Thinking About Chronology (AP World History)

  • 3500 BCE

    Sumer (Mesopotamia)

    3500–3000 B.C.E. - The first known civilization in southern Mesopotamia. Developed the earliest writing system, cites, and organized states.
  • 3400 BCE

    Nubia

    3400–3200 B.C.E. - It was an African civilization that traded with Egypt and had its own cultural and political systems.
  • 3100 BCE

    Egypt (Nile River Valley)

    3100 B.C.E. - Ancient Egypt developed a centralized government under pharaohs and became known for its monumental architecture, including the construction of pyramids.
  • 2999 BCE

    Norte Chico (Peru)

    3000–1800 B.C.E. - Coastal civilization with 25 urban centers. Had no writing or grain agriculture, but used fishing and traded cotton.
  • 2999 BCE

    Indus Valley Civilization

    3000–1700 B.C.E. - It featured advanced city planning, uniform architecture, and an undeciphered written script. However, there were no clear rulers or temples found.
  • 2200 BCE

    Oxus Civilization

    2200–1700 B.C.E. - The Oxus civilization was a lesser-known society. It had fortified cities and an aristocratic social structure. It did not develop a writing system, but they traded with different parts or Europe and Asia.
  • 2200 BCE

    Early Chinese Civilization

    2200 B.C.E. - The first dynasties in China. They used oracle bones for divination, developed advanced bronze technology, and believed that the ruler was the “Son of Heaven."
  • 1499 BCE

    Egypt Becomes an Imperial State

    1500 B.C.E. - Egypt expands into Africa and the Middle East, using chariot warfare and establishing diplomatic relations with other empires.
  • 1200 BCE

    Olmec Civilization

    1200–400 B.C.E. - The first known civilization in Mesoamerica. It was known for giant stone heads and the earliest writing system in the Americas.
  • 1200 BCE

    Sanxingdui

    1200 B.C.E. - A separate urban culture from Shang China, with impressive bronze artifacts and religious objects.