Linha do tempo da história - História | Euduca

Summary

Professor Hilário Xavier teaches about the classical division of human history using a timeline, explaining key historical ruptures like the invention of writing in 4000 BCE, the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE. He highlights how these events mark the end of one era and the start of another. While acknowledging debates about Eurocentric views, he emphasizes the importance of the classic timeline for historical studies, also humorously referencing modern ideas like 'post-contemporary history' following the 9/11 attacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Historians use a timeline to organize human history, making it easier to understand the vast events of the past.
• 😀 A criticism of this timeline is its Eurocentric focus, but it remains widely used due to its practicality.
• 😀 Historians rely on the concept of continuity (periods of stability) and rupture (events that cause significant changes) to structure history.
• 😀 The invention of writing in Mesopotamia around 4000 BC marks the beginning of recorded history, as without it, history cannot be documented.
• 😀 Before writing, history is considered prehistory, which includes the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
• 😀 The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD marks the end of the ancient era and the beginning of the medieval era.
• 😀 The medieval period, lasting from 476 AD to 1453 AD, is marked by events like feudalism, the power of the Catholic Church, and the Crusades.
• 😀 The term 'Middle Ages' refers to a time period between the fall of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the cultural revival of the Renaissance.
• 😀 The Renaissance in the 15th century marked the beginning of the modern era, which included the exploration period, the Protestant Reformation, and other transformative events.
• 😀 The French Revolution in 1789 is considered the start of the modern era, a key moment influencing global ideologies and revolutions to this day.
• 😀 Some propose altering the traditional timeline to begin the contemporary era in 2001, after the 9/11 attacks, but for now, the classic timeline remains standard for historical study.

Q & A

What is the importance of the invention of writing in the context of human history?

The invention of writing is crucial because it marks the beginning of recorded history. Before writing, there was no documented history, only prehistory, which includes periods like the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages.

Why is the timeline of history described as being divided into periods of 'continuity' and 'rupture'?

Historians divide history into periods of continuity, where events unfold without significant structural changes, and rupture, where a pivotal event disrupts the status quo, creating a new era in history.

What does the term 'Eurocentric' mean when discussing the classical division of history?

The term 'Eurocentric' refers to the criticism that the classical timeline of history is overly focused on European events and civilizations, often neglecting other parts of the world in shaping global history.

What significant event marks the transition from the Ancient to the Medieval period in history?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD marks the transition from the Ancient period to the Medieval period in history.

What is the significance of the fall of Constantinople in 1453?

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marks the end of the Medieval period and the beginning of the Modern period. It was also the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire, an important historical event in both European and world history.

What does the term 'Middle Ages' refer to, and why is it called that?

The 'Middle Ages' refers to the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. It is called the 'Middle Ages' because it is seen as a transitional period between the Classical Greco-Roman world and the cultural rebirth of the Renaissance.

Why do some people consider the Middle Ages to be a 'Dark Age'?

Some people historically referred to the Middle Ages as the 'Dark Age' due to perceived cultural and intellectual stagnation, often linked to the dominance of religious dogma and the lack of scientific progress during this period. However, this term is debated by historians.

What defines the Modern period in history?

The Modern period in history is defined by several transformative events, including the Renaissance, the Reformation, the rise of European exploration, and significant political and cultural changes. It ends in 1789 with the French Revolution.

What major event marks the beginning of the Contemporary period in history?

The French Revolution in 1789 marks the beginning of the Contemporary period, representing a major shift in political and social ideologies that had a profound influence on subsequent revolutions and political movements.

Why is the date 2001 significant in the context of contemporary history?

The year 2001 is significant because of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. This event is seen as a turning point that reshaped global politics, security policies, and international relations, leading some to argue for a new historical period called 'post-contemporary.'