1. Don’t Blink or you will miss a thousand years
World History 10,000 BC through the 13th century

2. Early Humans
The first of the modern humans appeared in East Africa around 130,000 years ago.
By 10,000 B.C. modern humans reached six of the seven continents
These humans lived a nomadic lifestyle, and survived on a high fat/high protein diet.
Early humans had the ability to create tools out of stone and wood, clothes, and even create fire. This was due to the increased size of the human brain.

3. Invention of Farming and the Formation of Civilization
By 10,000 B.C. in the fertile Crescent humans began to develop systems of farming.
Most early farming settlements were near bodies of water.
As farming settlements and the food supply grew the need for a nomadic lifestyle decreased.
Farming settlements grew into large cities, thus creating civilizations.
All civilizations need the following to be considered civilizations. Government, Religion, Security, and Service industries. All early civilizations were located near coasts or large river systems

4. Mesopotamians and the Civilizations of the Fertile Crescent
Sumerians- Lived in Sumer (modern day Iraq) near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. They built massive temples and cities, invented writing, and trading networks. Destroyed by the Babylonians
Babylonians- Lived in the city of Babylon. Created a large empire from the Mediterranean Sea to Iran. Created basic laws based on the Eye for an Eye principle. Defeated by the Persians.
Hittites- The Hittites were a large group of fierce warriors from modern day Turkey. The Hittites are credited with utilizing one of the first chariots in warfare. The Hittites were destroyed by the sea peoples.
Assyrians: The Assyrians lived in northern Iraq and Syria. The Assyrians are credited with first using Iron weapons, building libraries, and building dams. They were defeated by the Babylonians
Israelites: The Israelites were a proud and strong nation in the lands of Israel and Judea. The Israelites were known for being strong warriors, and their capital city of Jerusalem. Being a small nation the Israelites were often at war with the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.
Phoenicians: The Phoenicians were a seafaring people based out of the city of Tyre. The Phoenicians created a large trading network throughout the Mediterranean Sea, and they even created the colony of Carthage in North Africa.

5. Egyptian Empire 3100 BC – 1069 BC
The Ancient Egyptians settled along the northern Nile River in modern day Egypt.
The Egyptians were the most advanced people of their time. They created the Pyramids, massive temples, and an advanced writing system (hieroglyphics).
The Egyptians were ruled by Pharaoh's who were viewed as God Kings. Many siblings would marry each other to maintain pure blood lines.
The Egyptians created a vast empire stretching from Egypt to Turkey, as the Egyptian military was the best in the world. Eventually the Egyptians were conquered by the Assyrians and Persians.

6. Persian Empire 550 BC – 330 BC
The Persian Empire was a vast Empire stretching from Iran to Egypt, and up to Turkey.
The greatest of all the Persian leaders was Cyrus the Great who expanded Persian Territory into western Asia.
The Persians were known for their lavish temples, ceremonies, and extensive trading networks in Asia, Europe, and Africa. As a result, the Persians were extremely wealthy
The Persians often went to war with the Greeks over trading routes. The Persians were eventually destroyed by Alexander the Great.

7. Ancient Hellas Part 1
The Ancient Greeks lived on the Greek peninsula. Most early Greeks were fisherman or farmers.
Early Greeks were known as the Mycenaean's who famously fought the city of Troy during the Trojan War. The Mycenaean’s were destroyed by the Sea Peoples leading to the Dark Ages
The people of ancient Greece lived in City States, or cities that were their own individual country.
Athens: Society based on democracy. The Athenians prided themselves on advancing human knowledge through the sciences and philosophy. Maintained a large navy.
Sparta: Society based on the warrior way of life. Sparta created the worlds first professional army, and utilized the phalanx battle formation.
The Spartans and Athenians often fought each other when they were not fighting the Persians

8. Ancient Hellas Part II
In 339 BC King Phillip II of Macedon, invaded and conquered Greece. He was the first person to unite Greece.
After Phillip was assassinated in 336 BC, his 20 year old son Alexander took control. Alexander was an experienced commander and leader as his father had given him commanding roles since he was 15.
Within ten years Alexander conquered all of Persia, Egypt, and parts of northern India. He won all but one battle which was at Hydaspes in India. After a failed Indian campaign, Alexander became sick and died in 323 at age 33 leaving no legitimate heirs to his throne.
Alexander’s Empire was divided up among his generals thus beginning the Hellenistic Era.

10. Ancient Rome Part 1 509 BC – 27 BC
The city of Rome was founded on the banks of the Tiber River in Italy by Remus and Romulus.
Early Rome was ruled by Kings until the formation of the Republic in 509. In Rome the citizens elected the Senate who in turn made the laws. Every once in a while a dictator would take control during times of war.
The Romans created aqueducts, large temples, sewer systems, and public baths. By the end of the Republic, Rome was the largest city in the world.
The Roman military was the largest and most powerful in the world, as they conquered most of western Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. They easily defeated the Carthaginians, and Greeks.
In the last years of the Republic, Julius Caesar came to power. Caesar was very popular with the people of Rome but many Senators were afraid of Caesar and decided to assassinate him in 44 BC.

11. Ancient Rome Part 2 27 BC – 476 AD
The Roman Empire was created in 27 BC when Caesar’s nephew Augustus declared himself Emperor.
The Empire was characterized by military expansion, lavish celebrations, massive constructions projects, and the rule of the Emperors
Some Emperors were considered good (Hadrian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, and Augustus). There were also many bad emperors (Caligula, Nero, Domitian, and Commodus).
In 285 AD the Roman Empire split into two separate governing bodies (East, West).
In 476 AD after years of invasions into the Western Empire, and the declining strength of the Emperor, the Western Empire fell.
During the Roman Empire, Christianity came into existence after the death of the Jesus of Nazareth. Many early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs.

12. Medieval Europe Part 1 476 AD - 1000 AD
Following the end of the Roman Empire Europe entered the dark ages for nearly five hundred years.
Barbarian raids were very common during this time period, with the Vikings being the most feared.
In the year 800 Charlemagne the Great created the new Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of France.
Christianity becomes the most popular religion on Europe, and the Catholic Church becomes the most powerful institution in Europe.

13. Medieval Europe Part 2 1000 AD – 1300 AD
Late Medieval Europe was dominated by the Kings and Queens of England, France, Spain, Scotland, Italy, Scandinavia and the Holy Roman Empire.
People of Medieval Europe lived under the rules of feudalism which is a system of government based on loyalty.
In 1095 the first Crusade was launched, and for the next 250 years many other crusades were created in an effort to retake the holy land. The Crusades ended in failure.
Everyday medieval life was considered to be dull and humble.