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618
Tang and Song Dynasties (618-1279
The Tang and the Song Dynasties, together, make up China's Golden age. There was a great deal of commercial and urban development during the Song Dynasty, including the development of paper money and gunpowder, as well as the beginning of cottage industries and cash crops sold not to be eaten (tea), instead of just growing necessary crops. While the population was concentrated in north China during the Tang Dynasty, it shifted down below the Yangtze RIver as the period progressed. -
750
Abbasid Caliphate (750-1517)
The Abbasid Caliphate was the dynasty ruling over the peak of the Islamic Empire. It covered the Middle East, western Africa, and northeast Asia. During the beginning, until in 1258 when the capital was taken by the Mongols and the Abbasids moved to Egypt, the Empire was in peace. There were a great deal of technological and research advances, specifically in science, math, and medical areas. In 1261, the Abbasids retook the Caliphate and continued ruling from Cairo until 1517. -
800
Feudalism in Europe (c. 800 - c. 1200)
During the Middle Ages, feudalism was the political and military system that oversaw social classes, power, and land distribution. It worked in conjunction with the Manor System. The Crown would give the nobles land in exchange for money and military protection, the nobles would let the knights and vassals live on their land in exchange for protection, and the knights and vassals would protect the peasants, who would work and farm for them. -
1206
Mongol Empire (1206-1368)
The Mongol Empire was the largest continuous empire ever (9 million square miles), and second largest empire after the British. It was founded by Genghis Khan, and covered most of Asia. It was well known for the Silk Roads, trading routes that spanned through the empire and all the way to Europe, as well as it's remarkable military. The empire also had many technology advances. -
1206
Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526)
The Delhi sultanate was a Muslim empire that ruled northern India for three centuries. Five dynasties ruled over this timespan, and it is well known for destroying many Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, but also for the beginning of many distinctive Indian architecture styles, such as domes. The Qutb Minar, the tallest minaret in India, was built during the sultanate. It also successfully fought off the Mongols, which was very difficult and uncommon during this time period. -
1240
Mali Empire (1240-1645)
The Mali Empire, which was founded by Sundiata Keita in c. 1235, ruled in West Africa and was known for having particularly wealthy leaders, such as Mansa Musa. Because of the centralized government and powerful, disciplined army, the Empire flourished into what was the largest empire yet in Africa. This was supplemented by the trade routes the Empire controlled, which allowed them to take advantage of the materials flowing through their trading posts. They also spread Islam over the area. -
1279
Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368)
The Yuan Dynasty was founded by Kublai Khan, who led the Mongol Empire. It eventually fell due to rebellion due largely to the dynasty straying too far from the original Mongol culture it came from, leading to the Ming Dynasty. The Yuan Dynasty was the first to move the capital to Beijing. It also rebuilt the Grand Canal and improved the roads and post services in China, which helped boost trade. It was the shortest lasting major dynasty. -
1299
Ottoman Empire (1299-1923)
The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history. It was Islamic, although it was seen as relatively tolerant of other religions, and ruled across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. The empire is largely regarded as having been very stable and secure, and was a source of many scientific and cultural achievements. The empire's power began to decline beginning in the 17th century, and after WWI it lost a lot of territory, -
1300
Mesoamerican Empires
The Inca Empire was located in Cuzco Valley, in the Andes Mountains from c. 1400 to 1533. They were well known for their roads, messengers that could send messages 250 miles in a day, and their architecture. The Aztec existed in what would become modern-day Mexico from c. 1300 to 1521. They developed roads, like the Inca, as well as chinampas (floating gardens) and impressive irrigation systems. Both were polythiestic, and both fell to Spanish conquistadors (Pizarro and Cortez). -
1347
Bubonic Plague (1347-1353)
The Bubonic Plague, or Black Death, was an epidemic that devastated Europe and Asia, and killed an estimate of up to 200 million people. It was transmitted by fleas that traveled on rats, and made worse by the lack of sanitation or proper medical technology during the time period. It was extremely contagious and fast-acting. The increased trading of the time period allowed it to spread, and it decimated cities across Europe and Asia. -
1368
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
The Ming Dynasty was the dynasty that ruled China after the Yuan, ad was known for the population growth, increased trading with the western world, and its literature. It was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, who would become Emperor Taizu. Like the Mongols, the empire had impressive military capabilities and strong authority. The empire began trading increasingly with Europe, exporting silk and introducing new foods and other items into China. -
1400
Age of Exploration (15-17th centuries)
The Age of Exploration, or Age of Discovery, was a period in which many European explorers sailed around the globe, looking for new land and trading routes. Most looked to spread religion, find riches, and increase their territory. It was during this time period that the Americas were discovered. Spain (conquistadors), Britain, and France were particularly successful during this time. New goods were exchanged and navigation improved, but many indigenous populations were decimated. -
1400
European Renaissance (15th-17th centuries)
The European Renaissance was a period of great development and "rebirth," in everything from culture and art to political and economical growth. Many of history's most influential philosophers, artists, authors, and scientists lived and made their contributions during this time. This was the time when Europe escaped the Dark Ages and moved into modern times. Religion also became more diverse as literacy improved, and Catholicism was no longer the only religion. -
1517
The Protestant Reformation (1517- c.1600)
The Reformation was a period of change, in which Europeans began to doubt the Catholic Church. Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin spoke out against the Church, and Protestant Christianity split off from Catholicism. Protestants argued that the Catholic Church was interpreting the Bible incorrectly, and said that pastors should be allowed to read it. The period was marked by wars and upheaval. -
1526
Mughal Empire (1526-1857)
The Mughal Dynasty was a Muslim empire that covered northern India. It was known for its consistently exemplary leaders and for its attempt to unite the Hindus and Muslims into one peaceful state. The empire was formed by Babur, a Chagatai Turkic prince descended from Genghis Khan. The dynasty successfully consolidated the Islamic religion and spread its arts and culture. -
Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1867)
The Tokugawa Shogunate, also known as the Edo period, was the last period of traditional Japan. It was a prosperous time, marked by peace, stability, and economic growth. The Shogunate was formed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. During this time period, Japan had a strict social hierarchy with four classes - warriors, farmers, artisans, and merchants. The Shogunate was largely cut off from outsiders and any time of foreign influence, going so far to forbid travel abroad. -
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
The Qing Dynasty was the last of China's dynasties. The early years of the dynasty were rather prosperous, but it ended with conflict and turmoil. Emperor Shunzhi founded the dynasty after the Manchurians defeated the Ming Dynasty. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong were very influential leaders of the dynasty, with the former cutting taxes and reducing governmental corruption, and the latter being unusually disinterested and ruling, preferring to work to preserve Manchu culture.
