world history timeline

Byzantine Empire

330

The Byzantine Empire was the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, known for its rich culture, art, and Orthodox Christianity. Its capital, Constantinople, was a major trade and cultural center until it fell to the Ottomans in 1453.

Post classical africa

500

Post classical Africa saw the rise of powerful empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, mainly due to trade in gold. Islam spread, influencing culture and politics. City-states like Kilwa and Great Zimbabwe thrived, along with rich art and architecture.

Eastern Roman Empire after Justinian's death

565

the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, faced military challenges and territorial losses. It continued to thrive culturally and economically but struggled with internal strife and external threats, eventually leading to a gradual decline.

The birth of Islam

610

Islam started in the 7th century when the Prophet Muhammad began receiving messages from God. He taught about one God and social justice, gaining followers. After conflicts and taking Mecca, Islam spread quickly.

Early spread of islam

632

Islam spread quickly in the 7th century through trade, conquests, and missionary efforts. After Muhammad's death, leaders expanded the empire, reaching parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Umayyad

661

The Umayyad Caliphate was the first major Islamic dynasty. It expanded the empire significantly, from Spain to India, but faced internal conflicts and opposition, leading to its eventual downfall.

Abbasid

750

The Abbasid Caliphate succeeded the Umayyads, focusing on culture and trade. It moved the capital to Baghdad, becoming a center of learning and innovation, but later faced political fragmentation and invasions.

Cordoba

756

Cordoba, in Spain, became a major cultural and intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age. Under the Umayyads, it was known for its architecture, libraries, and advancements in science, philosophy, and art.

Schism of 1054

1054

it was the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, primarily over issues of authority and theological differences. It marked the formal division that still exists today.

The Crusades

1096

They were a series of religious wars initiated by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. They involved multiple campaigns, leading to temporary gains and lasting tensions between Christians and Muslims.

First Crusade successfully takes Jerusalem

1099

In 1099, the First Crusade culminated in the successful capture of Jerusalem by Christian forces. This marked a significant victory in their efforts to reclaim the Holy Land, leading to the establishment of Crusader states in the region.

Jerusalem falls to Saladin

1187

Jerusalem fell to Saladin, the Muslim leader, after a decisive battle at Hattin. This event marked a significant turning point, leading to the end of Crusader control over the city and prompting the Third Crusade.

Magna Carta

1214

It was a landmark document in England that limited the power of the king and established certain legal rights for nobles. It laid the foundation for modern democracy and the rule of law.

Mali Empire

1235

The Mali Empire was a wealthy West African kingdom known for its gold trade. It peaked under Mansa Musa, who famously went to Mecca in 1324. Timbuktu became a key center for learning and trade before the empire declined due to conflicts and outside threats.

The Hundred Years' War

1337

It was a series of conflicts between France and England over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. It featured key battles, shifting fortunes, and ended with France regaining control, solidifying national identities in both countries.

Black Death

1346

It was a devastating plague that swept through Europe, killing an estimated one-third of the population. It caused widespread social, economic, and cultural upheaval, leading to significant changes in society.

Renaissance

1350

Venice and Milan were key centers of the Renaissance in Italy. Venice, known for its trade and wealth, fostered a vibrant cultural scene with art and architecture. Milan, under the Sforza family, became a hub for innovations in art and military strategies. Both cities attracted leading artists and thinkers, contributing significantly to the movement's advancements.

Joan of Arc

1412

a French peasant girl born around 1412 who claimed to receive visions from saints urging her to support Charles VII and drive the English out of France during the Hundred Years' War. She played a crucial role in lifting the siege of Orléans in 1429, leading to Charles's coronation. Captured by the English, she was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. Joan became a symbol of French nationalism and was canonized as a saint in 1920.

Feudal Europe

1452

it was a social and economic system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service. Lords granted land to vassals, who provided military support, while peasants worked the land. This hierarchy structured society and governance during the Middle Ages.

Decline and Fall of the Byzantine Empire

1453

The decline of the Byzantine Empire began in the late 11th century due to military defeats, economic troubles, and internal strife. Key events like the Fourth Crusade in 1204 weakened it further. The empire eventually fell to the Ottomans in 1453.