Middle East Unit

Sumer Rises

5000 BCE

Sumer was the first state in the whole world history. It became the state to dominate Mesopotamia. Sumerians had a wide diversity and included: Jews, Arabs, and Phoenicians. As they grew quickly, they also expanded and created new cities in which they appointed new kings. However, after appointing kings, they wanted even more and resulted in war between the cities.

The Wheel

3500 BCE

The wheel was one of the innovations invented in this time. It made things a lot easier for transportation.

Sumerians Fade Away

3000 BCE

Sumerians lose control over Phoenicians and the Phoenicians start they own cities and traditions. They specialized in trading because of their poor skills in agriculture.

Phoenicians Create an Alphabet

3000 BCE

The Phoenicians came up with a 22 letter alphabet that was much simpler than what they had come to know. Ultimately, this alphabet became the base for many other cultures' languages and writing.

Epic of Gilgamesh

2000 BCE

This was an ancient text containing all the values of Mesopotamians. This was a way that they could pass this down to all the generations ahead of them.

Hebrews Settle in Palestine

1300 BCE

The Hebrews learned a lot from Mesopotamians learned their cultures and ways. They settled in Palestine when the Assyrians took over their land.

The Creation of Iron

1000 BCE

Iron was created and was a game changer for many. It was better and even cheaper than bronze. It was mainly used for weapons and tools of all sorts.

Alexander Arrives in Persia

331 BCE

Alexander the Great finishes up in Greece and arrives in Persia. Since the Persian government had a very small army and so he conquered it with ease. Although Alexander destroyed lots of Persian buildings, he tried to mix Persians and Greek culture and encouraged intermarriages. However, after Alexander died, Persians continued living under Persian standards.

Alexander Dies

323 BCE

Since Alexander died, they spilt his conquered areas in four generals which continue using Persian systems.

Golden Horn

340

Emperor Constantine makes this his new capital, eventually known as the Golden Horn. This becomes a place of riches and trade routes, which brings lots of wealth into the empire.

Justinian the Emperor

532

Justinian inherits his father's throne when he passes. The empire was pretty much destroyed and needed lots of work. However, after a wake up call from his wife, Theodora, he was quick to straighten up. He remade the city because of the riots that destroyed it, and soon Constantinople because known for their huge church, The Hagia Sophia.