Final Test Timeline

Creation of the First Form of Writing

3000 BCE

The creation of the first form of writing was completed by the people of Mesopotamia. It was originally developed for the sole purpose of keeping track of tax records. The style of writing that these people came up with is known as cuneiform. It began as a pictograph (pictures) system of writing, and eventually evolved into both a pictograph and syllabic symbols (symbols that represent a sound of a word) system of writing. Writing allowed information to be preserved over a long period of time.

Mesopotamia and Long-Distance Trade

2500 BCE

Mesopotamia was the first city-state within Western Civilization to actively engage in long-distance trade. Trade is what linked Mesopotamia to other civilizations during this time. Thanks to the Mesopotamians, long-distance trade has become increasingly important over the years.

Phoenicians Develop the First Alphabet

1300 BCE

The Phoenicians developed the first alphabet. This is known to be the greatest legacy of their society. The alphabet that they developed was a syllabic one because it was focused on what sound each character made, instead of what word a single character represented. After a great amount of time, the Phoenician alphabet came to be the basis of Roman and Greek writing.

The Classical Age of Greece (479-338 BCE)

479 BCE

The Classical Age of Greece was the time period in which the Greek poleis reached their peak. They were the most powerful both militarily and economically during this time. They were also the most innovative and productive when it came to art and intellect. The poleis of the Classical Age of Greece helped to greatly advance culture, art, architecture, theater, science, history, exploration, and philosophy.

One of the Most Exceptional "Intellectual Leagues in History"

469 BCE

One of the most exceptional "intellectual leagues in history" is considered exceptional because it consisted of Socrates (469-399 BCE), Plato (428-347 BCE), and Aristotle (384-322 BCE). Socrates was the teacher of Plato, Plato went on to teach Aristotle, and Aristotle eventually became the tutor of Alexander the Great. All three of these men made great advancements in early intellect, which is the basis for modern intellect.

Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

384 BCE

Aristotle was a Greek Philosopher who is known to be one of the greatest geniuses in the world. He played a quite a significant role in changing education and scholarship. The works that he produced were on the subjects of philosophy, astronomy, physics, biology, literary criticism and logic. His works brought about pioneering contributions that advanced the many areas he made discoveries about.

Farmers Employ Three-Field Crop Rotation

1000

Farmers employed three-field crop rotation by working with three fields that were linked, and planting a different crop in each. After the harvest animals would be set free to wander and eat any crops that were left behind. While the animals' grazed on the remaining crops, their waste would fertilize the soil. Once the next planting season came around, farmers would rotate the type of crop in each field. This process produced soil that was greatly enriched with necessary nutrients for planting.

Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179 CE)

1098

Hildegard of Bingen was an abbess of a German convert, and was known as a major intellectual figure during her lifetime. Though she was not formally educated in the traditional scholastic ways, Hildegard was the author of many works about both theological interpretation and medicine. She was also sainted by the Church for her many great contributions to it. Hildegard had a great influence on learning and scholarship as a whole.

The Renaissance (1300-1500 CE)

1300

The Renaissance (meaning "rebirth") was a time period of great change and innovation in areas such as art, culture, and learning. This period of time produced a large amount of artists, scientists, and thinkers who are very well known (e.g. Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, etc.). Production and creation were the two main areas that the Renaissance flourished in. Overall, the Renaissance had a profound impact on modern culture.

The Creation of the Printing Press

1440

The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg, a German goldsmith. The invention of the printing press made it possible for documents to be produced and multiplied quickly and efficiently. The press' movable type was revolutionary for the printing industry because it was much less of a hassle to have type that could be re-positioned when needed. News was able to spread much faster because of this invention.