Influential Civilizations

  • Period: 12,000 BCE to 100

    Mesopotamia

    Mesopotamia built the world's first cities and developed the world's oldest known political systems. Mesopotamia was mostly centered around present-day Iraq. They were the first people to develop agriculture and had a large impact on writing, technology, language, trade, religion, and law.
  • Period: 3100 BCE to 30 BCE

    The Egyptians

    The Egyptians had big advances in math, art and science. The Egyptians created the number system that we use today, they also created better irrigation systems. The Egyptians used things that Mesopotamia created and made it better.
  • Period: 1200 BCE to 323 BCE

    The Greeks

    The Greeks were very influential, and they considered themselves geniuses. They made important contributions to philosophy, math, astronomy, and medicine. The Greeks valued literature and theater which influenced modern-day drama.
  • Period: 900 BCE to 371 BCE

    The Spartans

    The Spartans were known for their on-land combat, and they were known for being a warrior society, that was unlike the other Greek cities at this time. The Spartans would train from the time they were seven to the time that they died, they would make everything a training exercise, such as proposing the man would need to go into her home and kidnap her, or they were encouraged to try and sneak food but if they were caught they were punished for being caught not for the theft.
  • Period: 625 BCE to 476

    The Romans

    The Romans took influence from the Greeks, but they also created some amazing architecture. The Romans conquered and integrated dozens of cultures.
  • Period: 550 BCE to 330 BCE

    The Persians

    The Persians established regular routes of communication through Africa, Asia, and Europe. They also built new roads and developed the first postal service. They are known for their intricate metalwork and their amazing architecture.
  • Period: 509 BCE to 27 BCE

    The Roman Republic

    In the Roman Republic, they had a representative democracy in the form of a republic. Rome's wealthiest families held power and they were the only ones allowed to run for office. The Roman Republic had hard-working farmers and good laws.
  • Period: 508 BCE to 404 BCE

    The Athens

    Athens was a center for democracy, arts, education, and philosophy. They valued the intelligence of their peers rather than their brute strength. Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy.
  • Period: 632 to 661

    The Muslims

    Their are many of our present-day words that originate from Arabic, such as algebra and alcohol. They also made big advancements in astronomy, zoology, geography, math, navigation, architecture, and technology.
  • Period: 1206 to 1368

    The Mongols

    The Mongols reopened the Silk Road, connecting Europe to China for the first time since the collapse of the Roman Empire. The Mongols also introduced gunpowder and other weapons into Europe.