BSED Major in Social Studies 2

Historical Dates

Ancient Civilizations (Before 500 AD)

1. 4000 BC - Invention of the Wheel (Mesopotamia): One of the oldest technologies, essential for transport and pottery, first developed in Sumer.

2. 3500 BC - Development of Hieroglyphics (Egypt): An advanced writing system combining logographic and alphabetic elements, used in sacred texts.

3. 3000 BC - Indus Valley Civilization Emerges (India): Known for advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and trade; major cities included Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

4. 2560 BC - Construction of the Great Pyramid (Egypt): Built during Pharaoh Khufu's reign, it's one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

5. 221 BC - Qin Shi Huang Unifies China: Establishes the first centralized empire in China, laying foundations for the Great Wall and unifying Chinese script.

6. 146 BC - Roman Conquest of Greece: Marks Rome's dominance over Greece, heavily influencing Roman culture, politics, and philosophy.

7. 44 BC - Assassination of Julius Caesar (Rome): His assassination on the Ides of March leads to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus.

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Middle Ages (500-1500 AD)

1. 527 AD - Byzantine Empire Reaches its Height under Justinian: Justinian I’s reign sees the codification of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis) and the construction of Hagia Sophia.

2. 570 AD - Birth of Muhammad (Islam): Founder of Islam, Muhammad's teachings lead to the formation of a vast Islamic empire and profound cultural impact.

3. 711 AD - Moorish Conquest of Spain: Muslims from North Africa conquer much of the Iberian Peninsula, introducing advanced science, culture, and architecture.

4. 800 AD - Coronation of Charlemagne (Holy Roman Empire): Charlemagne is crowned Emperor, symbolizing the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements in Europe.

5. 1066 AD - Norman Conquest of England: Led by William the Conqueror, this conquest reshapes English culture, language, and political structures.

6. 1095 AD - First Crusade Begins: Launched by Pope Urban II to reclaim Jerusalem, sparking centuries of religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.

7. 1347 AD - Black Death Pandemic (Europe): Bubonic plague devastates Europe, killing roughly a third of the population and drastically impacting social and economic structures.

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Early Modern Period (1500-1800 AD)

1. 1494 AD - Treaty of Tordesillas (Europe): Divides the New World between Spain and Portugal, shaping colonial empires.

2. 1517 AD - Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (Protestant Reformation): Sparks religious reform in Europe, leading to the split from the Catholic Church and the rise of Protestantism.

3. 1521 AD - Ferdinand Magellan’s Circumnavigation: His expedition becomes the first to circumnavigate the globe, proving Earth’s roundness and marking a new age of exploration.

4. 1588 AD - Defeat of the Spanish Armada (England): England’s victory under Queen Elizabeth I cements it as a major naval power.

5. 1607 AD - Jamestown Established (Virginia, USA): First permanent English settlement in North America, laying the groundwork for future American colonies.

6. 1649 AD - Execution of King Charles I (England): His execution signals the end of the monarchy, leading to England’s brief republican period under Oliver Cromwell.