INTRODUCTION
Time travel isn’t possible, but exploring the Old World just might be the closest thing to it. Imagine you’re stepping back into an age of empires, sprawling civilizations and epic tales steeped in history, culture and mythology. If you’re fascinated with the yesteryears, diving into the enigma known as the Old World should be a tantalizing prospect. This beginner-friendly guide will lead you on a journey into the cradle of civilization, ensuring you get a well-rounded introduction to a world that might feel totally alien, yet oddly familiar.
WHAT IS THE OLD WORLD?
The Old World generally refers to the part of the world known to Europeans before they discovered the Americas, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. It’s a term steeped in geography and history, conjuring images of ancient cities, empires and cultures that have shaped our world today.
Within this grand historical amphitheater stood ancient powers like Rome, Greece, Egypt, China, and Persia, as well as the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia. Many of today’s norms, laws, artistic traditions, and political structures trace their roots back to these olden times. Discovering the Old World is like unearthing the seeds of modern civilization and appreciating how far we’ve come.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Researching the Old World is like piecing together a vast mosaic of human history. Here’s how you can begin your journey:
1. **Choose a Region**: Start by picking a specific region or civilization. You might be fascinated by the pharaohs of Egypt or the philosophers of Greece.
2. **Find Trustworthy Sources**: Visit your local library or bookshop. History books, encyclopedias, or even historical fiction can be helpful to understand the context.
3. **Explore Online Resources**: There is an abundance of resources online, ranging from documentaries, articles, podcasts, to academic papers.
4. **Join a Community**: Seek out history clubs in your local area or online. Engaging with like-minded individuals can enrich your understanding and make your exploration more enjoyable.
WHAT YOU NEED TO EXPLORE THE OLD WORLD
To embark on your fascinating journey into the past, you would require:
1. **Books**: Books provide an in-depth perspective of the Old World.
2. **Online resources**: Websites such as Google Scholar or JSTOR can be invaluable for finding academic articles or sources.
3. **Documentaries**: Visual representations can simplify complex histories and make the learning process engaging. History Channel, National Geographic, and BBC offer many concerning the Old World.
4. **A Notebook**: To jot down interesting facts, timelines, events, or anything you find intriguing.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. **Start Small**: Don’t try to digest everything at once. Focus on one civilization or historical period at a time.
2. **Find Your Interest**: Identify what intrigues you the most – be it art, architecture, warfare, philosophy or religion.
3. **Patience is Key**: Understanding the past takes time. Be patient with your research and learning.
4. **Engage with Your Learning**: Don’t limit yourself to just reading. Documentaries, podcasts, and even historical movies can enhance your understanding.
5. **Ask Questions**: Never hesitate to ask questions or seek clarity about anything you don’t understand.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. **Google Scholar**: A free search engine that indexes academic and scholarly works.
2. **JSTOR**: A digital library containing books and primary sources.
3. **History.com**: A website full of historical articles, videos, and features.
4. **Reddit’s History Community**: Connect with others and get your doubts clarified by experts.
GLOSSARY
1. **Civilization**: A society that has developed complex systems of government, culture, and technology.
2. **Empire**: A large geographic area ruled by a single authority.
3. **Mesopotamia**: Considered one of the cradle of civilizations, situated in the eastern Mediterranean.
4. **Pharaohs**: The rulers of Ancient Egypt.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve got a grip of what the Old World is and how to start exploring it, it’s time to dive in. Pick up that book or watch that documentary. Let the grandeur of the Old World unfold before your eyes. Remember, it’s a continuous learning process, and every iota of information you gather is a puzzle piece in the grand tapestry of human history. Your journey through the Old World might begin as an educational pursuit, but it’s also an adventure – one where you traverse through time, relive history and experience the sensation of walking in the shoes of those who came before us. Happy exploring!
