2nd millennium BC Facts for Kids

Millennia:	3rd millennium BC · 2nd millennium BC · 1st millennium BC
Centuries:	20th century BC · 19th century BC · 18th century BC · 17th century BC · 16th century BC · 15th century BC · 14th century BC · 13th century BC · 12th century BC · 11th century BC

The 2nd millennium BC was a long period of time, lasting from the year 2000 BC to 1001 BC. It was a very important time in history, marking the middle and late parts of the Bronze Age. During these 1,000 years, many big changes happened around the world.

In the first half of this millennium, powerful civilizations like the Middle Kingdom of Egypt and Babylonia were very active. People also started to develop the alphabet, which made writing much easier. This was a huge step for communication!

Later, groups of people called Indo-Iranians moved into new areas like the Iranian plateau and the Indian subcontinent. They brought with them a new invention: the chariot. These fast, horse-drawn vehicles changed how wars were fought. Chariot battles and large movements of people led to many big changes and even some violence.

After these changes, new powerful groups emerged. The Greeks gained control of the Aegean Sea, and the mighty Hittite Empire grew strong. As the millennium ended, the world began to move into the Iron Age, where iron tools and weapons became common. The number of people on Earth also started to grow steadily, reaching about 50 million by 1000 BC.

Major Events of the 2nd Millennium BC
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Major Events of the 2nd Millennium BC

What Happened in the Early Bronze Age?

The early part of this millennium saw great empires rise. The Middle Kingdom of Egypt was a strong and stable civilization. They built amazing temples and monuments. In Mesopotamia, the city of Babylon became a very important center. Its rulers, like Hammurabi, created famous laws.

How Did the Alphabet Change Communication?

One of the most important inventions of this time was the alphabet. Before this, writing systems often used hundreds of complex symbols. The alphabet used a much smaller set of letters, each representing a sound. This made reading and writing much simpler. It helped more people learn to write and share ideas.

The Rise of Chariots and New Empires

The invention of the chariot changed warfare forever. These fast vehicles allowed armies to move quickly and attack with great force. This led to new ways of fighting and the rise of powerful warrior groups. The Hittite Empire in Anatolia became a major power. They were known for their strong armies and their use of chariots.

The End of the Bronze Age and New Beginnings

Towards the end of the 2nd millennium BC, there were many big changes. Some civilizations collapsed, and new ones took their place. This period is sometimes called the Late Bronze Age Collapse. However, it also led to new beginnings. The Iron Age started, bringing new technologies. The world's population continued to grow, setting the stage for future civilizations.

Images for kids

Map of the Eastern Hemisphere in 1000 BC, just after the end of the 2nd millennium BC.
A women figure carved into a menhir.
The gilded side of the Trundholm sun chariot, an ancient artifact.
The island of Thera today, after a huge volcanic eruption in ancient times.
The Kadesh peace agreement is one of the earliest international agreements. It is on display at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.