This History of the World to 1500 CE lecture series from Columbia University provides an in-depth academic overview of global history, focusing on the development of civilizations from early human societies to the rise of major empires and medieval transformations.
The course begins with an introduction to world history and early valley civilizations, including the Indus Valley and other ancient societies that shaped early human development. It then explores the emergence of new civilizations between 2200–250 BCE and examines the cultural, political, and economic systems of the ancient world.
A major focus of the series is the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, as well as the development of civilizations in India, Greece, and Iran. Students will also study the Age of Empires, including the Roman Empire and Han China, and understand how these powerful states influenced global history.
The course continues with the rise of Islam between 600–1200 CE and the transformation of Christian Europe during the same period. These lectures provide a comparative perspective on how different regions evolved politically, socially, and culturally.
This series is ideal for university students, history researchers, and learners interested in advanced world history.
By the end of the course, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of global historical development and the interconnectedness of early civilizations and empires.
