INTRODUCTION
Discovering the enchantment, history, and thrill of the “Old World” is like opening a treasure chest of intriguing knowledge. For the lovers of history, sociology, geography, or simply curious minds, the Old World is not just a term from the school textbook. It holds the mystery of ancient civilizations, their culture, lifestyle, beliefs, and the contentious dialog between the Old and the New World. This is a beginner-friendly guide that will help you transport you back in time to unlock the intriguing world hidden behind the term ‘the Old World’.
WHAT IS THE ‘OLD WORLD’?
The term ‘Old World’ traditionally refers to those parts of the earth known to Europeans before the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th Century. This includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. The term ‘Old World’ is also used in a zoogeographic sense, which indicates the region comprising Afrasia, the land masses of Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The ‘Old World’ holds a treasure trove of history–think ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Mesopotamians. It’s where some of the earliest human civilizations sprouted and first cities were built, where ancient knowledge systems were developed, and complex societies with unique culture and tradition thrived.
HOW IT WORKS
To understand the Old World’s working, it’s best to start with detailed research. Begin with learning about different civilizations that flourished at different stages of human history. Broadly the old-world civilizations fall into a timeline that goes from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.
Start with early civilizations such as Mesopotamia, the birth of agriculture, or the starting point of the Bronze Age. Move on to the powerful ancient Egyptian civilization known for its architectural prowess. Next comes the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its well-planned city architecture and advanced drainage systems. Following this is, the classical Greek civilization, which gave the world so many philosophers and knowledge on politics, education, and governance.
Simultaneously learn about how these civilizations influenced each other through trade, cultural exchanges, wars, and conquests.
WHAT YOU NEED
You would primarily need books, documentaries, online resources, and curiosity to explore the Old World. Numerous comprehensive history books, encyclopedias, and websites provide intense insight into ancient civilizations. Documentaries and educational movies make learning interactive and entertaining.
BBC documentaries, History channel, and platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy provide a good roundup of resources. YouTube has many channels dealing extensively with historical periods and civilizations. Source books from library or buy second-hand books and start your journey into the old-world civilizations.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start with a broad timeline: Understanding the broader timeline helps put different civilizations in perspective.
2. Read about each civilization in detail: How they started, their peak period, what they are known for, and how they ended.
3. Look at the world map periodically: This helps to visualize the geographic spread and connections between different cultures and civilizations.
4. Visit museums and galleries: They offer a wealth of information about the Old World through artifacts, arts, and exhibits.
5. Join online forums or communities: This can provide you with unique insights from experts worldwide.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. Open Yale Courses: They provide free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University.
2. Khan Academy: It offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard.
3. Ancient History Encyclopedia: It offers a plethora of articles, definitions, timelines, maps, books, and teaching materials on a wide variety of subjects in ancient history.
4. YouTube channels such as Crash Course and Historia Civilis present bite-sized history lessons in an engaging format.
GLOSSARY
1. Civilization: A complex society characterized by urban development, job specialization, and social hierarchy.
2. Monarchy: A government in which the state’s supreme power rests with the monarch.
3. Democracy: A government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing legislators.
4. Colony: A region under the political control of a distant country.
5. Papyrus: An ancient type of paper made from the stem of the papyrus plant.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to embark on your old-world journey? Fetch a map, a good book, or watch a documentary, and dive deep into the captivating world of the ancients. Look at the pyramids, read hieroglyphs, or decipher ancient philosophies. Remember, every page you turn, or every artifact you scrutinize takes you one step closer to understanding human civilization’s cradle. Happy exploring! The journey gets easier and more entertaining as you progress!
