Unit One Timeline

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  • Ice Age
    11,700 BCE

    Ice Age

    This was a long period of reduction of temperature within the Earth's surface and atmosphere. This resulted in the expansion of continental and polar ice sheets.
  • Paleolithic Age
    10,000 BCE

    Paleolithic Age

    Also known as the "old stone age" this is where humans developed stone tools. Humans also started to evolve into modern humans. They lived in little huts or tepees and were hunters and gatherers.
  • Mesopotamia
    8000 BCE

    Mesopotamia

    Often referred to as "the cradle of civilization" this is because some of the most influential cities, states, and empires emerged here. This area now is considered eastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and most of Iraq.
  • Neolithic Age
    7000 BCE

    Neolithic Age

    This is also referred to as the "new stone age." A time period where humans were beginning to settle to a human lifestyle. They have learned to take care of plants and how to cook animals for food. People learned how to farm and not only rely on hunting and gathering.
  • "The Wheel"
    4200 BCE

    "The Wheel"

    Sumerian people inserted rotating axles in solid discs of wood. This was a huge innovation because it contributed to the transportation of materials and people.
  • Cuneiform System
    3500 BCE

    Cuneiform System

    A writing system that uses several symbols to create languages. This has allowed for the creation of literature.
  • Base 60-number system
    3100 BCE

    Base 60-number system

    A numerical system in which they use the number 60 as the base number. Passed down to ancient Babylonians. Measures time, angles, and geographic coordinates.
  • The old kingdom
    2649 BCE

    The old kingdom

    The ruler of Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, claimed to have divine power. Ruled through viziers and bureaucracy. The pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs, as they were seen as gods.
  • The Great Pyramid
    2540 BCE

    The Great Pyramid

    The largest Egyptian pyramid. It served as the tomb for pharaoh Khufu who ruled during the fourth dynasty in the old kingdom. 481 feet tall and took many years to build.
  • Code of Hammurabi
    1792 BCE

    Code of Hammurabi

    One of the oldest law codes in the world. Written on a stone in cuneiform. Babylon Hammurabi wrote it. This code includes many harsh punishments and economic provisions.
  • Middle Kingdom
    1782 BCE

    Middle Kingdom

    This was a period of expansion. They sent traders to Kush, Syria, Mesopotamia and Crete. Pharaohs were expected to build public works and provide welfare. A canal connected the Nile river and Red sea.
  • Lunar Calendar
    1780 BCE

    Lunar Calendar

    This was based on natural time intervals that characterize the progression of the sun. Tracks the cycle of the seasons and the motion of the moon in the heavens.
  • New Kingdom
    1650 BCE

    New Kingdom

    Hyksos defeated the middle Kingdom. Egypt has become the most dominant power. It was a period of economic prosperity. Egyptians learned how to use bronze for tools and weapons.
  • Shang Dynasty
    1040 BCE

    Shang Dynasty

    A Chinese royal Dynasty, that ruled the yellow river valley. Succeeded the Xia dynasty and followed by the western Zhou dynasty.
  • The Great Wall in the North
    680 BCE

    The Great Wall in the North

    Protection from people to the north. Links together the walls that others built before it. The northern border troubles China in the future.
  • Confucianism
    479 BCE

    Confucianism

    The way of virtue. The founder was Confucius. Emphasized social harmony and moral cultivation. Influenced social structure, education and family ethics.
  • Daoism
    450 BCE

    Daoism

    The way of nature. The founder was Laozi. This influenced Chinese art, literature, and spirituality. Promoted simplicity, spontaneity, and balance.
  • Zhou Dynasty
    256 BCE

    Zhou Dynasty

    A royal dynasty of China, that existed for 789 years and was the longest dynasty in Chinese history. Increased the use of bronze and the development of iron tools. Had a massive irrigation project and even invented chopsticks.
  • Qin Dynasty
    221 BCE

    Qin Dynasty

    At the end of the warring states period they established the Qin Dynasty. China's first unified state whose power was centralized instead of spreading throughout different kingdoms in the north and the south.
  • Legalism
    221 BCE

    Legalism

    The way of Law. Key contributor was Han Feizi. Emphasized efficiency and state control. significantly impacted governance in Qin Dynasty.