INTRODUCCIÓN
Welcome to an exciting journey deep into history, culture, and geography! Today, we are exploring The Old World – not a game or a fantastic realm, but a very real part of our planet. This term refers to regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa – continents known to Europeans before they discovered the Americas. Why is exploring The Mundo antiguo fascinating? Because it’s a journey into the roots of civilization, rich cultures, and historical turning points. This is a beginner-friendly guide, aiming to unravel the basics and infuse you with a passion for learning more.
¿QUÉ ES EL VIEJO MUNDO?
In simplistic terms, The Old World includes Europe, Asia, and Africa. These regions bear the cradle of human civilization with ancient cultures like Egypt, Greece, India, and China. The historical definition came into usage after Europeans discovered the new territories now known as the Americas and Oceania, referred to as the New World.
The Old World had kingdoms, empires, and civilizations, each with its distinct culture, languages, religions, political structures, and warfare tactics. It witnessed the ebb and flow of power, revolutionary scientific breakthroughs, and rich cultural exchanges. It is a metaphorical tapestry bearing the story of humanity and consequently, a fascinating study topic.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH STUDYING THE OLD WORLD
1. Identify your Interest Area: The Old World has vast areas of study. Identify specific areas that appeal to you – it might be medieval European history, African tribal culture, or Chinese art.
2. Get Basic Resources: Start with an Atlas and a Timeline. It gives geographical bearings and chronological context for understanding events.
3. Start Reading: Pick basic introductory books – they provide a platform to delve into specific topics in depth.
4. Join Communities: Join history, culture, and geography communities online – they facilitate learning and conversations with experts and other enthusiasts.
5. Explore Visual Media: Documentaries, historically accurate movies, and visual aids help retain information while making learning fun.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START YOUR JOURNEY?
The basic tools needed to start your journey are books, websites, and documentaries. For books, start with generalised ones like “A Little History of The World” by E.H.Gombrich. Websites like British Museum and BBC History offer resources including articles, podcasts, videos, and virtual tours. Documentaries like BBC’s ‘Civilizations’ or ‘The Story of Europe’ are also good starting points.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start with Broad Outlines: Don’t try to grasp every detail initially. Start with broad outlines and timelines and then delve deeper.
2. Use Visual Aids: Maps, charts, and visual timelines can be incredibly helpful.
3. Engage with Others: Engaging in discussions or joining study groups will propel your learning process.
4. Go at your Own Pace: Don’t hurry. Enjoy the journey and take your time.
5. Visit Historical Places: If possible, visit historical places to get a tangible sense of history.
RECURSOS ÚTILES
BBC History, British Museum websites are informative. For discussions, join platforms like Reddit (r/history or r/archeology) or visit Quora. YouTube channels like CrashCourse or Kings and Generals are also insightful.
GLOSARIO: EXPLICACIÓN DE TÉRMINOS COMUNES
1. Renaissance: A cultural movement in Europe from 14th to 17th century that ended the middle ages and led to the modern era.
2. Civilization: A society with a high level of culture, science, industry, and government.
3. Kingdom: A country ruled by a king or queen.
4. Empire: A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor or another powerful sovereign.
5. Middle Ages: Period in European history from the 5th to the 15th century.
PRÓXIMOS PASOS: ¿QUÉ HACER A PARTIR DE AHORA?
Your journey to explore the Old World has just begun! The next step is to delve deeper into the topic of your choice. Visit your local library, join a study group, or plan a trip to a historical place. Remember, it’s not just about collecting facts, it’s about understanding human stories, which unfold in their complexities as you delve deeper into them. So, get set and embark on this thrilling adventure!
