Unit 1

Indus and The Ganges

7000 BCE

The Indus River Valley civilization is one of the most ancient and primitive civilizations in Indian history. The Indus River provided water for trading goods and transportation. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges' water washes away sin.

Sumerians

4500 BCE

The Sumerians were the people of southern Mesopotamia. The Sumerians developed one of the earliest city-state civilizations on earth. The Sumerians are responsible for many of the most important innovations, inventions, and concepts in present day.

Mesopotamia

3500 BCE

Mesopotamia is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The citizens built the world's first cities. They also developed the oldest known political and administrative systems.

Ancient India

3000 BCE

Ancient India had major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were characterized by street layouts, large public baths, and advanced drainage systems. The economy was based on agriculture and trade. Ancient Indians in Harappa excelled in bead making, pottery, and the production of textiles. They were skilled in the art of creating items and tool.

Harappa and Mohenjo Daro

3000 BCE

Harappa and Mohenjo were cities for 1500 years and had a population of 35,000 people. They were very peaceful cities that were carefully planned. They had intersecting roads, indoor plumbing, and buildings made of mud bricks. The mysterious aspect is that historians were never able to find out how this city disappeared.

Old Kingdom

2700 BCE

The old kingdom is also known as the "Age of the Pyramids" of the fourth dynasty. They solidified the pharaoh's role as both the political and religious leader of Egypt. The Great pyramid of Giza was built during this time and became a monumental structure.

The Great Pyramid

2540 BCE

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid. The Great Pyramids were built as a tombs for Pharaohs. Pharaohs were Gods in human forms that would keep power in the family by marrying relatives. The Egyptians moved massive stone blocks to heights along large ramps, greased by water or wet clay, and used a system of sleds, ropes, rollers, and levers to move the stone. It took around 26 years to build the pyramid with hard labor.

Akkadians

2335 BCE

Akkadian was the first large empire in Mesopotamia. Sargon of Akkad the leader of Akkadian is known as one of the most successful military and political leaders in history. Akkadian began to suffer from internal instability, external invasions, and economic difficulties which caused the fall of the empire.

Middle Kingdom

2055 BCE

The Middle Kingdom began with the rise of Mentuhotep II of the 11th Dynasty, who successfully fixed Egypt after the First Intermediate Period. The Middle Kingdom was marked by economic stability and growth. This is due to agricultural development, trade, and mining activities. The Egyptians launched successful attacks into the south, they secured valuable resources like gold and timber

Assyrians

2025 BCE

Assyrians were in the early stages of their development as a powerful civilization in Northern Mesopotamia. Assyrians were beginning to be established as a military power in this region. They were known for their warrior culture, and their military tactics were starting to develop. Their language known as Akkadians became the dominant language in the region.

Babylon

1894 BCE

Babylon was ruled by King Sin-Muballit, the father of Hammurabi. During 1894 BCE Babylon was still on its rise to later become one of the most powerful regions in Mesopotamia. The Babylonians were primarily an agricultural society, but they also engaged in trade with neighboring regions.

Shang Dynasty Takes Control

1750 BCE

The Shang Dynasty was ran by a king at the top of the hierarchy. He was considered to be in between god and people. This dynasty had a powerful military that used bronze weapons that gave them a advantage during warfare. They also developed advanced irrigation system for agriculture that helped ensure a stable food supply.

Ancient China

1750 BCE

In Ancient China there was an improvement in warfare. They started using iron weapons, and crossbows and men became cavalry. This began to extend the conflict. The Great Walls were built to Protect citizens from people of the north. They linked together walls others built before him.

Code of Hammurabi

1700 BCE

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the Amorite First Dynasty of Babylon and was the creator of the Cod of Hammurabi. The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest law codes in the world. It consisted of 282 laws both civil and criminal. It was created to help unify and expand the empire, set up crimes and punishment, and to get of revenge.

The New Kingdom

1550 BCE

The New Kingdom started with the 17th Dynasty pharaoh Ahmose taking over and expelling Hyksos. Great architecture structures like grand temples, tombs, and monuments were built. During this time the Egyptian army was expanded and they took over more territory.

Hinduism

1500 BCE

Hinduism is the first religion to be developed. They are polytheistic which means their god has 33 million forms but one God. Hinduists believe in reincarnation based on your karma from past life which is called Samsara

Ramesses ii Comes to Power

1279 BCE

Ramesses II also known as one of the greatest pharaohs in in Egyptian history ruled for 66 years. He portrayed himself as a God. He promoted the worship of gods, and constructed grand temples.Egypt and Hittites war led to one of the first recorded peace treaties in history under Ramesses II control.

"Sea Peoples" Attack

1200 BCE

A group known as the Sea Peoples launched a series of attacks on several ancient civilizations in the eastern Mediterranean. The Sea Peoples launched a large scale invasions against Egypt. The Egyptians managed to repel the Sea people through military defense. The Sea people are also known for weakening the Hittite Empire.

Qin Shihuangdi

221 BCE

In 221 BCE declared himself the first emperor. He became emperor through conquering the seven warring states with his military and alliances. Qin Shi Huang’s rule was based on legalism, which was strict laws, centralized control, and harsh punishment.

Discovery of Terracotta Army

210 BCE

The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta soldiers. This army was built to protect Qin Shi Huang the first empower of China in his afterlife. This was found in 1974 when a farmer was digging a well.