20 Most Popular Historical Periods

Mongol Empire
Mongol Empire

Our history is so beautiful and glorious that everyone should learn about it. History was not constant throughout life. It kept on changing with new inventions, new technologies, and new trends. Our history and past are divided into various periods. These historical periods are quite different and very interesting to know. One must try to know about our history and its various periods. Here is the list of the best and most popular historical periods,

Popular Historical Periods

1. Renaissance (Art Period)

One of the most popular historical periods from 14 to 17th century was the time of the Renaissance period in Europe. Renaissance means rebirth i.e. rebirth of science, music, art,  and education. This period lies between middle age and modern time and was the time of coming out of the dark. Humanism was mostly focused during this period which led to the focus on people’s education, art, science, and culture.

The world’s most famous painting ‘The Mona Lisa’ was created during the Renaissance period. Many master painters, scientists, writers inventors, and sculptors came up with their exceptional talents during this period.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Lost Cities

Renaissance (Art Period)
Renaissance (Art Period)

Image Source: The Paris Review

2. Ancient Greece

The Ancient Greek period occurred thousands of years ago and is one of the most popular historical periods. Under the rule of Alexander the Great, most of Europe and Western Asia were under Ancient Greece. The foundation for Western culture was laid during this time. It included three main periods, the classical period, and the Hellenistic period.

Science, mathematics, government, sports, and art came into influence under the ancient Greeks. Toys like the yo-yo were invented during this period. The two main cities and Sparta ruled during the Ancient Greek period. Sparta was more involved in fights and war techniques and Athens focused mainly on learning and art.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Monuments Of Ancient Egypt 

Ancient Greece Period
Ancient Greece Period

3. Ancient Egypt

The greatest and most popular historical period that lasted for more than 3000 years was Ancient Egypt. The Nile River in North East Africa was the sole source of civilization during Ancient Egypt. It helped the Egyptian people with water, soil, food, and transportation. Cultural works like art, writing, and religion were powerful during this time. Starting from 3150 BC to 30 BC, this period ended in 30 BC when the Romans finally conquered Egypt. Numerous cosmetics, medicines, toothpaste, and instruments were invented during this time.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Influential People In The History

Ancient Egypt Period
Ancient Egypt Period

4. Middle Age

People during the Middle Ages started living in countries and working as farmers. They were considered peasants who were like a servant to the local lord who used to live in his castle. Crops like wheat, barley, and oats along with fruits and vegetables were cultivated by the peasants.

Young boys were sent to learn art and craft for around 7 years. Most people lived in small one or two-room houses and even the animals like cows and hens were also in the same house. Bread and stew like beans, peas, meat, and cabbage were the main sources of food during the Middle Ages. 

Also Read: 10 Mysterious Underwater Cities Of The Ancient World

Middle Age period
Middle Age period

Image Source: Wikimedia

5. Stone Age 

Starting around 2.5 million years ago, the Stone Age was the period of toolmakers, firemakers, Neanderthals, and modern humans. It was the earliest known period of human culture and lasted till 2300 BC. Three periods were included in the Stone Age Early Stone Age, the Middle Stone Age, and the Late Stone Age.

This period is popularly known as the Stone Age because during this time early humans started using tools, weapons, stones, and fire. The people during this time focused mainly on food and shelter. The source of food was hunting, gathering fruits, and food from trees and plants. Caves were used as shelters to protect themselves and were made of wood, bones, mud, soil, and animal dung. 

Also read: Top 10 Oldest Temples In The World

Stone Age Period
Stone Age Period

Image Source: Wikimedia

6. Age of Discovery

Began in 1400 and continued till 1600, Age of Discovery was the period when Europeans started exploring the world. New roots in India, America, and the East were discovered but, these expeditions were not easy. The ships that used to go for expeditions never returned. They used to explore for money, fame, and adventure. Travelers used to connect trade links with different nations and earn money. Even an important part of the unknown world was discovered during this time like Eastern Australia, the Arctic, and The Antarctic. 

Also Read: Top 10 Oldest Buildings in the World

Age of Discovery
Age of Discovery

Image Source: Patrick Gray

7. Bronze Age

Initiating from 4000 BC, the Bronze Age made the use of Bronze metal till 2000 BC. Various things like the wheel and writing trends were invented in this age. The trend for irrigation of fields was also established. Earlier tools and weapons of stones were present but in this age, Bronze metal was developed for different types of equipment, tools, and weapons which were much stronger than before.

