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3000 BCE
The development of writing
The Sumerian archaic writing and Egyptian hieroglyphs are considered the earliest true writing systems.By 4000 BCE, the people of Sumer were already using clay tokens to keep inventories. Writing evolved to become a practical recording technology to support economic pursuits. Reading and writing was not for everyone though, it was a specialized profession for the elite class. Literacy remained a privilege of aristocratic males until 19th-century, when public education become more widespread. -
3000 BCE
Bronze age
Different human societies entered the Bronze Age at different times. This age was marked by the rise of states or kingdoms, large scale societies, joined under a central government by a powerful ruler. Bronze age states interacted with one another through trade, warfare, migration and spread of ideas. Bronze became very popular for making weapons and tools, and this age refers to a time when bronze was the primary metal used. It ended abruptly around 1200 when societies moved on to Iron. -
1700 BCE
The scientific revolution of antiquity
The Hellenistic period was the most brilliant age in the history of science before the 17th century. The scientific revolution resulted in developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry + transformed the views of society about nature. Caused by fusion of Mesopotamian and Egyptian science with the philosophical methods of the Greeks. The scientific revolution was a time of new discoveries and significant advances that changed the European world and revealed new theories. -
742 BCE
Charlemagne
"Charles the Great", was king of the Franks between 768 and 814 and emperor of the West. He founded the Holy Roman Empire, strengthened European economic and political life, and promoted the cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance. He embarked on a mission to unite all Germanic people into one kingdom and convert his subjects to Christianity. He was a fierce warrior and went to conquering almost all of Europe. Charle's reforms were the spark that ignited Europe's cultural rebirth. -
570 BCE
Muhammed and the birth of Islam
In 610, Muhammed was visited with an overpowering presence and was instructed to recite words with such beauty and force that he and others attributed them to God. Muhammed revealed these messages, that were gathered by verses and later became the Quran. Muhammed and his tribe were not accepted and ridiculed for the next decade. By 630, Muhammed and the Muslims marched to Mecca and converted many tribes. In 632, Muhammed died but his teachings spread from east to west, to all around the world. -
529 BCE
Justinian's codification of Roman law
In ruling by 527, Justinian's most lasting accomplishment to the legacy of imperial power. The code is a collection of essential Roman philosophy of law works issued by order in the 6th century that has a major influence on public law across Europe. It is often considered the foundation of Western legal tradition. The law comes in three parts: the "Code", the "Digests", and the "Institutes" which all served their own purpose. The code allowed the state to intervene in religious Jewish questions. -
500 BCE
Greek golden age
The golden age of classical Greece lasted for more than a century but it laid the foundations of western civilization. The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Literature and theatre was also important to Greek culture. They were known for their sophisticated sculptures and architecture. Things that became popular or developed over this time period were the Olympic games, invention of democracy, and the Athenian Parthenon was built. -
451 BCE
Law of the Twelve Tables
The Twelve Tables were a set of laws inscribed on 12 bronze tablets created in Ancient Rome in 451 and 450 BCE. This was a new approach to laws where they would be passed by the government and written down so that all citizens might be treated equally. This was new beginning for equality. It was used to help resolve conflict between wealthy patricians and common plebeians. These laws established rights and responsibilities of Roman citizens. -
431 BCE
Peloponnesian War
Athen and Sparta found themselves at war with each other 431 BCE. The war went on for 27 years and was recalled "the greatest war of history". Sparta feared of the growing power and influence of the Athenian empire. The war ended the Golden age of Athenian culture and weakened the Greek world forever. Athens lost its empire and influence as a model of democracy while Sparta was established as the greatest power in Greece. The economic cost of the war was felt throughout Greece. -
336 BCE
Conquests of Alexander
By the time of Alexander's death at the age of 36, a great monumental legacy had built around him. Alexander's conquests of the third century had a great impact on eastern and western culture. While expanding his empire, Hellenism, or Greek-influenced culture spread from the Mediterranean to Asia and allowed Hellenistic culture to become widespread. With it's expansion, Greek quickly became the language among trade and commerce and people from all over the empire benefited from its common use.
