early civilization

Ptha-Hotep

2300 BCE

Ptha-Hotep, an official within the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, wrote his work, "Precepts." "Precepts" was a work which established proper behavior within Ancient Egyptian society. It was a work of advice to live a successful life.

Minoan Crete

2000 BCE

Minoan society began. It was a peaceful society that had no military or fortification of settlement. The art that has been discovered from Minoan society is astounding..

Code of Hammurabi

1792 BCE

The code of Hammurabi was written c. 1792 BCE. It standardized punishments for particular crimes. Punishments changed depending on the class you belonged to.An "eye for an eye" is the most well-known aspect of the Code of Hammurabi.

Shang Dynasty

1600 BCE

The Shang Dynasty began c. 1600 BCE. The Shang Dynasty practiced farming based on a grid of nine squares. Eight squares went to the farmers with the ninth belonging to the lord. The Shang Dynasty is known for its ornate bronzes.

Mayan Cuello

1200 BCE

The Mayan Cuello was originally a farming village that transformed into a ceremonial center with the passage of time. The archaeological remains in Belize have allowed much to be learned about the earliest Mayans.

Zhou China

1046 BCE

The Zhou Dynasty in China began in 1046 BCE. The Zhou promoted the mandate of heaven which helps maintain the status quo. If thinks are going well, the powerful remain in power.

New Assyrian Empire

934 BCE

The New Assyrian Empire began in 934 BCE. They practiced a government that allowed a degree of self-rule. The Phoenicians are the better known of their subjects.

Vedic India

600 BCE

The Upanishads of Vedic India were written c. 600 BCE. The Upanishads set the stage for Hinduism and the creation of the caste system in India. Its effects are still felt today.

Early Roman Republic

509 BCE

The Roman Republic began in 509 BCE. It encouraged people to participate in the political process. The republic was able to unite the majority of the Italian Peninsula.

Byzantine Empire

330

The Byzantine Empire was founded by Constantine in 330 CE. The Byzantine separated itself from the western church. It would be the center of Christianity in the east. Justinian would promote Christianity in the east with his Hagia Sophia church.

Teotihuacan

500

Teotihuacan, the massive city in central Mexico reached its peak population c. 509 CE. At its largest, Teotihuacan may have had as many as 125,000 residents. It was one of the largest cities in the world for that period of time.

Taika Reforms

645

The reforms of Japan occured in 645 CE. They were passed to help refine the government. At this point Japan is divided into prefectures. Overall, it showed China's influence upon Japan.

Kievan Rus Formed

882

Kievan Rus was formed in 882 CE. Vladimir I was against the western church, but insisted on mass baptisms for his people. Kievan Rus developed apart from the rest of Europe to form its own identity.

Chinggis Khan Dies

Aug 18, 1227

Chinggis Khan died on 18 August, 1227 CE. He had led the Mongol empire to be a true world power. With smart management of his people and their talents he ruled Asia.

Late Andean Incas

1400

The Incan Empire flourished the most around 1400 CE. It was an empire that spanned South America from north to south across a variety of geographic regions. The subjects of the Inca were able to access all of the bounty produced by the vertical integration.