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3300 BCE
The Earliest Civilization to Date - Sumer
Sumer is the oldest civilization we currently know of, it existed from 3,300 BCE to 2,200 BCE. Sumer was a collection of 12 city-states that were located close to the Persian Gulf. They developed Cuniform, the earliest form of writing, and were polytheistic, which means they believed in more than one god. -
2600 BCE
Harappans
The Harrapan society are a mysterious civilization that we know very little about. Their cities were built in a grid-like manner with straight lines, sewer systems, irrigation, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing. They were a peaceful society and did not have many weapons or an army. Nobody knows how they came to an end. -
2550 BCE
Pyramids of Giza were built
The Pyramids of Giza are what most people think of when they imagine Eygypt, and many believe they are the first pyramids built.They were actually not the first to be built, Djoser was the first. These pyramids were built for Khufu, khafre, and Menkaure. -
2300 BCE
First Empire Established
The first empire was started by Sargon the Great. It was called Akkad. It united the Akkadian state and the Sumerian state under one ruler. -
1500 BCE
Aryans
Indo-Europeans that hailed formed the Caucus Mountains, they are believed to have been one of the first early civilizations to have light skin. They conquered much of Europe and Asia. -
1500 BCE
Olmec
The Olmec are the earliest American civilizTion that we know of. They are called the "Mother Culture" because many other civilizations borrowed from the Olmec. -
1450 BCE
Egypt Enters it's Golden Age
Also known as the Middle Kingdom, this was Eygpt's most prosperous time. They advanced rapidly and created art, amazing architecture, and developed a trading system. Their culture was so rich and advanced that invaders that tried to conquer the Egyptians converted to the "Egyptian Way"! -
475 BCE
Warring States Period
The Warring States Period was inbetween the Shang and Zhou dynasties and was a time where all the provinces/states/clans of China were battling for the power to rule China. This lasted for almost 300 years. The Zhou clan eventually won and ushered in a new dynastic period for China. -
220 BCE
The Great Wall of China is Built
While the most iconic and remembered wall was built by Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wall is actually a series of walls built by several generations of rulers. The first walls were built out of packed dirt and mud, while a long while later it was made from the bricks we picture today. The first wall was built in 771 BC. -
206 BCE
Last "Ancient" Dynasty of China
The Han dynasty is considered one of the last ancient dynasties, it lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD. During this time China focused on creating a strong and civil government. Porcelain and paper were invented during this time. They also embraced Confucianism, literature, and poetry. -
196 BCE
Rosetta Stone is Carved
The Rosetta Stone is an ancient stone tablet found in Egypt with an ancient story written on it in threes different languages. Those languages are Greek, Hieroglyphics, and Demotic. This tablet is largey the reason why we understand Hieroglyphics today. -
Babylon
Babylon is an iconic ancient empire due to the city's massive walls that surround it. Nebuchadnezzar re-established Babylon in 2,300 BC and built the walls and moat to protect the city.
