World History Timeline

Birth of Islam

610

Muhammad receives revelations from the Angel Gabriel while meditating in a cave near Mecca. These revelations are then put into the Quran. His beliefs are monotheistic, unlike other religions at the time.

The Battle of Yarmouk

636

The Battle of Yarmouk was an important war between the Byzantine Empire and the Rashidun Caliphate. It lasted over six days, and the Muslim forces defeated the Byzantine army. The victory led to the expansion of Muslim control over the Levant.

Umayyad Dynasty Established

665

The Umayyad dynasty came to power after the assassination of Ali. They moved the capital from Medina to Damascus and expanded the empire significantly across North Africa and into Spain.

The Sunni-Shia Split

680

The split happened because of a disagreement over the rightful successor to Muhammad. Sunnis accepted the elected caliphs but Shia thought that leadership should stay within Muhammad's family. It had a long lasing impact on both culture and politics in the islamic world.

The Abbasid Revolution

750

The Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate. As a result of this arts, science, and culture in the Islamic world thrived. The capital was moved to Baghdad, and it became a center of learning and trade.

Charlemagne Crowned Emperor

800

Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day. It was the revival of the Christian empire in Western Europe. Charlemagne's reign is important for the Carolingian Renaissance, which happened during his rule and grew the importance learning and the arts.

Great Schism

1054

The Great Schism was the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. It happened because of disputes over authority and religious differences. The schism had a large impact on Christian ideology as well as European Politics.

Battle of Hastings

1066

This fight happened when William the Conqueror invaded England. The result of this was Norman rule and it had massive effects on English society, governance, and culture. It introduced Norman French into the English language and marked the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance.

The Battle of Manzikert

1071

The Byzantine army faced lost to the Seljuk Turks at Manzikert. This led to the loss of much of Anatolia. This defeat weakened Byzantine control over the region and allowed for Turkish settlement. It marked the beginning of the decline of Byzantine power and influence in the East.

Council of Clermont

1092

Pope Urban II pushed for the First Crusade during the Council of Clermont. He told Christians to reclaim the Holy Land. It was a motivational speech that encouraged many to join the crusade. He promised spiritual rewards and absolution for sins.

The Crusades

Period: 1095 to 1291

Pope Urban II started the Crusades with the intent of reclaiming Jerusalem. Many other crusades followed this first one. Overall, the Crusades had lasting impacts on the relationships of Christians and Muslims, trade, and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East.

Magna Carta

1215

The Magna Carta was signed by King John of England at Runnymede. It said that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It was made because of the heavy taxation and unfair rule. It was the first time that a king's powers were checked.

Rise of the Mali Empire

1237

The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita. It became one of the wealthiest and most powerful states in West Africa. It place a large importance on trade, especially in gold and salt. It was a cultural center and a place for scholars, traders, and travelers.

The Palaiologos Restoration

1240

The Byzantine Empire was somewhat restored when the Palaiologos recaptured Constantinople. This restoration allowed for a short-lived revival of Byzantine culture. Despite this the empire was still rather weak.

Establishment of the Ottoman Empire

1299

Osman established a principality in northwestern Anatolia. The empire grew fast and eventually reached parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They were able to develope a strong military and administrative structure.

Mansa Musa's Pilgrimage to Mecca

1324

The ruler of Mali went through a pilgrimage to Mecca. During this he was able to show his empire's cast wealth. His journey introduced the world to Mali's riches. This leading to increased trade and interaction with other Muslim states.

100 Years War

Period: 1337 to 1452

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between England and France. They were fought due to land disputes and claims to the French throne. Crécy and Agincourt were some of the important battles. New military weapons, like longbows, played a big role in these fights.

Black Death

1347

The Black Death was a disease that went through Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It kills around 25–30 million people. The plague spread extremely fast through trade routes and urban centers. It caused fear and had lasting effects on the economy, labor market, and social structures in affected regions.

Start of The Renaissance

1400

The Renaissance was a cultural rebirth in Europe. It started in Italy and was important to the revival of classical knowledge and art. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were big influences during this time.

The Fall of Constantinople

1453

Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks, who were led by Sultan Mehmed II. It was the end of the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople became the capital of the Ottoman Empire and allowed the Ottomans to control important trade routes between Europe and Asia.