots of lots of cows in the honor of Zeus. After that, then the people were allowed to eat. For the first 250 years, all the games took place in Olympia. These games usually involved running, jumping, boxing etc. Games usually takes over five days to complete. And most importantly, all athletes must compete naked. Women were not allowed to watch.
Period: 776 BCE to 479 BCE

The Archaic period / The Olympic Games

During this period the Olympic Game was found. The year 776BCE was the year of the first Olympic games. This game was particularly important to the Ancient Greeks.
Period: 770 BCE to 221 BCE

Zhou Dynasty (Zhou dynasty was separated in to two parts: The Spring and Autumn period and The Warring State Period.)

During the Spring and Autumn period (770- 476 BCE), kingdoms still obey the Zhou dynasty’s government. Many great philosophers such as Confucius, Lao Tzu lived during this period.

During the warring states period (475-221 BCE), there were mainly 7 kingdoms. They were: Qin, Zhao, Wei, Han, Qi, Chu, and Yan kingdom. These kingdoms over powered the Zhou dynasty’s government and was constantly at war with each other.
753 BCE

Ancient Rome
Period: 735 BCE to 1453

Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was one of the greatest and most influential civilizations in world history. It began in the city of Rome in 753 BC and lasted for well over 1000 years. During that time Rome grew to rule much of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.
Period: 735 BCE to 1453

Roman Empire (2)

During 753 BC, the city of Rome is founded. Legend says that the twin sons of Mars, the god of war, named Romulus and Remus founded the city. Romulus killed Remus and became the ruler of Rome and named the city after himself. Rome was ruled by kings for the next 240 years.
Period: 700 BCE to 310 BCE

The Argead Dynasty

During this time, Alexander the great led his men and united Greece as one. HE also conquered lots of territories. Going as far as India. This period was the high point in Ancient Greece history.
Period: 605 BCE to 562 BCE

The Babylon Empire (king)

Another great king is King Nebuchadnezzar II. He ruled from 605BCE to 562BCE. He is greatly known for being the most powerful and longest living king of Babylon. He built many great architectures, such as the great Ishtar gate, and the hanging garden of Babylon.
Period: 509 BCE to 1453

Roman Empire (3)

During 509 BC, Rome becomes a republic. The last king was overthrown, and Rome is now ruled by elected officials called senators.
Period: 500 BCE to 200 BCE

Chavin civilization

In the 500BCE the first urban civilization emerged in the high land of Peru. That was the Chavin civilization. In Chavin religion there was an important God named Staff Deity. He was associated with agricultural fertility and holds a staff in each hand. There was a statue of him in the Chavin De Huantar.
Period: 332 BCE to 30 BCE

Ptolemaic Egypt

Because the Ptolemaic family was Greek, they brought Greek culture into Egypt. Egypt cities turned into Greek style cities, and Alexandria turned in to the new capitol. Alexandria contains the largest library in the ancient world, and any other wonders. Trades with Greece was established.
Period: 332 BCE to 30 BCE

Fall of Ptolemaic Egypt

Queen Cleopatra was the last ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt. At that time, it was the final phases of the long civil war between Egypt and Rome. After Egypt lost, Cleopatra committed suicide. That was the end Egypt civilization.
324 BCE

Mauryan Empire
Period: 324 BCE to 185 BCE

The Mauryan Empire

After Alexander the Great came and conquered India, a new empire was made The Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder.
Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya’s grandson was a great ruler. After the war against Kalinga, he decided to contribute to Buddhism, and wants to reign peace. He was known for the wide spread of Buddhism to other parts of the world such as: south east Asia and some Greek speaking kingdoms in the west. He is one of the greatest rulers in Ancient India.
Period: 324 BCE to 185 BCE

Fall of the Mauryan Empire

After the death of Ashoka, the Empire slowly fell. Some people blamed this on Ashoka’s gentle ruling, because later his heir couldn’t manage such a big empire. And that of course led to the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
Period: 300 BCE to 330 BCE

The Fall of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia fell around 300 BCE, due to irrigation and low resources. And of course, wars between tribes. Later, several other Empire fought to take control over this land. Until 330 BCE, when Alexander the Great came and finally conquered it.
Period: 221 BCE to 206 BCE

