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Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into
maize, which became a very important crop.
Domestication of corn begins in southern Mexico, transitioning from wild teosinte to cultivated maize.
Corn becomes a staple food in
Mesoamerican diets, supporting population growth and societal complexity. -
3500 BCE – Rise of Mesopotamian Civilization
The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia with the Sumerians. -
2500 BCE – Start of the Preclassic Period
In Mesoamerica, early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures. -
Between 2334 and 2154 BCE
Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia
Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian
city-states. -
Aprox in 2000 BCE
Was the Flourishing of Babylonian Culture
Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s Code. -
776 BCE – First Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions. -
Fall of Babylon (Mesopotamia)
Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian
independence. -
Greco-Persian Wars (Ancient Greece)
Greek city-states united to defend their lands against Persian invasions, an important
chapter in Greek history. -
480–323 BCE – Classical Period of Ancient Greece
This “Golden Age” saw great achievements in art, philosophy, and politics in Greece. -
– Fall of Ancient Greece to Rome
After a series of conflicts, Rome conquered Greece, bringing an end to Greek political
independence. -
Beginning of the Classic Period (Mesoamerica)
Large cities and centralized states like Teotihuacan and Monte Albán flourished in
Mesoamerica. -
– Death of Alexander the Great (Beginning of the Hellenistic Period)
Alexander’s passing led to the spread of Greek culture across a vast area, starting the
Hellenistic era. -
~900 CE – Start of the Postclassic Period (Mesoamerica)
New cultures emerged, such as the Toltecs, Mayan kingdoms, and the Mexica (Aztec)
Empire. -
Spanish Conquest of Mesoamerica
The arrival of Spanish forces led to major changes and the end of indigenous state systems
in the region.