INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a journey back in time! Not through a physical time machine, but rather an exploration of an era that’s shaped our modern world. It’s full of excitement, rich culture, and valuable lessons that we still rely on today. This past era is fondly referred to as the ‘Old World’. If you find yourself fascinated by history, intrigued by the old ways, or simply curious about pre-new age societies, you’ve come to the perfect place. This beginners guide will help you understand the Ancien monde concept, its genesis, and the big picture it portrays.
WHAT IS THE ‘OLD WORLD’?
The term “Old World” generally refers to three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe; basically representing parts of the world known to Europeans before they discovered the Americas. This does not mean that these continents were primitive; quite the contrary. These continents were bustling with advanced civilizations with distinct cultures, technologies, and philosophies way before the “New World” was even known.
The Old World is filled with an intricate tapestry of history. Think about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, the birth of Democracy in Greece, the mighty Roman Empire, the rise of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, and the flourishing of the Byzantine Empire. Also, it’s during this time that many of the world’s major religions, like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, took roots and grew.
HOW TO START EXPLORING THE OLD WORLD
Starting an Old World exploration isn’t much like starting a video game; you don’t need particular gear or consoles. However, it does require an open mind and curiosity. Begin by selecting a specific era, geographic region, or civilization that fascinates you.
Research about this time period, looking into the characteristic systems of government, religion, cultural practices, and technological advancements of that era. Books, documentaries, and online sources are your best friends during this exploration. You can also consider learning from scholars in these fields through online platforms, seminars, and webinars.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Though you don’t need tangible tools to start this exploration, you might find the following resources helpful:
1. Books: History books, historical novels, biographies of influential figures, etc.
2. Documentaries: These offer a visual understanding of the era.
3. Online Platforms: Websites, online courses, podcasts, webinars, etc.
4. Museums: Virtual or physical museum visits can be enlightening.
5. Maps: Old and new, to understand geographical changes better.
CONSEILS POUR LES GRANDS DÉBUTANTS
• Start with a timeline to frame your discoveries.
• Don’t try to learn everything at once; start small and then branch out.
• Try to understand the reasons behind historical events and their implications.
• For meaningful understanding, try to connect what happened in the past to the present.
• Don’t shy away from controversial subjects; they’ll provide depth to your understanding.
• Engage with communities that share a love for history for diverse perspectives.
RESSOURCES UTILES
• Khan Academy offers free online courses in World History.
• For books, look no further than ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ by Bill Bryson.
• National Geographic Channel and History TV have an array of informative documentaries.
• Join forums like Reddit’s /r/History for discussions.
GLOSSAIRE
• Civilization: A complex society marked by the practice of agriculture and settlement in cities.
• Democracy: A form of government where power resides with the people.
• Empire: A group of nations or people ruled over by an emperor or other powerful sovereign entity.
• Religion: The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal god or gods.
• Culture: The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.
PROCHAINES ÉTAPES
Now that you have a basic understanding of the Old World, it’s time to start your journey. Whether you want to dive deep into the Egyptian dynasties or explore the ancient Asian civilizations, remember to take your time. There’s much to learn and appreciate about our past. The journey may get intense occasionally, but always remember, it becomes more enjoyable as you continue! Happy exploring!
