Chapter 1

THE FIRST HUMANS

(Prehistory-3500 BC)

This chapter provides us the view of human history and development that began
millions of years ago. Historians rely mostly on documents, written records or any
archaeological findings regarding prehistory to create pictures of the past. However no
written records exist for the prehistory of humankind. Prehistory means the time before
writing was developed, that is why most of the things we know about prehistory is just a
theory with limited evidences. The fact about prehistory depends on the archaeological
and biological evidences. These archaeological and biological evidences are used by
archaeologists, historians, and anthropologist to create theories about prehistory.

Historians divided the history of humans into two stone ages, the Palaeolithic
Age (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age).However the gradual shift or
transition from Palaeolithic and Neolithic Age is called Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone
Age). Most of the 2 million plus years of our existence as species has occurred during
the phase of Palaeolithic Age. During this lengthy phase many different kinds of specie
from the human genus has made their appearance on this phase. From Hominids to
Homo sapiens emerged in this era. Early humans has developed through the years
from learning to walk and stood upright to innovating of simple to complex tools used for
hunting and gathering food. Our early ancestors were Homo Sapiens-Sapiens, and all
the current races are descended from this subspecies. Small bands of this subspecies
lived as hunters and gatherers and later on, they developed language, rituals, and more
sophisticated tools. These innovations resulted on the rise of another Stone Age known
as Neolithic Age or “New Stone Age”. Neolithic Revolution is considered by most
historians as single most important development in human history because major
change and innovation in economic, political and social organization occurred in this
phase. From moving place to place, following the herds, and finding plants, humans in
Neolithic Age began to plant crops and domesticated animals to serve as regular food
source. They changed from nomadic way of living to settled communities. This phase
paved the way to the rise of civilizations.

Therefore I can say that it is important to study the life of the first and early
humans to have better and broad understanding of how they lived and what is the origin
of the entire human genus. It also essential to know what are the things and tools our
ancestors used and how it relates and gave way to the things we use in today’s
generation. To take part in the world, one must have basic understanding of our origin
as a species. Studying this chapter increases our appreciation of the things we have
today compared to what our ancestors used in the past. Knowing the origin and history
of human race and how they deal with their everyday lives before can affect our view of
living in today’s modern world.

Chapter 2

Western Asia and Egypt

(3500-500 BC)

This chapter is about the civilizations that emerged in Western Asia and Egypt.
Civilization depends on large permanent settlements. Neolithic Revolution paved the
way to the rise of organized communities that formed into a civilization. Fertile river
valleys that can support a large population are ideal locations for large settlements.
Highly organized societies then evolved in these regions and developed their own
civilization.

Mesopotamia, located in what is now southern Iraq, was one area where the first
civilization began. Its people developed complex economic, political, and social
structures. Such inventions as written language improved the quality of their lives. As
different groups fought for power, they set up the world’s first empires and codified their
laws. The first known people that developed the first civilization are the Sumerians who
first settled in southern Mesopotamia before settling most of the Fertile Crescent.
Meanwhile in Nile River located in northeast Africa, a civilization emerged in its river
banks. This civilization is known as the Egyptian civilization, it is considered as one of
the first river valley civilizations alongside with the Mesopotamian Civilization. The Nile
was the source of wealth of the ancient Egypt. Great Egyptian cities grew along the river
and soon Egyptian people became experts in irrigation and were able to use the water
to grow rich and profitable crops. The Nile provided food, rich soil, water, and
transportation to the Egyptians. Historians usually group the history of Egypt into three
kingdoms that includes major stability and achievement interspersed with shorter
periods of political disorders. The three kingdoms are called as Old Kingdom, Middle
Kingdom, and New Kingdom.it was during these times that the ancient Egypt was at its
peak. Egyptian society was organized with a social structure with the Pharaoh as the
highest, and most of the people worked the land.

Hence, I can say that studying this chapter is important because there a lot of things we
use today that has been invented during that time and it is important for us to know and
understand the origin of things we use today. It also gives us an insight on how these
civilizations form and organized their societies and how the modern structure of society
relate and differentiate from it. It is just right to give credit to the first civilizations for the
things they have contributed on things and current structure of society we have today. If
not for them and their innovations we might have a different world today.
Chapter 3

India and China

(3000 BC0-500 AD)

In this chapter it talks about the civilization that emerged in Eastern and Southern
Asia, the Indian and Chinese Civilization. Like the Mesopotamian and Egyptian
Civilization the Indian and Chinese civilization also emerged in river valleys. Indian
civilization emerged in the banks of Indus River. Chinese civilization emerged in the
Huang He or Yellow River and in Yangtze River. Both civilizations has their own
substantial contribution in the history of human race.

Indus River valley was the largest of the early river valley civilizations. An
extensive river system supported agriculture, the development of cities, and widespread
trade. Climate also was important Indian civilization’s agriculture and development. The
cities in this civilization was very well planned and very advanced. Major empires,
religions, political systems, and social structures evolved in Indian civilization. Indian
Civilization has many major contributions to history and in today’s world. Meanwhile, in
East Asia as in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley, China’s early civilization
followed the spread of agriculture along the river valleys. China built a civilization that
has lasted longer than any other civilization in the world. China has given the world
numerous inventions like silk, porcelain, and the use of gun powder. Major religions also
emerged in china, the Confucianism and Taoism.

