Article Contents
Background Information
» Important Definitions
The definition of civilization, like that of many historical terms, varies from source to source. Throughout Essential Humanities, “civilization” simply means “urban culture”. In other words, a culture with at least one city is considered a civilization. Essential Humanities defines the term city as a settlement with a population of at least ten thousand.
The term culture is defined by Essential Humanities as “the distinctive features of a group that are learned rather than biological”. Language, artistic traditions, and religious beliefs all fall under this definition. The primary identifying feature of a culture is often language; in European history, for instance, the Celts were people who spoke Celtic languages, the Greeks were people who spoke Greek, and so on.
» Major World Regions
The world can be divided into twelve major regions.
Another key region is the Eurasian Steppe (aka “the Steppe”), a vast strip of grassland that stretches from Ukraine to Mongolia.
Main Article
» Timeline Colour Key
For discussion of Essential Humanities’ approach to achieving a well-rounded survey of world history, see The Nine Global Civilizations.
» The Ancient World
ca. 3500 BC-500 AD
» The Medieval World
ca. 500-1500
| the primary power of Eastern Medieval Europe was the Byzantine Empire |
| the primary powers of Western Medieval Europe were France, England, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Papal States |
» The Modern World
ca. 1500-
| the primary powers of Reformation Europe (ca. 1500-1650) were Spain, France, and Austria |
| the primary powers of Europe from the Enlightenment to WWI (ca. 1650-WWI) were France, Britain, Austria, Prussia (later Germany), and Russia |
| the primary powers of Europe since WWI (ca. WWI-present) have been France, Britain, Germany, and Russia |
| the two superpowers of the Cold War (ca. WWII-1991) were the United States and the USSR |
| since the Cold War, the United States has reigned as the world’s only superpower; the “second tier” of world powers consists of China, Japan, and the primary European powers |
