INTRODUCTION
Welcome to an exciting exploration of the Old World! For the newly intrigued or those who had previously stepped back for a while, the time is perfect to dive into this fascinating piece of the earth’s history that’s as thrilling as a high-stakes game. You’re probably asking, “What is the Alte Welt?” or “How do I even start learning about it?. Well, don’t worry — this guide will break everything down for you. We assure you it’s a beginner-friendly guide to understanding the enchanting Old World.
WHAT IS THE OLD WORLD?
So, what exactly do we mean by “the Old World”? The term traditionally refers to Afro-Eurasia, which encompasses Africa, Europe, and Asia. It also includes associated islands and regions. The Old World is often compared to the “New World”, which includes the Americas and Oceania.
Delving deeper, the charm and enchantment of the Old World lie in its incredibly rich and diverse history. This is the stage where mankind’s earliest civilizations, like the Egyptians, the Romans, the Greeks, and the Indus Valley civilizations, unfolded. Its historical significance sets it apart, providing a diverse landscape that any history or geography aficionado would find exciting.
HOW TO START LEARNING ABOUT THE OLD WORLD
1. Start by choosing a particular region or civilization in the Old World that interests you. Each region/civilization has its own unique history, cultural heritage, and geographical attributes.
2. Read about the major historical events that shaped the region.
3. Discover the different races, cultures, and languages that evolved in the area.
4. Look into the technological and scientific advancements that were achieved during that period.
5. Study the impact of those events and advances on the region’s present and future.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START LEARNING
Fortunately, you won’t need anything more than a thirst for knowledge and a passion for exploration. The internet is a treasure trove of information on the Old World, packed with articles, documentaries, podcasts, and websites dedicated to exploring these ancient civilizations and cultures. Books written by renowned historians could also be an enriching resource.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small and Gradually Expand: Don’t try to grasp all of the Old World at once. Begin with a small region or culture that particularly interests you.
2. Tap into Multiple Resources: Books, documentaries, and podcasts are invaluable resources. Try to use a mix of all to cover all perspectives.
3. Join Online Communities: Online forums, chat rooms, and social media groups can offer multi-faceted views and deeper insights.
4. Learn to Draw Connections: Try to understand the influence each civilization had on each other and on the world as we know it now.
5. Don’t Rush: It is a long and profound journey that involves thoroughly understanding intricate, diverse civilizations.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Some suggested resources include the BBC History website, National Geographic History section, History Channel’s Ancient History section, Coursera and Khan Academy’s history courses, and various podcasts like ‘Hardcore History’ or ‘The History of Rome’. For books, you can’t go wrong with picks like ‘The Histories’ by Herodotus or ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ by Bill Bryson.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Civilization: A complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and a form of government.
2. Culture: A combination of the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation or people.
3. Colony: A group of people who leave their native country to form a new settlement under the parent nation’s control.
4. Empire: An extensive group of states or countries ruled over by a single monarch, an oligarchy, or a sovereign state.
5. Dynasty: A line of hereditary rulers in a country.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic understanding of the Old World, your next step could be choosing a particular civilization to immerse yourself in further, or you might find it exciting to learn about the interconnections and influences between different regions. Remember, the journey to explore the Old World is long, but every step is filled with intriguing stories and discoveries. So take your time and let your curiosity guide you!
