chronology

11,000 B.C.E. - Neolithic Revolution begins
7500–5700 B.C.E. - Çatalhöyük flourishes
6800–3000 B.C.E. - Jericho flourishes
4300–2900 B.C.E. - The rise of Uruk in Sumer
c. 3200 B.C.E. - Development of writing
c. 3100 B.C.E. - King Narmer unites Upper and Lower Egypt
2900–2500 B.C.E. - Early Dynastic Period in Sumer
c. 2700 B.C.E. - Reign of Gilgamesh
c. 2660–2160 B.C.E. - Old Kingdom of Egypt
c. 2650 B.C.E. - Imhotep engineers the Step Pyramid for King Djoser
c. 2350 B.C.E. - Sargon of Akkad consolidates power in Sumer
2160–2055 B.C.E. - First Intermediate Period in Egypt
2100–2000 B.C.E. - Ziggurat of Ur constructed
2055–c. 1650 B.C.E. - Middle Kingdom of Egypt
c. 1792–1750 B.C.E. - Reign of Hammurabi

1900–1400 B.C.E. - Minoan civilization flourishes: The Minoans, established on the island of Crete, developed a complex society known for its palaces, trade networks, and advanced art and writing systems.

1800–1300 B.C.E. - Formation of the Hittite Kingdom and Empire: The Hittites become a dominant power in Anatolia, known for their innovative use of iron and for their legal and diplomatic contributions.

1792 B.C.E. - Rise of Babylon under Hammurabi: Hammurabi becomes king of Babylon, known for his code of laws, which is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.

1700–1200 B.C.E. - Mycenaean civilization flourishes: This civilization based in mainland Greece is renowned for its palatial states, advanced art, and contributions to Greek mythology.

1650–1550 B.C.E. - Hyksos rule in Egypt (Second Intermediate Period): The Hyksos, possibly of Semitic origin, invade and control parts of Egypt, introducing new technologies, including the horse-drawn chariot.

1550–1075 B.C.E. - New Kingdom of Egypt established: A period of great wealth and power, marked by expansive building projects and military conquests, including the reigns of notable pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Ramses II.

c. 1200 B.C.E. - Invasions of the Sea Peoples begin: These marauding groups disrupt the Eastern Mediterranean, contributing to the collapse of several ancient civilizations.

1100–1000 B.C.E. - Philistine dominance in the Levant: The Philistines settle along the coast of Canaan, establishing a confederation of city-states and influencing local culture and politics.

1000–973 B.C.E. - Hebrew kingdom consolidated: Under the leadership of David and Solomon, the Hebrew tribes unify and establish a kingdom, leading to the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

924 B.C.E. - Israel and Judah divided: Following Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into two distinct entities, Israel in the North and Judah in the South, leading to different political and religious paths.

883–859 B.C.E. - Neo-Assyrian Empire founded: Tiglath-Pileser III expands Assyrian influence, establishing a powerful empire known for its advancements in administration and military strategy.

722 B.C.E. - Kingdom of Israel destroyed: The Assyrians conquer Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the assimilation of the population into other regions.

612–605 B.C.E. - Fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: A coalition of Medes, Babylonians, and others leads to the collapse of one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.

586 B.C.E. - Fall of the kingdom of Judah: The Babylonian conquest results in the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, and many Judeans are exiled to Babylon.

539–486 B.C.E. - Persian Empire consolidated: Under Cyrus the Great and his successors, the Persian Empire expands to become the largest empire in history at the time, promoting tolerance and advancement in administration and culture.