Changes

After Alexander the Great died, the Parthians (based in modern-day Iran) tried unsuccessfully to reestablish the Persian empire.  But the past greatness of the Persian empire was never achieved again.  They could not withstand the Roman army, which conquered it in A.D. 226.   

After Alexander the Great died, the Parthians (based in modern-day Iran) tried unsuccessfully to reestablish the Persian empire.  But the past greatness of the Persian empire was never achieved again.  They could not withstand the Roman army, which conquered it in A.D. 226.   

Afterward, a Persian noble named Ardashir seized power by killing the Parthian king, and established the Sassanid empire along with '''the official state religion of Zoroastrianism, a polytheistic religion''' that had a creator (Ahuramazda) and a sun-god (Mithra).  This religion was essentially limited to Persians.  The Sassanid empire made no attempt to convert others and it tolerated other religions in the region, including Judaism.  Its greatest king was Shapure II (A.D. 309-379), who beat back the weakening Romans and also extended Persian power towards China.  This empire remained in control of Persia until Muslims took control of the region in A.D. 651.

Afterward, a Persian noble named Ardashir seized power by killing the Parthian king, and established the Sassanid empire along with '''the official state religion of Zoroastrianism, a polytheistic religion''' that had a creator (Ahuramazda) and a sun-god (Mithra).  This religion was essentially limited to Persians.  The Sassanid empire made no attempt to convert others and it tolerated other religions in the region, including Judaism.  Its greatest king was Shapure II (A.D. 309-379), who beat back the weakening Romans and also extended Persian power towards China.  This empire remained in control of Persia until Muslims took control of the region in A.D. 651. Today Persia is called "Iran", and it is 99% Muslim.

 

Today Persia is called "Iran", and it is 99% Muslim.  There are concerns that it is developing nuclear weapons now.

=== The Celts ===

=== The Celts ===

=== Central and South America ===

=== Central and South America ===

In about 2000 B.C., Mesoamerica (which means "middle America") consisted of primitive societies in what is called the Archaic period.  Mesoamerica was the region of Central America today, but including present-day Mexico.

In about 2000 B.C., Mesoamerica (which means "middle America") consisted of primitive societies in what is called the Archaic period.  Mesoamerica was located in Central America, including present-day Mexico.

Beginning about 1200 B.C. a civilization developed known as the Olmec ("mother civilization").  By then maize (corn) was a plentiful crop, and it was grown along the fertile rivers.  Massive stone-hewn sculptures of warriors with helmets can be found in the tropical forests off the Gulf of Mexico in eastern Mexico, San Lorenzo and La Venta.  This civilization lasted until 100 B.C.  It used a numerical system having base 20 and a 365-day calendar that included 260 days of religious ritual.  Religious ceremonies were prominent in this culture.

Beginning about 1200 B.C. a civilization developed known as the Olmec ("mother civilization").  By then maize (corn) was a plentiful crop, and it was grown along the fertile rivers.  Massive stone-hewn sculptures of warriors with helmets can be found in the tropical forests off the Gulf of Mexico in eastern Mexico, San Lorenzo and La Venta.  This civilization lasted until 100 B.C.  It used a numerical system having base 20 and a 365-day calendar that included 260 days of religious ritual.  Religious ceremonies were prominent in this culture.

In South America, Peru was home to agriculture-based civilizations on the altiplano (highlands) of the [[Andes]] mountains, and also in coastal valleys.  They had irrigation systems and built roads and bridges.  They used the llama (a relative of the camel) as a beast of burden and created pottery and textiles using cotton.  They lived in stone and adobe structures built perhaps between 3000 and 2000 B.C., and constructed large ceremonial centers beginning in 900 B.C., the most famous of which is called "Chavin de Huantar."

In South America, Peru was home to agriculture-based civilizations on the altiplano (highlands) of the [[Andes]] mountains, and also in coastal valleys.  They had irrigation systems and built roads and bridges.  They used the llama (a relative of the camel) as a beast of burden and created pottery and textiles using cotton.  They lived in stone and adobe structures built between 3000 and 2000 B.C., and constructed large ceremonial centers beginning in 900 B.C.; the most famous center was "Chavin de Huantar."

In general, the Americas did not develop civilizations as advanced as ancient Europe and Asia.  Hunting and gathering were easier in the Americas, and there was less reason to settle down into an agricultural society that could generate a surplus and enable workers to spend time on other tasks, such as building cities.  The Americas did not have use of the wheel, the plow, glass, iron, steel or horses until these were brought over by European explorers.

The Americas did not develop civilizations as advanced as ancient Europe and Asia.  Hunting and gathering were easier in the Americas, and there was less reason to settle down into an agricultural society that could generate a surplus and enable workers to spend time on other tasks, such as building cities.  The Americas did not have use of the wheel, the plow, glass, iron, steel or horses until these were brought over by European explorers.

=== Africa ===

=== Africa ===