Western Civilization

Mesopotamians create cuneiform

3000 BCE

One of the first writing systems was created by the Mesopotamians around 3000 BC. It was used for record-keeping which is an essential part of history. It eventually developed into literature.

Bronze age begins

3000 BCE

The Bronze Age held a lot of important advancements in civilization. Some of these include long-distance trade and diplomatic exchanges. Civilization was able to spread and thrive. The crafting of bronze was a huge advancement in war and agriculture. They had better weapons and tools to use to develop their civilizations.

World's First Empire

2340 BCE

In this year, Sargon the Great conquered almost all of the major Mesopotamian cities, making the first known empire. He also created the world's first army.

First complex system of bureaucracy

2112 BCE

Ur III ruled the Mesopotamian empire after Sargon. His complex system of bureaucracy was extremely successful in managing such a large group of people. This allowed cities to grow and develop. It also helped bring wealth through tax bureaucracy.

Judaism emerges

2000 BCE

Around the year 2000 BC, Abraham made a covenant with God, making Hebrews his "chosen people". This started the religion of Judaism, one of the first monotheistic religions in the world.

Hammurabi's Code of Laws

1780 BCE

Hammurabi's laws stated the rights and obligations of the Babylonians. It was a great advancement in organization and government. It includes a lot of laws to protect people and tried to make things fair.

Hyskos introduce bronze

1650 BCE

In the year 1650, the Hyskos seized lower Egypt. Originally their tools were made of copper or stone. The Hyskos introduced bronze which was harder and more durable than copper. The Egyptians' power grew immensely now that they had bronze tools and more advanced weapons. Although Bronze had been around for awhile, this was the first time it had been introduced to the Egyptians.

Phoenicians develop syllabic alphabet

1300 BCE

When the Phoenicians developed the syllabic alphabet, more people could become literate. This alphabet focused on sounds and was easier to learn. Scribes were no longer needed and more places adopted this alphabet.

Iron age begins

1100 BCE

During the Iron Age, lots of prosperous societies emerged. While Iron at the time took a long time to spread. It revolutionized tools and weaponry. Trade routs reemerged during this time and led to huge empires.

First coins are made

650 BCE

The Lydians came up with using clumps of gold and silver as coins, called shekels. Having currency revolutionized economics. Trading made it hard to travel, so with shekels = merchants could travel far to buy things easier. Tax collection also became more efficient.