The Qin Dynasty (the first imperial Dynasty

In 221 BCE Qin conquered all the other states, reuniting China as one. And it was the beginning of the first imperial Dynasty – the Qin Dynasty. Qin Shi Huang named himself the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty.
Qin Shi Huang was known for the building of the great wall of China, and the Terracotta army. The Terracotta army was buried with Qin Shi Huang in his massive grave. The Qin Dynasty ended in 206 BCE.
Period: 206 BCE to 24

Han Dynasty

Even though Qin was the first imperial Dynasty, but one of the most successful Dynasty was the western Han Dynasty. It lasted from 206 BCE to 24CE. The Han Dynasty was founded by Liu Bang, later known as Emperor Gaozu. During this period, agriculture was expanded, paper was invented, and hundreds of schools were established. And most importantly trade. The silk road was found and trades with the Middle East became easier. The western Han Dynasty was one of the highest points in Ancient China.
Period: 206 BCE to 24

Han Dynasty (2)

After the western Han Dynasty, there was the eastern Han Dynasty. Then it was the Three Kingdoms period, the Kingdoms were Shu, Wei, and Wu. A famous book about this period is the “Romance of the three kingdoms”. In the end, Wei won and made the Jin dynasty.
Period: 45 BCE to 1453

Begin of Rman empire

During 45 BC, Julius Caesar becomes the first dictator of Rome. Caesar makes his famous Crossing of the Rubicon and defeats Pompey in a civil war to become the supreme ruler of Rome. This cues the end of the Roman Republic. During 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March by Marcus Brutus. They hope to bring back the republic, but a civil war begins. During 27 BC, The Roman Empire begins, as Caesar Augustus becomes the first Roman Emperor.
Period: 30 BCE to 750

30 BCE, 500CE, 750 CE South America

Around the 30 BCE the Nazca culture emerged.

Around 500CE Moche and Nazca civilization reached their highest point.

Around 750CE Moche and Nazca civilization vanished. And it was replaced by two other empires, Tiwanaku and Wari.
80

The Colosseum

During 80 ADS, the Colosseum is built. One of the great examples of Roman engineering is finished. There were 50,000 seats.
Period: 121 to 1470

1215CE, 1453CE, 1470CE South America

Around 1215CE the Chimu empire started to conquer territories.
Around the 1453CE the Inca kingdom started to expand.

The Inca empire conquered the Chimu empire in the 1470CE.
Period: 320 to 550

The Gupta empire

Another Empire appeared around 320-550CE. And that was the Gupta Empire. During this time in India, it was known as the golden ages. Because of weak leadership, Gupta Empire ended in the 550CE. And that is the end of the rising time of the Indian civilization.
395

During395 AD - Rome splits into two empires.
476

End of the Western Roman empire

During 476 ADS, it was the end of the Western Roman Empire and the fall of Ancient Rome. The last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustus was defeated by the German Goth Odoacer. This cues the start of the Dark Ages in Europe.
Period: 618 to 907

Tang Dynasty (3)

Tang Dynasty is another uprising in Chinese history. During this time the wide spread of Buddhism influenced many emperors during this time. A famous monk Xuanzang, went to India and brought back many Sanskrit texts. Famous book Journey to the west (Xiyou Ji), was inspired by his Journey to India. Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty.
Period: 1200 to 1532

Inca kingdom

During the 1200CE the Inca arrived at Cuzco. They made Manco Capac the first emperor. The Inca separated their lands by kingly regions. People agreed on 13 emperors, and the first 7 emperors was very successful. These Emperor were legendary, local, and of slight importance. During this period the Incas lived in small tribes that doesn’t go beyond their capital Cuzco.
1453

End of the Eastern Roman empire

During 1453 AD - The Eastern Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, comes to an end as it falls to the Ottoman Empire.
Period: 1532 to 1809

Spanish conquer

In 1532 CE the Spanish people following Francisco Pizzaro came and wiped out lots of the native people. Spain colonized South America. Later Peru became the center of Spain’s growing South America empire. Many Spaniards were pleased to move here