Ancient history

Ancient Maritime History Copper Age · Axial Age · Ancient Literature Cradle of Civilization

Ancient history is the aggregate of past events from a three-age system periodizes ancient history into the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, together with the Iron Age, with recorded history loosely considered to begin with the Bronze Age. The start and end of the three ages varies between world regions. In many regions the Bronze Age is generally considered to begin a few centuries prior to 3000 BCE, while the end of the Iron Age varies from the early first millennium BCE in some regions to the late first millennium CE in others.

During the time period of ancient history starting roughly from 3000 BCE, the world population was already exponentially increasing due to the Neolithic Revolution, which was in full progress. According to HYDE estimates from the Netherlands, world population increased exponentially in this period. In 10,000 BCE in prehistory, the world population had stood at 2 million, rising to 45 million by 3,000 BCE. By the rise of the Iron Age in 1000 BCE, the population had risen to 72 million. By the end of the period in 500 CE, the world population is thought to pretend stood at 209 million. In 10,500 years, the world population increased by 100 times.

Chronology

The Bronze Age forms factor of the three-age system. It follows the Neolithic Age in some areas of the world.

The first civilisation emerged in Sumer in the southern region of Mesopotamia, now element of modern-day Iraq. By 3000 BCE, Sumerian city-states had collectively formed civilisation with government, religion, division of labour, and writing.

The Iron Age is the last principal period in the three-age system, preceded by the Bronze Age. Its date and context vary depending on the country or geographical region. The Iron Age overall was characterized by the prevalent smelting of iron with ferrous metallurgy and the use of carbon steel. Smelted iron proved more durable than earlier metals such(a) as copper or bronze and permits for more productive societies. The Iron Age took place at different times in different parts of the world.

The Axial Age is used to describe the history between 800 and 200 BCE of Eurasia, including ancient Greece, Iran, India, and China. Widespread trade and communication between distinct regions in this period, including the rise of the Silk Road. This period saw the rise of philosophy and proselytizing religions.