Like any other civilization, it is equally important to study the Indian and Chinese
Civilization today because they have also made numerous contributions in the world.
Some of these contributions are still used in today’s modern world. Also, these
contributions linked, or the some modern things are patterned from Indian and Chinese
Civilization’s inventions. Understanding and studying the fascinating pattern of world’s
civilization helps us comprehend contemporary world affairs.
Chapter 4

Ancient Greece

(1900-133 BC)

` Chapter 4 talks about the one of most dominant civilization, the Ancient Greek
civilization. Unlike the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese civilization that
emerged in Major River valleys, the civilization in Ancient Greece did not emerged in
river valley. In fact, 80 percent of Greece is mountainous. Its geographical setup paved
the way to the development of its civilization.

During the Third Millennium B.C the island of Crete was home to one of the most
advanced civilization in Europe. The story of ancient Greek Civilization began when a
group of Greek-speaking Indo-European people moved into Greece around 1900 B.C.
The Myceneans provided the inspiration for Homer’s epics and paved the way for the
political and cultural development of Greece in the first millennium. The history of
Greece is divided by historians into three divisions, the Archaic Greece refers to the
time before the Classical Greece, in this era Greeks saw advances in art, poetry and
technology. Classical Greece is the name given to the period of Greek history around
500 B.C to the conquest of Greece by the Macedonian king Philip II. This period was
marked not only a brilliant culture but also by a disastrous war among Greeks, the
Peloponnesian war. The Hellenistic Greece covers the period of Mediterranean history
between the death of Alexander the Great and the emergence of the Roman Empire.

It is relevant to study this chapter because there are numerous contributions of

ancient Greek civilization. They have a great influence on our modern world so it is fair
enough to know the Greeks and their Civilization; they are the cradle of Western
civilization. There are many things today that is derived or can be linked to Greek
innovations. Their influence is still remarkable until today that is why it is essential to
know the origin of these things.
Chapter 5

Rome and the Rise of Christianity

(600 B.C – 500 AD)

This chapter is all about the rise of the Roman Empire and the most dominant
religion in today’s world, the Christianity. This chapter is all about the conquest of
Romans in Italy and the entire Mediterranean world. This empire was so vast that it was
then divided in to two empires later on. The Romans were conquerors but they also
governed using republican forms that have been passed down to us.

As in other civilization, geography had an impact on Rome’s development.

Rome’s location inland the Tiber River was favourable to them. The river gave Rome a
route to the sea, but it was also far enough inland to be safe from pirates. Because it
was built on seven hills it was easily defended. The Romans were practical and skilful in
politics and military matters. In 509 B.C the Romans overthrew the last Etruscan King
and established a republic. This paved the way to the beginning of a new era in Rome’s
history. Rome stood supreme in the Mediterranean Sea, but problems arose in Rome
itself. Political and Social unrest resulted to numerous civil wars, ending the Republic.
After the collapse of the republic, the senate elected and created the first triumvirate
who will rule Rome, but as time goes by problems arose within the three ruler; Crassus,
Pompey, and Julius Caesar. Caesar arose as winner as the sole ruler of the empire
among the three. After the death of Caesar a new problem rises as to who will rule
again, these created the second triumvirate consisted of Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus.
Another problem arose among the rulers and Octavian emerged as the victor. He ruled
Rome and created it as an empire. As the Roman Empire expanded, a new spiritual
belief rises and created a problem within the empire, which is Christianity. Christian
views on God, Human beings, and the World were quite different from the Greeks and
the Romans. The rise of Christianity marked an important break with the dominant
values of the Greek and Roman worlds.

Although Christians were persecuted, Christianity grew in importance and

spread throughout the empire. Roman empire had a significant contribution to the world
because of their vast territory. Hence, I can say that it is significant to study the Roman
Empire and Christianity in our time because most their contributions are still evident in
our time.
Chapter 6

The World of Islam

600-1500

This chapter is about the rise of the second most dominant and fast growing the
religion, Islam. Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, is a monotheistic religion. It is also
both a set of beliefs and whole way of life. Muslim is the name called to the worshipper
of Islam. Muslims follows a strict way of life according to Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Early Arabs we’re nomads who believe in many Gods. After the domestication of
camels, the trade routes of the Arabs expanded. Communities prospered but tension
among the rich and poor increased. In the seventh century, the Arabian prophet
Muhammad founded the Islamic Religion. The revelations of Muhammad led to the
creation of Islamic religion. He gains no support at his hometown in Mecca that is why
he fled to Medina and started his teachings there until such time that his followers grew
to a huge number enough to conquer Mecca. Muhammad successfully made Islam
spread to a vast territory because of his conquest of Arabian lands. Islam grew under
the rule of Muhammad’s successors, but there was constant tension over choosing who
should rule the empire. The successors of Muhammad were known as Caliphs, rulers
who became secular and spiritual leaders of the Islamic community. As the empire
grew, caliphs became more like kings or emperors who wore expensive clothing and
jewelleries. This finery was an indication of the strength and power of the growing Arab
empire. The Islamic empire had several dynasties made numerous contributions to the
world in the name of Islam. After hundreds of years Islam grew to be one of the biggest
religions in the world.

