INTRODUCTION
Coming from the opposite side of the fence where we’ve been consumed by the digital world’s glitz, we’ll now be exploring an era that’s often opulently referred to as the ‘Old World’. This guide is designed for beginners, to take you on a journey of unraveling the grandeur of the historical past and the splendors it had! Don’t worry if this is something new for you; consider me as your friendly guide walking you through the lanes of a bygone era.
WHAT IS THE OLD WORLD?
The term ‘Old World’ is often used to depict the part of Earth that was known to the Western civilization before its contact with the ‘New World.’ In other words, it includes regions within the continent of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Old World is deeply rooted in history and lore and comes with fascinating stories of civilizations, art, culture, conquests, and transformative periods like the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. It’s like reading a live action-adventure novel where each page unfolds a new fascinating aspect of human history.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO GET STARTED
Exploring the Old World is akin to time-traveling. It’s all about immersing oneself in the tapestry of human history, with a focus on the mentioned continents. One can begin by selecting a specific era, region, or civilization of interest. Books, documentaries, online resources can be a treasure trove of information. However, understanding can be augmented by physically visiting the historic sites, museums, and heritage centers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO EXPLORE
While an inquisitive and open mind is the foremost requirement, some additional aids could enhance your Old World exploration experience. Books both fiction and non-fiction, documentaries, maps, timeline charts, online blogs and forums, cultural artifacts or replicas, and perhaps even some vintage clothing for that added touch of authenticity.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. START SMALL: Begin with understanding one civilization or time period at a time.
2. USE A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH: Use different sources like books, documentaries, online lectures.
3. INTERACT WITH EXPERTS: Discussion forums can be goldmines for interesting viewpoints and deeper insights.
4. VISIT HISTORICAL SITES: If possible, visit museums and historical sites for a hands-on experience.
5. NOTE MAKING: Maintain a journal to jot down interesting facts, figures, events etc.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Several websites like BBC History, National Geographic, History.com, YouTube channels (like Historia Civilis, Crash Course History), online communities (such as Reddit’s r/history, Discord history groups), offer vast information. Following historians and archaeologists on Twitter could also offer fresh perspectives.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. B.C: Before Christ, used in the Gregorian calendar to indicate years before Jesus Christ was born.
2. A.D: Anno Domini. Latin phrase used to denote years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
3. Renaissance: A period in European history, marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times, associated with great cultural and intellectual change.
4. Civilization: A complex human society, usually defined by its cities, centralized government, professional bureaucracy, and established cultural and social norms.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Having equipped you with key insights into the Old World, the next step is to begin your journey. Pick a historical time period, civilization, or geographic area. Delve into the websites mentioned, visit a museum if possible, and connect with online communities. This journey surely gets more captivating with every bit of knowledge you gather, making the Old World not just a thing of the past but a part of your present!
