-
Use Cases
-
Resources
-
Pricing
Written Tradition
Epic of Gilgamesh
2100 BCE
The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem, is one of the earliest known works of literature, recounting the adventures of the mythological king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality, offering valuable insights into the storytelling traditions of early civilizations.
Image source: Epic of Gilgamesh
Homer's Odyssey
800 BC - 799 BC
Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem from ancient Greece, narrates the arduous journey of the hero Odysseus as he strives to return home after the Trojan War. This timeless tale has had a profound influence on Western literature and storytelling traditions.
Image source: Odyssey
Aesop's Fables
600 BC - 599 BC
Aesop's Fables, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, are a collection of moral tales featuring anthropomorphic animals and conveying timeless lessons on human behavior and ethics, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling to impart wisdom.
Image source: Aesop's Fables
The Arabian Nights
700 - 1399
The Arabian Nights, also known as One Thousand and One Nights, is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales and stories compiled during the Islamic Golden Age, featuring legendary characters such as Aladdin, Ali Baba, and Sinbad, and showcasing the rich storytelling heritage of the region.
Image source: One Thousand and One Nights
Gutenberg's Printing Press
1440
Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in 1440 revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and stories, enabling the mass production of books and the widespread circulation of written works, leading to a profound transformation in the accessibility and preservation of storytelling.
Image source: Printing press
Shakespeare's Plays
1500 - 1699
The plays of William Shakespeare, composed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, represent a pinnacle of English literature and dramatic storytelling, encompassing timeless tragedies, comedies, and histories that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Image source: Shakespeare's plays
Grimm's Fairy Tales
1812
Grimm's Fairy Tales, collected by the Brothers Grimm, are a renowned anthology of German folk tales and fables, featuring classic stories such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel, which have left an indelible mark on global storytelling traditions.
Image source: Grimms' Fairy Tales
Harry Potter Phenomenon
1997
The release of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series in 1997 sparked a global phenomenon, captivating readers with its imaginative world and compelling characters, reinvigorating the love for literary storytelling and inspiring a new generation of readers.
Image source: Harry Potter
Digital Age
Birth of Cinema
1890 - 1899
The birth of cinema in the late 19th century marked a transformative leap in storytelling, introducing the medium of moving images and sound to convey narratives, sparking a new era of visual storytelling that continues to evolve and inspire audiences worldwide.
Image source: History of film
Radio Drama Era
1920 - 1929
The 1920s witnessed the emergence of radio dramas, captivating audiences with compelling narratives, sound effects, and voice acting, showcasing the power of audio storytelling and setting the stage for the golden age of radio entertainment.
Image source: Radio drama
Key Facts
- Storytelling began as an oral tradition, with tales passed down through generations.
- The invention of writing systems allowed for the recording of stories, leading to the preservation of myths and legends.
- The printing press revolutionized storytelling, making books more accessible to a wider audience.
- The rise of radio, film, and television expanded the ways in which stories could be told and experienced.
- The digital age has brought about new forms of storytelling, including interactive narratives and multimedia storytelling.
Source
This History of Storytelling timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.
We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.
Create a timeline like this one for free
Preceden lets you create stunning timelines using AI or manually.