How Culture and Cultures Changed from 3000 BCE to 1500 CE

Mesopotamia

3600 BCE

Credited as one of the first true cities, and an incredibly important area all around, Mesopotamia brought forth countless new ideas, practices, and technologies. Known as the Fertile Cresent, Mesopotamia made great advancements in agriculture, math, science, and many more. They also had advanced writing systems that were pivotal as well.

Old Kingdom Egypt

2686 BCE

One of the most impressive ancient cultures began to rise around 3000 BCE, the Old Kingdom of Egypt. A fertile location on the Nile River helped the kingdom grow prosperous, allowing for them to build one of the largest cultural icons of the times, the Pyramids of Egypt. Egypt is not only prized for the pyramids, but also for having the most extensive and thorough records of the era, giving Historians worldwide, priceless information about their culture.

Judaism & The Hebrews

1600 BCE

Ancient Judaism began as a bit of a mix between similar Judean and Israelite populations. The 6th century brought change to Judaism after the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. This era marks a significant change for Judaism and monotheism. Monotheism is one of the biggest changes to human culture, and Judaism with its moral guidelines sets a precedent for future religions.

Christianity

30

One of the biggest cultural shifts of all time begins with the Jewish Jesus of Nazareth, the prophesized Messiah spreading a new message of religion that changes not only monotheistic religion, but countless societies, cultures, countries, and more for millennia. It is now the largest religion in the world with almost 3 billion followers, cementing its place of cultural significance.

The Renaissance

1300

The Renaissance is another massive cultural shift that enables future periods of wealth and growth across Western Civilization. Concepts like Economies, Patronage, and the vast wealth of the Medicis changed much across Europe inspiring advancements in art, music, astronomy, math, other sciences, and more, and vast learning opportunities become available for more than just the wealthy

The Black Death

1347

The worst plague in history wiped out millions of people across Eurasia and set the scene for a huge cultural shift across all nations and social classes. The mass death led to famine, political unrest, and violent outbreaks. There was also a dramatic, morbid shift in literature, arts, and dramas making the mood remain dark and pessimistic for many.

The Printing Press

1450

The printing press is easily one of the most significant inventions from the Renaissance, if not all of the time. The printing press changed cultures, social classes, religion, and even the documentation of history. It changed the world in many ways, making literacy, learning, and literature into the powerful icons they are now.

Age of Exploration and Discovery

1492

Another period with a massive impact that changes the world that comes after the discovery of the existence of a Western Hemisphere. Europeans had been under the impression, mostly due to the bible and lack of geographical knowledge, that they were the only humans on the planet. The discovery of indigenous people and the New World changed the culture of both hemispheres.

The Columbian Exchange

1500

Brought forth by the discovery of the New World and a Western Hemisphere, the Colombian Exchange brought goods from the Eastern to the Western Hemisphere, introducing new species, crops, and goods to each. The Western Hemisphere got cows, horses, pigs, and many other animals and the Eastern Hemisphere gained vast wealth from many new crops and goods as well.

The Protestant Reformation

1517

The Protestant Reformation is considered one of the most important events in world history, not just religious history, making it another significant cultural event. Not only did the Reformation completely change Christianity, but it also started the formation of nation-states which we still use today. Brought to be by the Renaissance and the Printing Press, the Reformation's new interpretations of the Bible changed almost every culture around the world in both good and bad ways.

Cultural Changes in Western Civilization

Period: 3000 to 1500

The culture of the Western Civilization changed dramatically during this time period as everything from government, bureaucracy, monarchy, religion, agriculture, scholarship, math, science, economies, money, written language, books, and literature all changed and grew into what the concept of Western Civilization now is. Religion is one of the biggest precursors to cultural change and humanity has grown and changed in positive and negative ways because of it. Overall, everything is important.