US History timeline

Neolithic time era

Period: 10,000 BCE to 1000 BCE

Domestication of wheat and barley

9500 BCE

Early farmers begin to grow wheat and barley, which become super important food sources. This makes it easier to feed more people and encourages them to stay in one place. It’s a game-changer for communities.

Early evidence of animal domestication, including sheep and goats

8500 BCE

People start domesticating animals like sheep and goats for food and other resources. Having livestock makes farming more efficient and provides extra food. It also helps people build stronger communities.

Development of pottery for storage and cooking

7500 BCE

The invention of pottery changes everything for cooking and storing food. With pots, people can keep food longer and prepare meals more easily. It also allows for more creativity and artistic expression.

Cultivation of rice in East Asia begins

7000 BCE

Rice cultivation begins in East Asia, adding variety to what people eat. This new crop helps sustain more people and makes agriculture even more diverse. It shows how farming practices are spreading and changing around the world.

Expansion of agriculture into Europe from the Near East

6500 BCE

Farming spreads from the Near East into Europe, bringing new crops and techniques. This leads to different cultures developing as people adapt farming to their local environments. It’s a big moment for European history.

Domestication of cattle begins in the Near East

6000 BCE

Cattle are domesticated, providing meat, milk, and labor. These animals help farmers work their land better and produce more food. Cattle also become important in trade and social status.

Construction of megalithic structures in various regions like Stonehenge

5500 BCE

Huge stone structures, called megaliths, start being built in places like Europe. These monuments are often linked to rituals and mark important events. They show how organized and ambitious communities can be.

Evidence of early trade networks, exchanging goods like obsidian and shells

5000 BCE

Early trade networks develop, letting communities exchange goods like obsidian and shells. This trade fosters relationships between different groups and allows for sharing ideas. It’s a way to connect people across distances.

Emergence of complex societies and social hierarchies

4500 BCE

Societies become more complex, with leaders and different roles like farmers and artisans. This social hierarchy makes communities more organized and efficient. It’s the start of more structured societies.

Development of weaving and textile production

4000 BCE

Weaving and making textiles become common, leading to better clothing and trade items. This not only makes life more comfortable but also boosts trade and status in society. It’s a major development in daily life.

Invention of the wheel, primarily for pottery and later for transport

3500 BCE

The wheel is invented, initially for making pottery. Later, it becomes crucial for transporting goods, making trade much easier. This invention is a huge step in technology and mobility.

Formation of city-states in Sumer and other areas

3000 BCE

City-states begin to form in Sumer, where people live in organized urban centers. These cities become cultural and economic hubs, with lots of trade and innovation happening. It marks the rise of advanced civilizations.

Construction of ziggurats in Mesopotamia

2500 BCE

Ziggurats, or large temple structures, are built in Mesopotamia. These impressive buildings are used for worship and reflect the society's religious beliefs. They also show how organized and powerful these early civilizations are.

The establishment of organized religions and priesthoods

2000 BCE

Organized religions and priesthoods start to emerge, giving people spiritual guidance and a sense of community. Religion becomes a big part of daily life and influences laws and social norms. It shapes cultures in important ways

Emergence of early empires in regions like Mesopotamia and Egypt

1800 BCE

Early empires begin forming in places like Mesopotamia and Egypt, showing more complex political systems. These empires centralize power and create organized military structures. They drive advancements in culture and technology.

Spread of metallurgy, with the advent of the Bronze Age

1500 BCE

The Bronze Age begins with the development of metallurgy, leading to stronger tools and weapons. This advancement helps improve agriculture and warfare, supporting the growth of cities. It’s a significant turning point in human history

End of Neolithic time era

Period: 10,000 to 1000 BCE