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12,500 BCE
Human Migration to the Americas via the Bering Land Bridge
Early humans crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia to North America spreading them throughout the Americas. -
12,000 BCE
End of the Last Ice Age and Human Migration
circa 12,000 BCE: The last Ice Age ends, causing sea levels to rise and changing climates. This event helps shape human migration patterns as people begin moving to new regions. -
3500 BCE
Invention of Writing and Beginning of Recorded History
Writing was invented in Mesopotamia, marking the start of recorded history. This event divides “Prehistory” (before writing) from “History.” -
3200 BCE
Development of Egyptian Hieroglyphs Writing
Egyptians create one of the earliest writing systems, hieroglyphics, used for religious texts and official records. -
3100 BCE
Development of Cuneiforms
Sumerians in Mesopotamia develop cuneiform writing the first known system of writing, which was initially used for keeping records, such as trade transactions, and later for legal documents and literature. -
3000 BCE
First Four River Valley Civilizations
Civilizations develop along major rivers: Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), the Indus Valley, and China (Yellow River). Rivers provide fertile land and resources, essential for sustaining these early societies. -
2550 BCE
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in Ancient Egypt. It remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. -
1200 BCE
The Olmec Civilization
The Olmec civilization starts in Mesoamerica, influencing later cultures like the Maya and Aztec through its art, religion, and social organization. -
900
The Maya Civilization
The Maya develop a complex society with city-states, hieroglyphic writing, and achievements in astronomy and mathematics. -
1200
Civilizations in the Andes
The Chavín culture develops in the Andes then the Moche (100–700 CE) and Inca (1438–1533 CE) civilizations. -
Spanish Conquest of the Maya
The Spanish conquer Tayasal (it is a place), the last independent Mayan city, ending the Maya civilization’s independence. -
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The United Nations creates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing an international standard for human rights.