INTRODUCCIÓN
Hello, fellow explorers and history buffs! Have you ever wondered what life was like before our modern technology and map knowledge? Before the beckoning call of the New World drew explorers across the Atlantic? Today’s topic is the Old World, a term originating from this very era. If you’re new to this topic or need a refresher on it, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to dive into what the Old World is, why it’s so important to our history, and how it has shaped our modern world. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s take a journey into the past. This is a beginner-friendly guide, meant to delight and educate with no prior knowledge required.
¿QUÉ ES EL VIEJO MUNDO?
When we say “Old World”, we are referring to Africa, Europe, and Asia, essentially, parts of the world known to Europeans before the voyages of Americas’ discovery. This is in contrast to the “New World”, which includes North and South America. During the Old World era, societies were primarily agrarian, meaning their economies relied heavily on agriculture. Despite a common misconception, cultures of the Old World were actually quite sophisticated, with advanced knowledge in areas like astronomy, philosophy, and engineering. Furthermore, the Old World is renowned for its rich history, hosting many ancient civilizations like the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE OLD WORLD?
Venturing into the Old World, as you might imagine, isn’t as simple as hopping into a DeLorean time traveling car. Instead, we’ll be using a variety of tools at our disposal. Reading world history books can provide a thesis-level insight into different civilizations, wars and philosophies. Watching documentaries can also be highly revealing, bringing to life ancient stories and incidents. Finally, exploring historical museums can be exhilarating and enlightening, giving you a tangible experience and feel for the Old World. Your initial steps should involve selecting a region or time period and pursuing a method listed as per your preference.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY?
To embark on your discovery of the Old World, you won’t need much in terms of physical supplies but a lot in terms of resources. Starting off, you’ll want to find a good history book or two, focusing on your area of interest. Libraries and online retailers have a vast collection of historical literature. Documentary channels or online streaming platforms are also a good source. And don’t underestimate the value of a local museum or historical site visit.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Don’t dive into the entirety of the Old World in one go. There’s a lot of information to absorb. Pick a specific civilization or time period to begin with.
2. Take Notes: Especially with books or documentaries, it’s easy to forget details. Taking notes can help retain crucial facts.
3. Participate in Q&A: Forums, online communities, and your group of friends are good places to ask questions and deepen your understanding.
4. Attend Historical Events/Tours: Historical reenactments, tours, or events are a great way to immerse yourself in the experience.
5. Have Fun: Remember, this is a journey of discovery and learning. Enjoy yourself!
RECURSOS ÚTILES
For a deeper dive into the Old World, you can check out websites such as History Channel, BBC History, or Coursera for educational online courses. YouTube channels like Crash Course History and TED-Ed provide excellent and digestible content. Communities on Reddit like r/history or r/AskHistorians are great places for discussion. Be sure to check out your local library and museum as well!
GLOSARIO: EXPLICACIÓN DE TÉRMINOS COMUNES
Old World: Refers to Africa, Europe, and Asia, known to Europeans before the discovery of Americas.
New World: Refers to the Americas, which were unknown to the Europeans before their voyages.
Bronze Age, Iron Age, Middle Ages, etc.: These are different time periods in the Old World with their own distinguishing characteristics.
Historiography: The study of historical writing, understanding the sources, and the techniques used by historians.
Archeology: The study of history through the excavation of artifacts and structures.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE?
Your journey into the Old World is just beginning. Now that you have a basic understanding and resources to explore, take the next step. Choose a book, watch a documentary, visit a museum, or sign up for a course online. Remember, the best way to learn about the Old World is to immerse yourself in it. Happy exploring, and remember, every step you take is one step further into our fascinating past.
