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Period: 420 BCE to
Timespan: 420 BCE - 1996
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350 BCE
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Architecture)
This huge tomb for King Mausolus was an impressive piece of architecture that showed off his personal power and the style of Greek buildings. Its grand design reflects the high status of rulers in ancient Anatolia and how big structures like this were used to leave a lasting legacy. -
350 BCE
The Concept of Eudaemonia (Philosophy)
Eudaimonia is an ancient Greek term discussed in Aristotle's work, which means for the highest human good, often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being." Philosophers of the time considered it the ultimate goal of life, which could be achieved through virtuous living and alignment with reason. -
261 BCE
The First Punic War (History)
The First Punic War between Rome and Carthage marked the beginning of Rome's expansion beyond the Italian peninsula. This conflict underscores the rising power of Rome and set the stage for its dominance over the Mediterranean, showcasing the impact of military might on political supremacy. -
80 BCE
The Colosseum, Rome (Architecture)
An enormous amphitheater capable of holding over 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiator battles, animal hunts, and other spectacles. Made by Roman Emperors. -
Taj Mahal in Agra, India (Architecture)
A white marble mausoleum commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Known for its symmetry and detailed inlays. -
The Restoration Theater (Theater)
Following the English Civil War and the Puritan 18 year ban on theater, the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 led to a revival of theater. Restoration plays often featured witty dialogue, satirical social commentary, and a focus on themes of love and intrigue. It was also the first time that Women were legally allowed to perform on stage in England. Notable playwrights included Aphra Behn, one of the first professional female playwrights (someone who writes plays). -
The Great Wall of China (Architecture)
A series of defensive walls and fortifications built to protect China from invasions. It stretches over 13,000 miles, with sections constructed during different dynasties. -
The Eroica Symphony by Beethoven (Classical Music)
Beethoven’s "Eroica" Symphony was groundbreaking in its scale and complexity, marking a transition from Classical to Romantic styles. Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, the symphony was intended to embody heroic ideals, though Beethoven later removed the dedication. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbGV-MVfgec -
The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe (Literature - Gothic)
The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story that delves into the narrator's descent into madness as he obsessively plots and executes the murder of an old man, fixated on the man’s "vulture-like" eye. After hiding the body, the narrator begins hearing the relentless beating of the dead man’s heart, an auditory hallucination that ultimately drives him to confess his crime. -
Returning from the Fields by Jules Breton (Art History)
This painting portrays weary peasants heading home at dusk after a day’s work in the fields. Breton captures their resilience and dignity, emphasizing the strength found in their daily labor and the quiet beauty of rural life. -
The Eiffel Tower in Paris (Architecture)
The Eiffel Tower is a famous iron lattice structure in Paris, France, designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889. Standing at 324 meters tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time. It is a symbol of French engineering and one of the most visited landmarks globally. -
The Lovers by René Magritte (Surrealism)
This painting depicts two figures kissing with cloth covering their heads, obscuring their identities. Magritte’s work often features bizarre juxtapositions and challenges perceptions of reality, as seen here in the hidden faces of the lovers. -
World War ll Mobilization (1939)(The Great Depression)
Although outside the Depression's main years, mobilization for WWII marked the end of economic hardship. The U.S. government exercised power by converting industries to war production, implementing rationing, and regulating prices to support the war effort. -
Gone with the Wind by Victor Fleming (Film History - Classic Hollywood Cinema)
This epic romance, directed by Victor Fleming, tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, a Southern belle navigating love and loss during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Known for its grand scale, vivid Technicolor, and iconic performances, it remains one of the most famous films of all time. -
Rome, Open City by Roberto Rossellini (Film History - Italian Neo Realism)
This pioneering Neorealist film follows the lives of Italian resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Rome. Shot on location with limited equipment and a largely non-professional cast, it combines elements of drama and documentary-style realism. -
Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World (Jazz and Blues)
Armstrong’s version of the song is seen as a calm reminder of strength and beauty during the political turmoil of the 1960s. It shows how music can bring hope and bring people together, even in tough times, highlighting the positive power of culture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqhCQZaH4Vs