A Western History Timeline
A western history timeline is a useful way to understand a rich and complex historical period. However, it is important to remember that western history is a part of world history and should be seen in the context of other civilizations. This is why it’s important to recognize that the period in which western history takes place isn’t a clearly defined and distinct time, but rather, one that has always been a mixture of different peoples, languages, cultures and religions.
The ancient Greeks developed some of the earliest western philosophical ideas, theater, mathematics and science and created a civilization that extended over most of the Mediterranean world. The Romans built upon that foundation and created an empire that spread across the entire European continent, as well as much of the rest of the world. They also cultivated a belief that they were superior to other civilizations and that their civilization was the most advanced, and that other civilizations were either barbarian or indistinguishable from it.
In the medieval period, a series of massive invasions and other internal conflicts reshaped Europe’s political landscape. The Vikings and Magyars invaded from the north; the Carolingian dynasty rose in the west; the Muslims conquered parts of the Middle East and North Africa; and the Byzantine Empire survived in the Eastern Mediterranean, developing secular laws through the Code of Justinian. The impact of this period was profound and left a lasting impression on modern-day European societies, a legacy that still affects us today.
By the late 19th century, a new narrative of western history had begun to take shape. After the implosion of the great empires that had shaped the world, western nations and people began to yearn for greater democracy and independence. Nationalist movements sprung up in Germany and Italy; the war between the Austrian and Ottoman empires created a large new state in Central Europe; and people in many other places began to see themselves as a part of a larger, global community.
At the same time, technology was advancing at an extraordinary pace. Machine guns, barbed wire and dreadnought battleships grew in power and effectiveness; railroads fueled new connections with the outside world; Christian missionaries reached out to other religions; and ideas from the West penetrated every corner of the globe.
The 20th Century was the most violent in world history and included two major world wars, the Cold War, the dismantling of colonialism and the rise of the Totalitarian state (as practiced by Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin, Pol Pot and others). These events left a lasting scar on modern societies, and they created a pervasive sense of fear that nuclear weapons could be used to destroy all life on earth. Today, as we continue to struggle with these issues, a fresh narrative of western history has emerged which focuses on the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to develop a more inclusive and diverse world. A new emphasis on sustainable development and the need to respect the diversity of cultures will help create a more peaceful and secure future for all.