“European History” is the study of the history of the European continent, from ancient times to the present. It covers the development of European civilizations, cultures, politics, economies, and societies, and how they have influenced and interacted with the rest of the world. European history is marked by significant events, movements, and periods that have shaped the subject of global history.
Key Periods and Events in European History:
- Ancient Greece and Rome: The foundations of Western civilization were laid in ancient Greece and Rome, with significant contributions to philosophy, politics, law, and culture. Ancient Greece is known for its city-states like Athens and Sparta, democracy, and philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Ancient Rome, with its Republic and later Empire, spread its influence across Europe, contributing to law, governance, engineering, and language.
- The Middle Ages (Medieval Period): Spanning from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century, this period was characterized by the rise of feudalism, the power of the Catholic Church, the Crusades, and the formation of early nation-states. The Middle Ages also saw the development of Gothic architecture and the preservation of knowledge through monastic scholarship.
- The Renaissance