INTRODUCTION
Welcome, dear reader, to our informative guide about the historical period famously known as “The Old World”. In case you’ve always found history somewhat intimidating, fear not! This is a beginner-friendly guide, designed especially for those new to this subject. We promise you a fascinating journey exploring this monumental era that has shaped our civilization, all in an approachable and understandable manner. If you’ve ever marveled at old structures, ancient cultures, or the roots of traditions that have been handed down over the centuries, you’re about to embark on an adventure that will make these wonders even more meaningful.
WHAT IS THE OLD WORLD?
The term “Old World” refers to the Afro-Eurasian landmass, which includes the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia, and it’s used predominantly to contrast these regions from the “New World” (the Americas). Coined in the era of European exploration and colonization, the Old World hosts civilizations dating back thousands of years which have profoundly influenced the course of human culture and history.
To put it in a comparative perspective, the Old World is akin to the classic board game “Monopoly” that has been around for a long time and is familiar to most, while the New World is like a fresh, innovative board game just hitting the market. Both bear their unique charm and offer their own enriching experiences; the charm of the Old World, however, lies in its rich, diverse, and ancient tapestry of human history.
COMMENT ÇA MARCHE OU COMMENT COMMENCER
There’s no definitive way to study the Old World, but it could be approached from various angles such as geography, history, art, culture, or even cuisine. For beginners, we suggest starting broad and narrowing down your focus area as you delve deeper.
Step One: Choose a Continent – Start with either Africa, Europe, or Asia.
Step Two: Pick a Period – Decide on a historical era that interests you, for instance, the Roman Empire in Europe, the Ming Dynasty in Asia, or the Ancient Egyptian civilization in Africa.
Step Three: Delve into the Specifics – Within that era, explore different aspects like culture, religion, art, major events, influential figures, etc. It’s like unwrapping layers of a present – each layer holds something new and interesting.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START
Luckily, studying the Old World doesn’t require any special tools or equipment. All you need is a reliable source of information. The internet is full of resources that can be accessed for free. Libraries are treasure troves of informative books. You might also want to consider documentaries, online courses, podcasts, or even dedicated history apps. A notebook could be useful to jot down your thoughts and observations.
CONSEILS POUR LES GRANDS DÉBUTANTS
1. Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much information at once. Start with a broad overview and then delve into the details.
2. Be Curious: Question everything and don’t shy away from looking up facts that you come across and don’t fully understand.
3. Enjoy the Journey: Remember, you’re exploring history because it’s fascinating, not because you have to. Let your interests guide you.
4. Use Variety: Mix reading with observing (art, architecture) and listening (podcasts, lectures) to avoid monotony and keep your experience engaging.
5. Keep Notes: Having a record of your journey helps you remember and allows you to reflect on what you’ve learned.
RESSOURCES UTILES
Websites like The British Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art have extensive online resources. YouTube channels such as Crash Course make history fun and digestible. Reddit has multiple forums where you can engage with fellow history enthusiasts. Check out podcasts like “The History of Rome” or “Revolutions”.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
1. BCE: Before Common Era, a non-religious alternative to BC (Before Christ).
2. Century: A period of one hundred years.
3. Civilization: An advanced state of human society where culture, science, and government are highly developed.
4. Dynasty: A series of rulers from the same family or group.
5. Artifact: An object made by a human being, often of historical or cultural interest.
LES PROCHAINES ÉTAPES : QUE FAIRE À PARTIR DE MAINTENANT ?
Once you’ve dipped your toes into the vast oceans of the Old World, you may find yourself wanting to go deeper. Consider visiting a local museum or joining a book club dedicated to history. You may even want to plan a trip to a site that fascinates you. Remember, the journey through history is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy, and soak in the richness of our past. The beauty of exploring history is not just in learning about the past, but also in understanding how it continually shapes our present and future. Happy exploring!
