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3000 BCE
Cuneiform is Invented
The Mesopotamian writing system, cuneiform, was created. Writing is important to the development of civilization for several reasons. Literature, records, and written communication are important to daily life. (Image credits: Sumerian cuneiform tablet. Encyclopædia Britannica. Britannica.com/topic/cuneiform#/media. Accessed: 29, Jan 2024.) -
Period: 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age began at around 3000 BCE when humans discovered how to use and produce bronze. Sophisticated trade and diplomacy evolved, and empires grew. Without the bronze age, we would not have the tools we have today. -
Period: 2680 BCE to 2200 BCE
Old kingdom of Egypt
United Egypt under a single ruling house in which many important events took place. The building of the pyramids, religious developments, agricultural surpluses, and other prosperities took place. Without these advancements, Egyptian culture would not have preserved itself as long as it did. -
2340 BCE
Reign of King Sargon the Great
King Sargon the Great conquered all of his neighbors and created the first standing army. King Sargon was the first king in human history. Without the legacy that King Sargon left behind, we would not have armies, or potentially kings which exist today. (Image credits: Bronze Head of a King From Nineveh. Encyclopædia Britannica. Britannica.com/biography/Sargon#/media. Accessed: 29 Jan, 2024.) -
Period: 2040 BCE to 1720 BCE
Middle Kingdom of Egypt
In the Middle Kingdom, Egypt was even more prosperous than before. A stronger military, and a growing economy characterized this kingdom. Without this kingdom, Egypt would not have as strong of a military that conquered the many civilizations that they did today. -
1900 BCE
Abraham
Abraham, is the first patriarch of the Hebrews. He is not only involved involved with the Yahwist religion, but he is mentioned and important to Islam and Christianity. Without Abraham, we would not have the framework for the three main monotheistic religions which has influenced culture and government. (Image credits: Il Guercino: Abraham Driving Out Hagar and Ishmael. Encyclopædia Britannica. Britannica.com/biography/Abraham#/media. Accessed: 29, Jan 2024.) -
1780 BCE
Code of Hammurabi is Written
The Code of Hammurabi, or the most important ancient code of law was created around 1780 BCE. Written on clay tablets, this code of law goes into heavy detail on the rules and regulations of the city Babylon. The Code of Hammurabi has influenced many modern-day laws and governments, developing civilization into a more organized and safe fashion. (Image credits: Stela Inscribed With the Code of Hammurabi. Encyclopædia Britannica. britannica.com/biography/Hammurabi#/media/ Accessed: 29 Jan 2024) -
Period: 1550 BCE to 1150 BCE
Egyptian New Kingdom
The New Kingdom held many important events. The use of bronze-age tools made Egypt an even more powerful force than before. Without this time period, Egypt would not have became an empire nor would it have conquered the even larger amount of civilizations. -
1479 BCE
Reign of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut is the only known female New Kingdom pharaoh. Her reign was twenty years, in which Egypt experienced great prosperity. Her reign is a sign of female rulers who shaped the world we know today. (Image credits: Hatshepsut. Encyclopædia Britannica. Britannica.com/biography/Hatshepsut#/media. Accessed: 29, Jan 2024.) -
Period: 1100 BCE to 550 BCE
Iron Age
In the Iron age, Iron, was discovered and produced. In this time, many empires and civilizations expanded heavily, with constant conquests, deadly wars, trade, and diplomacy. Without the Iron Age, iron tools wouldn't have been possible, but empires would also not have expanded as much; or even at all. -
Summery/Test Question
The most important events related to the development of civilization are the inventions and rulers of ancient history. In my opinion, cuneiform is the most important as it was the first writing system which has given us the ability to keep records, write books, communicate, and other forms of self-expression.