Histories began to form with the invention of written records. Before this point in human history existed prehistories.
Historians use various methodologies to investigate the past, such as documents, oral histories and artifacts. Some historians also adhere to specific schools of thought such as Marxist or feminist thought when conducting their research.
1. The Big Bang
The Big Bang is one of the earliest events we can document; scientists believe it took place 13.8 billion years ago.
According to current theory, it is believed that the Universe began as a dense ball with infinite density and intense heat that gradually expanded, leaving an indelible record in the form of cosmic background radiation that scientists are now capable of measuring.
2. The Sumerians
Sumerians were one of the earliest civilizations to make significant contributions to world culture, living from approximately 4100 BCE until 1750 BCE in southern Mesopotamia.
They initiated innovations in agriculture, art and religion while simultaneously pioneering early city planning techniques.
First time around, they had an effective system of government with an ensi as its leader – this position being immensely powerful.
3. The Egyptians
Egyptians pioneered written history. Their initial records consisted of hieroglyphics – images representing words or sounds – as early Egyptian records were written on papyrus scrolls.
Over Egypt’s long and turbulent history, various dynasties have come and gone. One such incident was when its central government collapsed and Hyksos took control of northern Egypt around 1720 BCE.
Even without many natural resources, Egypt was able to establish an advanced civilization on the Nile. They invented writing, architecture and art.
4. The Greeks
The Greeks established an incredible legacy of writing and history itself, leaving their mark for centuries to come through their philosophies and writing.
Greek cities were often monarchies, yet also included an elite warrior class who engaged in frequent inter-city wars.
These Greek texts differed significantly from earlier cuneiform records by including analysis. Herodotus’ History stands out as an early example, becoming one of the world’s best-known ancient books.
5. The Romans
Romans were an extremely influential empire that played an instrumental role in starting history off right, yet were not known for being great innovators themselves; most often recreating Greek statues, theater performances and literary pieces without creating much in their own right.
During the Regal Period of Roman history, there was conflict between patrician and plebian classes and attempts at reform were often squashed (such as Gaius Gracchus’ and Caligula’s reform efforts). However, under Constantine (324-307) there was increased stability and peace throughout Roman society.
6. The Middle Ages
At Charlemagne’s coronation on Christmas Day 800 CE, Europe entered an era of relative stability. Cash transactions revived, leading to economic expansion throughout its cities and towns.
Peasants enjoyed access to “common” lands that provided firewood and grazing, along with education opportunities – even women could attend universities! Yet this period witnessed constant warring between invaders from beyond Europe and within.
7. The Renaissance
Historians typically consider the Renaissance period an era of great cultural advancement across Europe. It gave birth to arts such as sculpture and painting as well as humanism as a philosophy.
At this point in Europe’s history, the Black Death had major repercussions and caused people to question their religion, leading to discoveries by pioneers like Columbus.
8. The Enlightenment
In the eighteenth century, thinkers shared a passion for intellectual progress and believed it could greatly advance human life. Scientific discoveries inspired deism and doubt about religious doctrine.
Empiricism’s rise as the basis of science was one of the hallmarks of Enlightenment. Alongside that came calls for liberty, equality and individual rights within politics – ideas which continue to shape modern society today.
9. The Industrial Revolution
Histories have long pondered what happened prior to recorded history. Modern paleontology and archeology took hold during the nineteenth century, giving rise to modern anthropology as well.
The Industrial Revolution represented a shift away from an economy dependent on agriculture and handicraft production towards one dependent on factories and mass production, creating economic prosperity while simultaneously leading to pollution and poor working conditions.
10. World War II
After the devastation of World War I, residual animus over its terms led to Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers’ Party emerging as leaders of an emerging Third Reich. Soon afterwards, Adolf Hitler launched a lightning war that quickly brought in America as well.
Modern history covers everything that has happened since 1945. Use these resources to gain more insight into this pivotal era in history.
