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9000 BCE
Domestication of Teosinte into Corn
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 preclasic Period Olmec Civilization in Mesoamérica
In Mesoamérica , early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures. -
2334 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 Mesopotamia
Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s -
776 BCE
First Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions. -
490 BCE
Greco-Persian Wars
Greek city-states united to defend their lands against Persian invasions, an important chapter in Greek history.