Residing in muddy and wooden houses people at this age used to travel in wooden boats for various purposes. Bronze was first extracted from stones, then mining started for the extraction of Bronze, and later a combination of tin and copper created Bronze metal.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Amazing Pyramids in Mexico

Bronze Age period
Bronze Age period

Image Source: Carole Raddato

8. Byzantine Empire

Continued for almost 1000 years, the Byzantine Empire had power over Eastern and Southern Europe. Constantine, I was the emperor during 306 CE, and he ruled almost for 30 years and worked for the welfare of the empire. The Greek city of Byzantium-Capital of the Roman Empire was renamed Constantinople after the name of Emperor Constantine I.

Today; the city of Constantinople is named Istanbul which is the largest city in Turkey. Emperor Justinian, I came into power in 527 and focused on power, wealth, and also the welfare of women. The art during the Byzantine Empire focused mainly on religion. 

Also Read: 10 Most Famous Prehistoric Cave Paintings

Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire

Image Source: Wikimedia

9.  Ancient China

Starting in 2070 BC and ending in 221 BC, Ancient China spread over 2000 years. It was the oldest and the longest civilization period in the history of the world. China is located on the Eastern side of Asia and is one of the most popular countries in the world for its art, religion, culture, and much more.

Yellow River and Yangtze River were the two major rivers flowing during the Ancient China period. Also, the Yangtze River stands in third position and the Yellow is sixth among the longest Rivers in the world. The dragon symbol in China is the symbol of emperors and depicts good luck, might, and supremacy. Tea was also discovered for the first time during the Ancient China period and was used as a medicine. 

Ancient China Period
Ancient China Period

Image Source: Wikimedia

10. Islamic Golden Age

The time when Muslims dominated the world was the Islamic Golden Age which was a time of prosperity, success, and advancement. It included three ages which were the Abbasid Empire, Umayyad Spain, and the Ottoman Era from the mid-eleventh to the mid-thirteenth century. It was a time of education, development, poets, traders, and research.

All this resulted in great art, industries, science, technology, inventions, and innovations. All this led to the development of the ‘House of Wisdom’ where all the scholars and educated people either Muslims or non-Muslims gathered and converted knowledge into Arabic. It is one of the best and most popular historical periods.

Islamic Golden Age
Islamic Golden Age

Image Source: Nikos Niotis

11. Persian Empire (550 BC to 651 AD)

One of the most popular historical periods gains recognition from the Prince of Persia video game series and movie, along with Scheherazade’s tales in One Thousand and One Nights. Despite its massive and unique history, it’s not as famous as its neighbors like Egypt and Rome. The Persian Empire, existed in different forms until 1979, particularly during its Golden Age before Islam’s rise. This era includes three dynasties: Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian. Even though not as well-known, this ancient civilization left a significant mark.

Persian Empire
Persian Empire

Image Source: Wikimedia

12. Khmer Empire (802 to 1431 AD)

The Angkor Empire, also known as the Khmer Empire, is arguably Southeast Asia’s most influential realm. It spans across Cambodia and parts of neighboring modern countries like Thailand, Laos, and Burma. In its zenith, it stood as the largest pre-industrial urban center globally. Its significance is evident through the colossal monuments like Angkor Wat and Prang Sam Yot. This predominantly Hindu (later Buddhist) kingdom rivets attention akin to the fascinating histories of Egypt and the Aztec civilization. Despite its remarkable cultural legacy, the Angkor Empire appears somewhat overlooked in historical narratives. Its grandeur, reflected in awe-inspiring structures, contributes to the allure of this intriguing yet somewhat forgotten empire.

khmer empire
khmer empire

Image Source: World History

13. Kingdom of Aksum (100 to 940 AD)

It’s quite likely that you’re unfamiliar with the trading powerhouse situated in Northeast Africa, just south of Egypt – Aksum. To gain knowledge about its significance, know that in the third century, a Persian philosopher said that Aksum was among the world’s four greatest kingdoms, alongside Rome, China, and Persia. It is one of most popular historical periods in the world.

Despite this, Aksum remains largely overlooked in literature. Situated near present-day Ethiopia on the Red Sea, Aksum wielded influence by trading extensively, reaching from the Nile River to Alexandria and even China. Beyond its economic prowess, Aksum holds mythical importance as it is believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and the legendary home of the Queen of Sheba. It stands out as one of the few African nations prominently featured in historical accounts.

Kingdom of Aksum
Kingdom of Aksum

Image Source: Wikipedia

14. Mongol Empire (1206 to 1368 AD)

This era, though brief, boasts the distinction of being the most extensive land empire in history. While not entirely forgotten like the Persian Empire, the limelight is often stolen by Genghis Khan rather than the empire itself. Unlike many on my list, these people were unequivocal conquerors. Originating in Central Asia, their dynasty began modestly but eventually sprawled from Central Europe to the Sea of Japan. Interestingly, internal conflicts over the throne brought about the demise of this mighty dynasty. It sparks curiosity about what might have unfolded had their conquests persisted. It would have potentially resulted in global dominance.

