Current era

Paleolithic

Early Holocene10,000 BCE – 7,000 BCE

Neolithic & Early Farming Societies7,000 BCE – 4,000 BCE

Chalcolithic & Early Urban Societies4,000 BCE – 3,000 BCE

Early Bronze Age3,000 BCE – 2,000 BCE

Middle Bronze Age2,000 BCE – 1,600 BCE

Late Bronze Age1,600 BCE – 1,200 BCE

Early Iron Age1,200 BCE – 500 BCE

Classical Antiquity500 BCE – 300 CE

Late Antiquity300 CE – 600 CE

Early Medieval Period600 CE – 1,000 CE

High Medieval Period1,000 CE – 1,300 CE

Late Medieval Period1,300 CE – 1,500 CE

Early Modern Period1,500 CE – 1,600 CE

Seventeenth-Century World1,600 CE – 1,700 CE

Enlightenment & Imperial Expansion1,700 CE – 1,789 CE

Age of Revolutions & Early Industrialization1,789 CE – 1,850 CE

Industrialization & Imperialism1,850 CE – 1,914 CE

World Wars & Interwar Period1,914 CE – 1,945 CE

Cold War & Decolonization1,945 CE – 1,991 CE

Contemporary World1,991 CE – 2,025 CE

Human evolution, dispersal, and diverse hunter-gatherer societies

1,800CE–1,900CE

2000 BCE - 1800 CE, Canada

Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Siberia, traditionally hunter-gatherers specialized in marine resources.

culture

192 CE - 1832 CE, Vietnam

An ancient kingdom known for its unique culture and trade networks along the South China Sea.

culture economic

300 CE - 1868 CE, Chile

The Rapa Nui culture emerged on Easter Island, characterized by its unique art forms, including the famous moai statues, and a complex social structure. This period saw the development of religious practices and a rich oral tradition.

culture religion

700 CE - 1900 CE, Mali

This event marked the beginning of extensive trade routes across the Sahara Desert, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between West Africa and the Mediterranean.

culture economic

700 CE - 1893 CE, Chad

This empire emerged as a powerful state in the region, known for its military prowess and trade networks across the Sahara.

military politics

800 CE - 1800 CE, United States of America

A Native American people originally from the Southeastern United States, known for mound-building, agriculture, and complex social structures.

culture

950 CE - 1865 CE, Tonga

This empire was a significant political and cultural entity in the South Pacific, known for its maritime prowess and influence over various islands.

politics culture

1000 CE - 1900 CE, Samoa

Samoan Chiefdoms were a collection of Polynesian societies with hierarchical structures and rich cultural traditions across the Samoan islands.

culture

1000 CE - 1845 CE, Tonga

Tongan Chiefdoms were Polynesian societies with hierarchical leadership and rich maritime culture in the Tongan islands.

culture

1180 CE - 1897 CE, Nigeria

This kingdom was known for its sophisticated governance, rich culture, and impressive artistic achievements, particularly in bronze and ivory.

politics culture

1185 CE - 1868 CE, Japan

The military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan, known for their code of honor and martial skills.

military culture

1248 CE - 1880 CE, Germany

This Gothic cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and twin spires. It is one of the tallest cathedrals in the world and a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

culture religion

1250 CE - 1813 CE, Germany

The breaking wheel was used as an official execution method in the Holy Roman Empire.

culture

1300 CE - 1896 CE, Nigeria

The Oyo Empire was a powerful Yoruba state in West Africa, known for its sophisticated political structure and military prowess.

military politics

1400 CE - 1800 CE, Global

This period marked the transition to sailing ships as the primary means of maritime transport and trade, significantly influencing global exploration.

maritime