Like Christianity and other major religions, Islam has also become so influential
in our world today. Religions affect so much of our life that it became our basis of daily
life. Studying one of the most dominant religion in the world is important because
Muslims had made many inventions that we are using today, and also there many
followers of Islam today that we might encounter them in the streets that is why we
should understand their way of life for us to know what should be done and what should
not be done when meeting a Muslim.
Chapter 7

Early African Civilization

2000 BC- 1500 AD

Chapter 7 talks about the early African civilizations. The second largest continent
on Earth, Africa includes dazzling array of landforms, from rugged mountains to vast
river basins an deep canyons. Its climate varies from mild climates suitable for farming
to rain forests and arid dessert. Africa includes a wide variety of landforms and different
climate zones that have influenced its history and culture. Its regions developed
differently.

Kush and Axum arose as strong early civilizations. Later Islam would influence
Africa. As African civilization developed, great trading states arose. Travelling across
the dessert and over the wide Indian Ocean, these traders from these states made their
people and state rich and powerful. Trade did not only resulted in a transfer of ivory,
gold and other valuable items, but also resulted in a transfer of culture, spreading
religions, languages, and new ideas. African societies were strongly influenced by
values and customs, such as the importance of the family, common ancestors and
community education. Most of African societies held similar and traditional beliefs; the
spread of Islam challenged these African beliefs. Africa’s rich culture of paintings,
carvings, sculpture, music, and dance often served a religious purpose.

Hence, I can say that studying this chapter helps us to have deeper
understanding of the African people and their culture. It teaches us on how they live and
what are their customs and traditions and also their rich history. It is beneficial for us
because we can learn so many things from the African culture, their similarity and
difference to our culture.
Chapter 8

The Asian World

400-1500

This chapter talks about the Asian continent and the empires and kingdoms that
emerged. This chapter includes the reunification of China, the conquest of the Mongols
in china early Japanese and Korean empires. This chapter also includes the Indian
empire after the rule of the Guptas, and the civilization in Southeast Asia.

In 581, Sui dynasty unified China for the first time in hundreds of years. Over the
next several centuries, with only a brief period of disorder, a series of dynasties would
bring stability and progress to china. For 700 years Chinese economy grew in size and
sophistication. The political stability established by the ruling dynasties allowed Chinese
societies to grow in complexity. All of china’s society was at peak until time had
occurred when the Mongols invaded china. The Mongol’s created the world’s largest
land empire by conquering all of china. Japan’s history has been marked by power
struggles between rulers and independent families. It was then unified by a noble family
that gave rise to the line of emperors. Over time, power passed down from the hands of
emperors to the military leaders called shoguns. Japan’s small and relative isolation
have had a major effect in its development of economy, religion and culture. In Korea,
its history was marked by the presence of its dominating neighbours. after the collapsed
of the Mongol dynasty in China, Korea was then founded by the Yi dynasty and ruled for
500 years. In India, after the collapsed of the Gupta Empire Muslims moved into India,
nearly taking control in all of India. Unlike any other regions in Asia, Southeast Asia was
never unified by a single government, largely due to its formidable geographic barriers.
Therefore the history of the area tells the competition and interaction between several
states.

As Asians it is important to study our own culture, religions or specifically our

history. It is important to understand the world around us because it is where we came
from because we are interconnected. It is also important to understand other culture
because there will come a time we might get to interact with them and we should learn
how to interact with them in a pleasing manner.
Chapter 9

Emerging Europe and the Byzantine Empire

400-1300

This chapter is all about the transformation of the Roman world, feudalism in
Europe, and the Byzantine Empire. In the middle ages things have changed for the
European empire. There have been several European tribes that tried to gain control of
power. Ultimately a new empire emerged that was linked to the idea of lasting Roman
Empire.

Germanic tries became the dominant political force in Europe during the early
middle ages. The Frankish kingdom of the early German states was the strongest and
they developed new laws based on the importance of family in the Germanic state.
Vikings, Muslims, and Magyar’s invaded Europe when the Carolingian Empire ended.
Then, a new social and political order emerged in Europe, Feudalism. A system of
vassals and lords spread throughout Europe after the collapsed of Carolingian Empire.
Men and women of the nobility were guided by a code of ethical behaviour and society’s
expectations of their role. The Eastern Roman Empire continued long after the fall of
Rome. Islam became a dominant force against the eastern empire. Europeans
eventually led military expeditions to the region to reclaim land conquered by Muslims,
called Crusades. The Eastern Roman Empire evolved into a smaller empire called the
Byzantine Empire which created unique civilization in the eastern Mediterranean.

Thus, I can say that this chapter is significant to be studied on, because it
teaches on how the dominant Roman Empire fell. In this chapter we can also learn on
how the Roman Empire adopted the most dominant religion in the world, Christianity,
and how they created the Catholicism. Europeans had a huge impact on our culture
because they have invaded almost all of the world.