• Japan I & II:
1200 years ago, after the great ice age, Japan began to separate from the Asian mainland and become the island that we know today. This geographic isolation helped make the Japanese one of the most unique of all civilizations. During much of Japan’s history, feudalism created a constant state of war between the local lords and chieftains. By 450 CE the Yamato clan ruled the land introducing Buddhism and Confucius to Japanese society. Ultimately a feudal order and class society developed with the Emperor at the head, followed by the Shogun, Diamyos and the Samurai.
While the empires of many civilizations have faded, Japan remains a culture successfully influencing the world by cultivating the antiquities from its unique past with its innovations toward a promising future.
• Egyptian I & II:
The historic timeline of Egypt stretches from approximately 3100 BCE to modern-day. With its spectacular temples, imperious Pharaohs and auspicious treasures, Egypt's Golden Empire became one of the most dominant civilizations the world has ever known. The timeline of Egypt flows from the dynasties of mighty kings & queens to the architectural wonders of pyramids & tombs. In 1798 the discovery of the Rosetta Stone revealed secrets from Egypt's mystical past. Today with the Suez Canal & the Aswan High Dam, Egypt continues to segue from its disclosed past to its renewing present.
• Chinese I & II:
The history of China dates back some 3,300 years. Distinct with its own art, music, literature, philosophy, science and technology China offers a cultural portrait equal to the strong creative will of its people. From clans and tribes of nomadic wanderers, China has blended its ancient heritage into the sophistication of a modern-day society. Its language consists of 60,000 symbols; its art is formed from the natural beauty of porcelain, bronze and jade; its philosophy embraces the poetic wisdom and peaceful teachings of Confucius; and its enduring architecture presents an array of pagodas, temples, and a fortress of imperial cities.
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• Greek I & II:
Ancient Greek culture has been a contributing influence throughout Western civilization in the areas of art, literature, philosophy, drama, architecture and politics. With their inspiring intellect and unending pursuit of knowledge, the Greeks were the first to envision the principles of democracy and personal freedoms. Although ancient, these early Greek ideas continue to effectively establish the precepts for governments throughout the world today including the United States of America.
• Roman I & II:
Synonymous with imperial rule, the historic timeline of the Roman Empire is a tapestry woven from its origins along seven hilltop villages to the shores of Europe, Asia, & Africa. Its influence upon the ancient world rapidly spread as ambitious Roman emperors swiftly expanded the empire. Although founded upon the principles of a "Republic", imperialism soon became a defining element of Roman authority. The legacy of ancient Rome continues to influence our world today. Its alluring cities Rome, Venice, Naples & Pompeii, are all an attractive taste of an empire gone but not forgotten.
• Mesopotamian I & II:
Known as the "Land In Between", Mesopotamia geographically lies between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Today this broad fertile crescent plain is part of the modern countries of Iraq and Kuwait. Over the course of 5,000 years this ancient land gave rise to three remarkable civilizations; the Sumerians, the Babylonians and the Assyrians. Innovations first developed by these enduring civilizations include; sophisticated building, farming methods, the wheel, water irrigation and the development of language.
• India I & II:
Anthropologists believe that single edged stone tools indicate that people lived in India as much as 50,000 years ago. One of the most unique aspects of the migrations into the Indus River Valley was that early arrivals did not completely displace the old inhabitants, as in other cultures. It remains evident today that some of the most powerful empires of all time have touched the fabric of India; that of Alexander the Great from Greece, the Muslims, and lastly the British Empire. It will take until the middle of the 20th Century before the borders of India, Pakistan and other modern nations of the subcontinent are set and each becomes an independent nation.
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