Unit 1 Timeline

Paleolithic Era

10,000 BCE

The Paleolithic Era is believed to have begun about 2.5 million years ago, up until 10,000 BCE. During this period of time, hunting, fishing, foraging, and gathering were the main ways of obtaining food. Early humans used simple stone tools, and were constantly discovering new ways of living in order to survive.

Neolithic Era

8000 BCE

The Neolithic Era is also known as the New Stone Age. This was considered the beginning of a settled human lifestyle. People learned new ways of agriculture farming, and began to domesticate animals for food.

Sumerian Civilization

4500 BCE

The Sumerian Civilization was the earliest known Civilization. They were known for innovations within language and architecture. They lived in the southern part of Mesopotamia.

Invention of Indoor Plumbing

3000 BCE

Within the Indus Valley Civilization, major systems, such as indoor Plumbing were developed. These systems included flushing toilets and sewer pipes. A major part of their society were bathhouses, which the plumbing enhanced the quality of.

Invention of Writing

2800 BCE

Around this time, the Sumerians developed one of the earliest writing systems. This system was known as cuneiform. The writing used a combination of marks and shapes. At first, it's main use was for record-keeping, then later developed to be used in literature and writing.

Creation of the Pyramids

2540 BCE

Pyramids were built by Egyptians during this time. They were constructed in order to serve the purpose of being tombs for pharaohs. The majority of pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom period.

Middle Kingdom Period Begins

2040 BCE

The Middle Kingdom period was a period of ancient Egyptian civilization. It is considered ancient Egypt's Classical Age. This time period produced some of Egypt's greatest works of literature and art.

Decline of Sumerian Civilization

2000 BCE

The decline of the Sumerian Civilization began because of factors such as invasions by other groups and issues with internal powers. Sumerian knowledge and culture stuck around after their population was dispersed. Neighboring Babylonians adopted aspects of the Sumerian's such as their religious beliefs, writing, and legal codes.

Introduction of Babylon

1894 BCE

Babylon was an ancient city that was located in Mesopotamia on the lower Euphrates River. Babylonians are credited for creating the Hammurabi Code. The king Hammurabi himself created the Code of Hammurabi in order to spread justice.

Judaism is Developed

1800 BCE

Judaism was founded by the biblical patriarch Abraham. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Jews believe that God made a special covenant with Abraham, which stems the main beliefs of this religion.

Shang Dynasty Emerges

1600 BCE

The Shang dynasty is known as the oldest and first dynasty of China. They ruled the Yellow River Valley during the second millennium. This dynasty was credited for the advancement of bronze technology, as they used it in chariots and weapons.

Mayan Civilization Begins

1500 BCE

The earliest traces of the Mayan civilization were found around this time. They were a Mesoamerican civilization. The Mayan people were well known for their temples and glyphs.

Founding of Hinduism

1500 BCE

Hinduism is the oldest and most complex belief system known. There is no historical prophet or founder of the religion. It started in the Indus Valley.

Bronze Age Ends

1200 BCE

The Bronze Age was a period of time in which the use of bronze tools was prominent and there was development of complex societies. The Bronze during this time replaced the use of stone. This era ended abruptly, and many civilizations just seemed to have vanished around the end of the period.

Zhou Dynasty

1045 BCE

The Zhou dynasty was a royal dynasty within China. It was the longest of all dynasties in Chinese history, as it existed for 789 years. Irrigation and water control projects were introduced for the first time during this period.

Dynastic Cycle Begins/ Creation of Mandate of Heaven

1027 BCE

The dynastic cycle is an important political theory in Chinese history. It is the pattern of the rise and fall of dynasties in China. The mandate of heaven is an important factor of this cycle. Rulers are gifted the divine right to rule.

Founding of Daoism

500 BCE

This philosophy is considered the Way of Nature. Daoists strive to stay in harmony with the natural way. By doing this, they are able to avoid suffering, struggle, and violence.

Founding of Confucianism

500 BCE

Confucianism is an ancient Chinese belief system. It focuses on the importance of morality and personal ethics. It is one of the most influential religious philosophies to come out of Chinese history.

Alexander the Great Conquers Egypt

332 BCE

With his mixed army of Macedonians and Greeks, Alexander the Great invaded Egypt. He overthrew the control of the Persians. Without a battle, he took control of the country.

Paper is Invented

200 BCE

The earliest known paper was invented in China during the Han period. It was a symbol of the Han dynasty's advanced science and technology. They often made the paper from mulberry.