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Period: 9000 BCE to 7000 BCE
Domestication of Teosinte
Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into
maize, which became a very important crop. -
3500 BCE
Rise of Mesopotamian Civilization
The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
with the Sumerians. -
2500 BCE
Start of the Preclassic Period
In Mesoamerica, early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures. -
Period: 2334 BCE to 2154 BCE
Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia
Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian
city-states. -
2000 BCE
Flourishing of Babylonian Culture
Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s Code. -
776 BCE
First Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions. -
539 BCE
Fall of Babylon
Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian
independence. -
Period: 490 BCE to 479 BCE
Greco-Persian Wars
Greek city-states united to defend their lands against Persian invasions, an important
chapter in Greek history. -
Period: 480 BCE to 323 BCE
Classical Period of Ancient Greece
This “Golden Age” saw great achievements in art, philosophy, and politics in Greece.