unit 2 historical events

rise of Rome

753 BCE

The rise of Rome began in 753 BCE, when, according to legend, the city was founded by Romulus and Remus. Rome started as a small city-state but grew through conquest and alliances. In the 6th century BCE, Rome became a republic, with elected leaders and a system of checks and balances. Over time, Rome expanded its territory by defeating neighboring tribes and other civilizations, such as the Greeks and Carthaginians.

buddhism

563 BCE

Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in the 5th to 4th century BCE in India. It teaches that life is full of suffering (dukkha), which is caused by desire and attachment. The path to overcoming suffering is through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which emphasize ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

Golden age of Greece

500 BCE

The Golden Age of Greece (around 500-338 BCE) was a period of great cultural, political, and intellectual growth. Athens developed democracy, and philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped Western thought. Greek art and architecture flourished, with iconic structures like the Parthenon. The Greeks also invented theater, and playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides created famous works. Despite their success in the Persian Wars

mauryan empire

319 BCE

The Maurya Empire (c. 321 BCE – 185 BCE) was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who unified the Indian subcontinent. The empire reached its peak under Emperor Ashoka (r. 268–232 BCE), who expanded the empire to cover most of the Indian subcontinent and promoted Buddhism after converting to the religion. The Maurya Empire had a strong centralized government, an efficient bureaucracy, and a well-organized military.

ashoka's impact

268 BCE

Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Maurya Empire from 268 to 232 BCE, had a profound impact on India and beyond. After initially expanding his empire through military conquest, Ashoka converted to Buddhism following the brutal Kalinga War, embracing peace and non-violence. He promoted Buddhist teachings and spread them across India and into other parts of Asia. Ashoka’s edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks, emphasized moral conduct, religious tolerance, and welfare for his people.

the han dynasty

206 BCE

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) was one of China’s most significant and prosperous periods. It followed the Qin Dynasty and helped shape China’s cultural and political foundations. The Han established a strong centralized government, expanded China’s territory, and promoted the Silk Road trade. They also developed advancements in technology, such as paper and the seismograph, and made significant strides in agriculture and the arts.

the han solution

206 BCE

The "Han Solution" refers to the political and economic strategies the Han Dynasty used to maintain stability and control over its vast empire. Key elements included establishing a strong centralized government with a bureaucracy based on merit, where officials were selected through civil service exams. The Han also promoted Confucianism as the state philosophy to ensure social order and loyalty.

fall of the han dynasty

206 BCE

The fall of the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE, was caused by a combination of internal corruption, economic instability, and external pressures. In the late 2nd century CE, weak emperors and power struggles within the imperial court led to political corruption. The empire also faced rebellions, such as the Yellow Turban Rebellion (184 CE), and military uprisings. As the central government weakened, regional warlords gained more power.

pax Romana

27 BCE

Pax Romana, meaning "Roman Peace," was a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted from 27 BCE to 180 CE. It began with Emperor Augustus and lasted through the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. During this time, Rome expanded its borders, built infrastructure like roads and aqueducts, and experienced economic prosperity.

rise of christianity

30

The rise of Christianity began in the 1st century CE, with the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, a Jewish preacher, spread messages of love, forgiveness, and salvation. After his crucifixion, his followers, known as Christians, believed he was resurrected and spread his teachings across the Roman Empire. Early Christians faced persecution, but the religion continued to grow, especially after Emperor Constantine's conversion in the early 4th century CE,

introduction to the Maya

250

The Maya were an ancient civilization that lived in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. They are known for their impressive cities, advanced knowledge of astronomy, and development of writing. The Maya created a complex calendar system and built large pyramids and temples. Their society was made up of city-states, each ruled by its own king.

golden age

319

The "Golden Age" refers to a period of great cultural, intellectual, and economic achievements in a civilization. In the context of ancient India, the Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE – 550 CE) is often called the "Golden Age" due to its remarkable contributions. During this time, India made significant advancements in fields such as mathematics (including the concept of zero), science, astronomy, literature, and art.

foreign trade

320

Foreign trade in ancient civilizations, such as the Gupta Empire, played a key role in their economic prosperity. India, for example, engaged in trade with regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Roman Empire. Goods like silk, spices, cotton, and gemstones were exported, while imports included gold, silver, and wine. This trade was facilitated by land routes like the Silk Road and maritime routes across the Indian Ocean.

the Gupta empire

320

The Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE – 550 CE) was one of the most significant and prosperous empires in ancient India. Founded by Chandragupta I, it reached its peak under Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya). The Gupta Empire is known as the "Golden Age" of India due to its achievements in science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art. The empire saw advancements such as the concept of zero in mathematics, the creation of important literary works, and the flourishing of Hindu culture.

the fall of the west

455

The fall of the Western Roman Empire, often referred to as the "fall of the West," happened in 476 CE. It was caused by a mix of internal weaknesses and external pressures. The empire faced economic decline, political instability, and military challenges, including corruption and infighting among leaders. Barbarian invasions, such as the Visigoths sacking Rome in 410 CE and the Vandals in 455 CE, further weakened the empire.

fall of Rome

475

The fall of Rome occurred over several centuries, with the Western Roman Empire officially collapsing in 476 CE. The empire faced many challenges, including political instability, economic troubles, military defeats, and invasions by barbarian tribes like the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. Corruption and leadership struggles weakened the empire, and the size of the empire made it hard to govern effectively. In 476 CE,

political corruption

476

Political corruption in ancient Rome became a significant problem, especially during the later years of the empire. It involved bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power by government officials, including senators, military leaders, and emperors. Corruption weakened the effectiveness of Roman leadership, leading to poor decision-making, instability, and a lack of trust in the government.

barbarian invasion

476

The Barbarian Invasions refer to the series of attacks and migrations by various tribes into the Roman Empire from the 4th to the 6th century CE. Groups like the Visigoths, Vandals, Huns, and Franks pushed into Roman territory, often seeking land or fleeing from other tribes. The Visigoths sacked Rome in 410 CE, while the Vandals did so again in 455 CE. The Huns, led by Attila, also caused significant disruption.

decline in morals and values

476

The decline in morals and values in the Roman Empire, especially during its later years, contributed to its fall. As the empire became larger and more powerful, many Romans became increasingly focused on luxury, excess, and self-interest. Traditional Roman virtues like discipline, duty, and respect for authority weakened, and many citizens, including leaders, became more corrupt and indulgent.

size of empire

476

At its peak in the 2nd century CE, the Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history, covering about 5 million square kilometers (1.93 million square miles). It stretched from Britain in the northwest to Egypt in the southeast, and from Spain in the west to Mesopotamia in the east. The vast size made it difficult to govern and defend, contributing to internal instability and weakening its ability to manage external threats.