Mongol Empire
Mongol Empire

Image Source: World History

15. Kingdom of Kongo (West-Central Africa, 1390-1891)

Contrary to prevailing stereotypes of poverty and corruption in modern Africa, the Kingdom of Kongo paints a different narrative. Operating under a centralized rule, Kongo thrived as a major trader in commodities such as ivory, metal goods, and pottery. Following initial contact with Europeans, the kingdom established an extensive trading network.

Surprisingly, by the 15th century, Kongo embraced Christianity alongside some traditional practices. Despite their resilience in remaining autonomous for an extended period, challenges arose. Portuguese sailors engaged in slave theft, leading to three wars between Kongo and Portugal. Internal strife over throne succession and the constant threat of invaders added complexities. Ultimately, like many African kingdoms, Kongo succumbed to European colonization in the late 19th century.

Kingdom of Kongo
Kingdom of Kongo

Image Source: Wikimedia

16. Ancient Pueblo People (circa. 900 to 1350 AD)

In contrast to the widely celebrated Inca, Mayan, and Aztec societies in the south, the Anasazi people appear largely overlooked. This may be attributed to the scarcity of information about them, stemming from the absence of a written language and their enigmatic disappearance around the 14th century. Inhabiting a vast expanse of Southern-Central North America, particularly the Four Corners region (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado), the Anasazi left a lasting imprint, notably at the renowned cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, Colorado. Despite the awe-inspiring architecture, the mystery shrouding these people intrigued the readers and the writers, prompting a quest for literature, movies, or articles, revealing limited resources on the subject.

Ancient Pueblo People
Ancient Pueblo People

Image Source: Wikimedia

17. Korean History

Korea, often overshadowed by its neighbors China, Japan, and Russia, receives limited attention despite its rich history. While discussions often revolve around the Korean War and North Korea, literature tends to neglect Korea’s pre-war existence. Contrary to this oversight, Korea stands on par with Japan and China, boasting a unique culture, intricate social systems, captivating architecture, and a resilient government. Remarkably, Korea successfully fended off numerous attempts at control until the late 19th century. The resilience seen in ancient Korean society can also be seen in the remarkable recovery of South Korea after the devastation of the Korean War, a glimpse of the nation’s enduring strength. Despite historical literary neglect, Korea’s significance should not be forgotten.

Korean History
Korean History

Image Source: Wikimedia

18. Victorian Era

The stark contrast between Ancient Greece’s gods and Spartans and Victorian London’s top hats and muttonchops makes them two vastly different periods. Surprisingly, the Victorian era, marked by Queen Victoria’s reign, remains a highly popular choice for filmmakers. Charles Dickens played a pivotal role in this popularity, with many of his works adapted for both small and big screens. Despite the era’s cinematic appeal, it was also a time ruled by infamous serial killers such as the real-life Jack the Ripper and the fictional Sweeney Todd. In response to such threats, detectives like Sherlock Holmes emerged to navigate the perilous streets of Victorian London.

Victorian Era
Victorian Era

Image Source: Wikipedia

19. Iron Age

The Iron Age marks the concluding phase of the three historical Metal Ages, succeeding the Copper and Bronze Ages. It is recognized as the ultimate stage in the three-age classification system, which traces human development from prehistory to protohistory. Preceded by the Stone Age, comprising the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, and the subsequent Bronze Age, the Iron Age initially referred to developments in Iron Age Europe and the Ancient Near East. Over time, these concepts expanded to encompass various regions in the Old World, providing a framework for understanding the progression of human civilizations from ancient times to recorded history.

Iron Age
Iron Age

Image Source: Wessex Archaeology

20. Roaring Twenties

Get ready to sneak some nice booze and perfect your dance moves because the Roaring Twenties is the ultimate party decade. Often hailed as one of the greatest periods in American history, filmmakers love setting stories in this lively era. Think Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon donning drag in the timeless comedy “Some Like It Hot” or the iconic Jay Gatsby’s quest for love. The influence of jazz, prohibition, and crime on society comes to life in cinematic gems like “Chicago” and “Boardwalk Empire.” It’s a decade that pulsates with energy, capturing the essence of a vibrant and transformative time in American and Asian culture.

Roaring Twenties
Roaring Twenties

Image Source: Jixuan Zhou

These are the best and the most popular historical periods. Kindly share and post your comments,

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