Period 2 Timeline

Alexander of Macedonia was labeled "Great", because of his ruthless and determined leadership qualities that led him to being a successful conqueror. . By gathering all of the forces that he could from Greece, he and his troops conquered the Persian Empire, the Egyptians, while forming and establishing the largest empire to date back in the time. Alexander believed he was a demigod as well, due to high praise throughout his uprising.

The Mauryan Dynasty was located primarily in northern and eastern India. Chandragupta Maurya came to rule after Alexander of Macedon stepped out of the picture. Farmers cultivated the economy.

Emperor Ashoka was a brutal man, who had a ruthless military. In hopes of expanding the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka led his troops, and had a war (one of the bloodiest ever, according to historians). Interestingly enough, Ashoka later on converted to Buddhism.

Qui Shi Huangdi standardized currency, law and bureaucracy. A system of roads, palaces and a capital were built, helping the dynasty to expand. Although he helped with unification during his rule, he was known to be cruel, and rejection of his ideas was punishable by death.

The Han Dynasty was a period in which China made large political and technological advance, as well as the military becoming stringer. Trade was made more efficient by the silk road. The Han collapsed after many battles, and an inevitably deteriorating lack of resources.

Delicate health aside, Augustus was considered to be one of the best rulers to ever serve in Rome. As an emperor, he kept peace, and helped the economy, arts and agriculture grow to it's full potential. This was considered the golden age of the Roman empire in every way.

During this time period, the Roman Empire reached it's largest amount of land area, while still keeping the people, government and stability secure. Pax Romana originally started when Octavian became the leader of the Roman Empire. Art and architecture advanced, as well as a road system, benefiting farmers, or other non-centrally located people, who were in need of resources. This was one of the most (if the most), peaceful times throughout the Roman Empire.

A historical figure that the Christians formed their community around, and recognized him as their savior. He had a reputation of teaching the love of God, and having possessed the power to heal people. He was crucified by the romans after seeming like he and his ideas of God were a threat to the Roman rule in Palestine.

Axum was a kingdom located in northern Ethiopia during the early spread of Christianity. The merchants from the area traveled far and wide, because of their notoriety for it's markets. The eventual downfall of Axum was due to an invasion from Aksumite.

It was a peasant rebellion against their treatment during the Han dynasty. The rebels would wear yellow scarfs around their heads to signify their participation in their protest. The movement was eventually suppressed by the Han government, using their armies as forces.

The Mayan Civilization is located in modern day Mexico. The Mayans are primarily known for their 365 day calendar, and their hieroglyphics. The Mayans suffered a famine after killing most of each other off.

Rome divided into two parts, because it had grown to be so large, making it difficult to be maintained by simply one ruler. Western Rome was overthrown by a Germanic ruler (a barbarian). Meanwhile, there were economic problems, and other invasions from the huns, resulting in total chaos, and disorder.

Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire by Emperor Constantine, who also made christianity legal. Before the legalization of christianity, christians were seen as people to blame for acts of evil. Roman Catholicism is still practiced today.

The Gupta dynasty is highly recognized for it's advancements in the arts, philosophy and religion. With little economic of governmental problems, this became known as India's "Golden Age". Chandragupta was the self established ruler of the Gupta.

The Trans-Saharan trade tok place in sub-Saharan Africa and the northern Arab and Europe. Metals, salt and slaves were sought after in this trade route. Meanwhile, Islam was spreading within all of these regions as a result of trade.