History week #2

Prehistoric Europe

1. Paleolithic Era: Early humans appeared around 48,000 years ago.
2. Neolithic Revolution: Agriculture spread from the southeast, leading to permanent settlements and megalithic structures like Stonehenge.
3. Bronze & Iron Ages: Metallurgy and tribal societies emerged, laying the groundwork for future civilizations.

Classical Antiquity (800 BC – AD 500)

1. Ancient Greece: Birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and Western art and science.
2. Roman Empire: Unified much of Europe under Roman law, infrastructure, and culture. Its fall in AD 476 marked the end of antiquity.
3. Middle Ages (AD 500–1500)
4. Early Middle Ages: Fragmentation after Rome’s fall; rise of the Frankish Empire and Islamic rule in Iberia.
5. High Middle Ages: Feudalism, Crusades, and the flourishing of Gothic architecture and scholasticism.
6. Late Middle Ages: Plague, Mongol invasions, and social upheaval. The Renaissance began to stir in Italy.

Renaissance & Early Modern Era (1500–1800)

1. Renaissance: Revival of classical learning, art, and science.
2. Reformation: Religious fragmentation led to wars and new denominations.
3. Age of Discovery: European powers colonized much of the world, bringing wealth and conflict
4. Modern Era (1800–Present)
5. Industrial Revolution: Transformed economies, societies, and urban life.
6. Age of Revolutions: Political upheavals reshaped monarchies and empires.
7. World Wars: Devastated the continent but also led to major technological and political shifts.
8. European Union: Post-WWII efforts toward unity and peace culminated in the EU, reshaping Europe’s political landscape.