Antiquity facts for kids
Antiquity generally refers to a very long period of ancient history. It usually means the time before the Middle Ages, which started around 500 CE (Common Era). When people talk about Antiquity, they often mean the amazing civilizations of classical antiquity, like Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. However, it can also include other early civilizations, such as Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
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What is Antiquity?
Antiquity is a broad term for the distant past. It covers thousands of years of human history. This period saw the rise of the first cities, writing systems, and large empires. It's a time when many important ideas and inventions were created. These ideas still influence our world today.
Classical Antiquity: Greece and Rome
The most common meaning of Antiquity is "Classical Antiquity." This refers to the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome.
- Ancient Greece was a collection of city-states. They were famous for their ideas about democracy, philosophy, and amazing art and architecture. Think of the Parthenon or the Olympic Games!
- Ancient Rome started as a small city. It grew into a massive Roman Empire that controlled much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Romans were known for their laws, engineering (like roads and aqueducts), and powerful army.
Other Great Ancient Civilizations
Besides Greece and Rome, the term Antiquity can also include other important early civilizations.
- Ancient Egypt developed along the Nile River. It was known for its pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphic writing. The Egyptians had a rich culture that lasted for thousands of years.
- Mesopotamia was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is often called the "cradle of civilization." This is where the first cities, writing (cuneiform), and law codes (like Hammurabi's Code) appeared.
- Other civilizations in the Near East, like the Persian Empire, also played a big role in this period. While the term is sometimes used for civilizations in the Far East, like ancient China, it's less common in this specific context.
How Do We Learn About Antiquity?
We learn about Antiquity through many sources. These include old writings, art, and buildings.
- Antiquities are objects that have survived from ancient cultures. These can be anything from pottery and tools to statues and coins.
- Archaeology is the study of human history through digging up and analyzing these objects and ruins. Archaeologists help us piece together what life was like in ancient times. They uncover cities, tombs, and everyday items. These discoveries give us clues about how people lived, what they believed, and how their societies worked.
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