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2.2 million years ago
The Paleolithic Age, also known as the Old Stone Age, is the earliest period of human history During this time, early humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on stone tools, fire, and simple shelters for survival. They lived in small, mobile groups, developed basic social structures, and began to use art, such as cave paintings, to express themselves. The end of the Paleolithic Age marks the transition to the Neolithic Age with the advent of agriculture. -
C. 1.7 - 1 million years ago. Early humans learned to control fire. Fire provided warmth, protection from predators, and a way to cook food, making it easier to digest and unlocking more nutrients. It also enabled social gatherings, fostering communication and cooperation. -
C. 1.8 mil - 60,000 years ago. Early human species began migrating out of Africa into Asia, Europe, and beyond. This global migration spread human populations across the world, leading to adaptation to diverse environments. It set the stage for the development of regional cultures and genetic diversity. -
C. 200,000 - 50,000 years ago: Early humans developed complex communication systems, which likely included spoken language. Language allowed for the transmission of knowledge, improved coordination during hunting and gathering, and laid the foundation for culture, storytelling, and more complex social structures. -
C. 2.2 million years ago. Early humans began crafting simple stone tools, like sharp-edged flakes and hand axes. This marks the beginning of technology. Stone tools allowed early humans to hunt, process food, and defend themselves, directly contributing to their survival and eventual development into more advanced societies. -
The transition from hunting and gathering to farming marked the beginning of the Neolithic era. People began cultivating crops like wheat and barley and domesticating animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. This shift allowed for more stable food supplies and the development of settled communities. -
Around 10,000 BCE, the Ice Age ended, leading to a warmer and more stable climate. Glaciers retreated, and new ecosystems emerged, including grasslands and forests. This climate shift allowed for the spread of plants and animals, which humans could exploit for food and other resources -
The city of Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its history dates back to around 10,000 BCE, making it over 12,000 years old. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jericho was already a thriving settlement during the Neolithic period. The city is famous for its ancient walls, which are some of the earliest examples of defensive structures, dating back to around 8000 BCE. Jericho’s long history spans many different civilizations. -
The Neolithic Age, or New Stone Age, lasted from around 10,000 BCE to about 3,000 BCE. It marks the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. People began domesticating animals, cultivating crops, and building permanent homes. This shift led to population growth, the development of trade, and the rise of early villages and complex societies, setting the foundation for modern civilization.
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Significant technological innovations, including polished stone tools for farming and hunting. Pottery was developed for storing food and water, which was essential for sedentary lifestyles and trade. -
The beginning of weaving and the creation of textiles. Early humans began to weave fibers from plants and animals into cloth, which they used for clothing and shelter. This skill emerged in places like the east and China and played a key role in daily life and trade. -
Humans began constructing large stone monuments, known as megaliths. These structures were likely used for ceremonial or religious purposes and demonstrate advanced understanding of architecture and astronomy. -
The Bronze Age, occurring from around 3,300 BCE to 1,200 BCE, saw the widespread use of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) for tools, weapons, and art. This period marked significant advancements in technology, trade, and social organization. Complex societies emerged, with cities, writing systems, and organized governments. Important civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, flourished during this time.
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The Old Kingdom is often referred to as the "Age of the Pyramids." During this period, the pharaohs established strong centralized power, which allowed for the construction of massive pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza. The Old Kingdom ended due to a combination of political instability, economic decline, and a series of weak rulers. -
The Great Pyramids of Giza were built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom period.
The pyramids were built as monumental tombs for these pharaohs, serving as a means to honor and protect them in the afterlife. -
Babylon was established around 2300 BCE. It began as a small Akkadian town during the early dynastic period of Mesopotamia but grew in prominence under the reign of King Hammurabi -
thought to have been written down around 2100 BC, the Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known pieces of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamia. It tells the story of Gilgamesh, the historical king of the Sumerian city-state of Uruk (thought to have reigned around 2700 BCE), and his journey to find immortality. -
The Middle Kingdom is often called the "Classical Age" of ancient Egypt. The Middle Kingdom saw the reunification of Egypt under Pharaoh Mentuhotep II. This period is marked by stability, a flourishing of arts and literature, and the expansion of Egypt’s influence into Nubia and the Levant. The Middle Kingdom ended with another period of instability. -
The code consists of 282 laws that were inscribed on a stone stele and placed in public locations for all to see. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including family law, property law, trade, and criminal justice. -
The New Kingdom is considered Egypt's most prosperous and powerful period. It marked the height of Egypt’s territorial expansion. During this era, Egypt became a dominant power in the ancient world, and Egypt’s culture, architecture, and military prowess flourished. The period saw the construction of massive temples and tombs, including the Valley of the Kings. The New Kingdom ended due to internal strife, invasions and the gradual decline of centralized authority