Time line

By Mate g
  • 9000 BCE

    Domestication of Teosinte into Corn

    Before the Mesoamerican civilizations even began, people started turning wild teosinte into maize, which became a very important crop
  • 3500 BCE

    Rise of Mesopotamian Civilization

    The first cities and writing systems appeared in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) with the Sumerians.
  • 2500 BCE

    Start of the preclasic Period Olmec Civilization in Mesoamérica

    In Mesoamérica , early complex societies began to form, setting the stage for later cultures.
  • 2334 BCE

    Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia

    Sargon of Akkad established one of the world’s first empires, uniting many Mesopotamian city-states.
  • 2000 BCE

    Flourishing of Babylonian Culture Mesopotamia

    Babylon grew as an important center of culture and law, famous later for Hammurabi’s
  • 900 BCE

    Start of the Postclassic Period (Mesoamerica) Start of the Postclassic Period (Mesoamerica)

    New cultures emerged, such as the Toltecs, Mayan kingdoms, and the Mexica (Aztec)
  • 776 BCE

    First Olympic Games in Ancient Greece

    This traditional date marks the beginning of Greek cultural events and athletic competitions.
  • 539 BCE

    Fall of Babylon

    Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, marking the end of Babylonian independence.
  • 490 BCE

    Greco-Persian Wars

    Greek city-states united to defend their lands against Persian invasions, an important chapter in Greek history.
  • 480 BCE

    Classical Period of Ancient Greece

    This “Golden Age” saw great achievements in art, philosophy, and politics in Greece.
  • 323 BCE

    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.
  • 1 BCE

    Beginning of the Classic Period (Mesoamerica)

    Large cities and centralized states like Teotihuacan and Monte Albán flourished in Mesoamerica