Theme: Cultural Civilizations and Events in Afro-Eurasia, Europe, and the Americas from 4000 BCE to 1532 BCE

Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization

4000 BCE

4000 BCE-1900 BCE The Indus Valley Civilization is culturally significant to world history in that it contributed to the development of early urban life and created many trade networks in South Asia. This civilization also influenced future civilizations with its agrarian society and developments in agricultural methods, many of which are still used in societies today.

The Mesopotamian Civilization

4000 BCE

4000 BCE - 2000 BCE The Mesopotamian Civilization is culturally significant to world history because it developed the Cuneiform writing system, which allowed for the creation of and recording of epic tales, stories, and governmental records of different civilizations. An example is the Epic of Gilgamesh. Cuneiform was a precursor to modern writing systems and served purposes such as communication and formalizing legal systems such as Hammurabi's code.

The Sumerian Civilization

2000 BCE

2000 BCE - 1450 BCE The Sumerian Civilization is culturally significant to world history because the Sumerians created the first codes of law, such as the Code of Ur-Nammu. The Sumerians invented time and twelve hour periods of night and day, created the first schools, created the first city-states, made advancements in mathematics and astronomy, and played a significant role in cultural exchanges via its merchant navy along its trade network.

The Minoan Civilization

1900 BCE

1900 BCE -1600 BCE The Minoan Civilization is culturally significant to world history. The Minoans established the first civilization on European soil and set the stage for future civilizations. The Minoans spread ideas and participated in cultural exchanges while traveling their multiple trade networks, leading to the development of the Western European civilizations throughout history.

The Mycenaean Civilization

1750 BCE

1750 BCE-1050 BCE The Mycenaean civilization is culturally significant because the Mycenaeans influenced civilizations and had cultural exchanges all over the Eastern Mediterranean region and Western Asia due to their persistence in using multiple trade networks. This civilization was also vital in shaping the archaic and classical eras in Greece concerning architecture, art, and literature, theater, and the Polytheistic religion. The Mycenaean Civilization was featured in Greek Mythology.

The Ancient Greek Civilization

1200 BCE

1200 BCE - 323 BCE The Ancient Greek civilization is culturally significant, especially to Western civilization. The Ancient Greeks developed a sophisticated philosophical and scientific culture. Greek literature, theater, art, architecture, and political systems, such as democracy, have heavily influenced other cultures such as the Romans. Greek Civilization and culture have evolved over thousands of years and are considered to be the cradle of modern Western civilization and culture.

The Ancient Roman Civilization

625 BCE

625 BCE - 31 BCE The ancient Roman Civilization is culturally significant to world history due to its widespread use of languages such as Latin. The Romans developed a Greco-Roman culture which laid the foundation for influencing Western societies with art, architecture, politics, philosophy, a system of law, and economic structure, that that would go on to influence future generations of Rome, and other western societies such as America.

The Hellenistic Civilization

323 BCE

323 BCE - 30 BCE The Hellenic Civilization is culturally significant due to the linguistic, intellectual and artistic aspects which formed the foundation for Western Civilization and is still influencing people today in our modern society. The Hellenic Greeks created a syncretic culture combining Greek and Eastern traditions. The Hellenistic Civilization also influenced states and empires across Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, bridging the gap between Greece and the rest of the world.

The Silk Road Trade Route

130 BCE

130 BCE - 1453 CE The Silk Road trade route is culturally significant as it allowed the exchange of goods, ideas, innovations, intellectualism, and culture, from China to the Roman Empire. Moreover, it fostered a sense of being connected and helped to bring about the Age of Discovery.

The Aztec Civilization

1345

1345 CE - 1521 CE Aztec rulers imposed Aztec ideals, religion, religious practices, art, books, and architecture across Mexico. The Aztecs are the most well-documented civilization in Central America. The Aztecs continue to influence future generations in Western Civilization today, and represent a civilization that was ambitious, ingenious, and resilient, shaping the course of Mesoamerican history. The entire Aztec population and their great civilization was obliterated by the Spanish.

The Inca Civilization

1425

1425 CE - 1532CE The Inca civilization is culturally significant because it was the largest empire ever seen during this time period. The Incas had the unique ability to adapt to the environment around them. Their innovations in linguistics, mathematics, record keeping, astronomy, crafts, architecture, organizational systems, and infrastructure, influenced the cultural tapestry of the Americas, and continues to influence modern day societies.