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  Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into
 maize, which became a very important crop.
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  The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
 with the Sumerians.
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  In Mesoamerica, early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures.
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  Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian
 city-states.
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  Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s Code.
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  The arrival of Spanish forces led to major changes and the end of indigenous state systems
 in the region
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  New cultures emerged, such as the Toltecs, Mayan kingdoms, and the Mexica (Aztec)
 Empire.
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  This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions.
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  Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian
 independence.
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  Greek city-states united to defend their lands against Persian invasions, an important
 chapter in Greek history.
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  This “Golden Age” saw great achievements in art, philosophy, and politics in Greece.
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  Alexander’s passing led to the spread of Greek culture across a vast area, starting the
 Hellenistic era.
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  After a series of conflicts, Rome conquered Greece, bringing an end to Greek political
 independence.
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  Large cities and centralized states like Teotihuacan and Monte Albán flourished in
 Mesoamerica.