Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Last week we addressed the major early ancient cultures: Mesopotamia and Egypt.  Things become more interesting this week as we begin to address the “classical” period of world history: 1000 B.C. to A.D. 500.  During this period, five different regions of the world had civilizations that advanced the frontiers of knowledge, government and the arts.  Most of them developed independently of each other, since there was very little communication across long distances in the ancient world.

Last week we addressed the major early ancient cultures: Mesopotamia and Egypt.  This week it becomes even more interesting as we begin to address the "classical" period of World history: 1000 B.C. to A.D. 500.   

 

During this period, five different regions of the world had civilizations that advanced the frontiers of knowledge, government and the arts.  Most of them developed independently of each other, because there was very little communication across long distances in the ancient world.  No telephones or the internet existed yet!  To pass a message from Asia to Europe required a dangerous trip of many months by a messenger.

 

The five "classical" civilizations were India, China, Greece, Rome and, to a lesser extent, the Americas (in what is now Mexico and South America).  We devote this week to what many consider the greatest civilization ever: classical Greece.  It was the birthplace of democracy, along with many other insights and advances.  Let's begin.

== Language ==

== Language ==