World History
Does history really repeat itself, or can we learn from the mistakes of those who came before us? History provides a chronological, statistical, and cultural record of the events, people, and movements that have made an impact on humankind and the world at large throughout the ages.
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Featured content, May 08, 2024
How did Greek culture influence Hadrian?
How did Greek culture influence Hadrian?
Famous Mustaches in History
We mustache you a question: Who had the greatest mustache in history?
Why Are There Only 28 Days in February?
O the days gone by!
Prince Philip: A Life in Pictures
A look at the man behind Queen Elizabeth II.
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan was a Mongolian warrior-ruler, one of the most famous conquerors of history, who consolidated tribes into a...
Russian Revolution
Russian Revolution, two revolutions in 1917, the first of which, in February (March, New Style), overthrew the imperial government...
World War I
World War I, an international conflict that in 1914–18 embroiled most of the nations of Europe along with Russia, the United...
Cold War
Cold War, the open yet restricted rivalry that developed after World War II between the United States and the Soviet Union...
World History Quizzes
The Victorian England Quiz: Art, Literature, and Life
Which children’s author and mathematician wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? Which libel suit resulted in one...
Slavery and Resistance Through History Quiz
How many U.S. presidents owned slaves during their lifetimes? In 1839 who led the mutiny of 53 enslaved people on the Spanish...
Do You Know These African American Innovators? Quiz
Who was the first African American woman granted a U.S. patent? Which African American explorer was the first known human...
Famous Dogs in History Quiz
Which dog inspired a song on a Beatles album? Who was the first dog to cross the United States in an automobile? Test your...
Famous Deaths in History Quiz
Which Russian poet was fatally wounded in a duel with his brother-in-law? Whose death was caused by the tooth of a decapitated...
Archaeology: Digging and Scraping Quiz
What is the scientific discipline concerned with dating and interpreting past events according to the...
Women's Headgear Through the Ages
Which women’s headdress was worn over the head and around the neck, cheeks, and chin? Which hat has a broad brim that...
The History of Beer, Wine, and Some Foodstuffs Quiz
Which fermented fish sauce was a favorite in ancient Rome? Which drink is fermented with honey and water? Test your knowledge....
More Archaeological Discoveries Quiz
What is the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent? The name of which archaeological site is reputed...
This Day in History Quiz: June 1
How much do you know about what happened in history on June 1? Take this quiz and find out.
World History Videos
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World History Subcategories
Accidents & Disasters
Nature isn’t always peaceful and idyllic. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other powerful natural phenomena can have devastating consequences on communities and regions throughout the world. But nature is far from the only instigator of large-scale misfortune; human-made disasters and tragedies, both accidental and intentional, can cause significant misery, damage, and loss of life.
Articles
Age of Revolutions
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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French Revolution
1787–1799
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Meiji Restoration
Japanese history
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Haitian Revolution
Haitian history
The Ancient World
The modern world may look very different from the world that existed in the time of ancient civilizations, but our modern-day life continues to show the influence of cultures, traditions, ideas, and innovations from hundreds of years ago. Learn more about important historical civilizations, sites, people, and events.
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cuneiform
writing system
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Seleucid empire
ancient empire, Eurasia
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sphinx
mythology
Historians
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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A.J.P. Taylor
British historian and journalist
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Thucydides
Greek historian
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Edward Gibbon
British historian
Historic Dynasties & Families
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Medici family
Italian family
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Tang dynasty
Chinese history
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house of Este
Italian family
Historic Nobility
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Arabian prince
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Philip
landgrave of Hesse
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Ivan the Terrible
tsar of Russia
Global Exploration
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Ann Bancroft
American explorer
- European exploration
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American frontier
United States history
The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages comprise the period in European history that began with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE and lasted until the dawn of the Renaissance in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century. This interval of time saw the development of the Gothic style of art and architecture, flying buttresses and all. It was also the era of the Crusades and of papal monarchy, and it was during this period that the idea of Europe as a distinct cultural unit emerged.
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Magna Carta
England [1215]
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Charlemagne
Holy Roman emperor [747?–814]
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Middle Ages
historical era
Military Leaders
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Kemal Atatürk
president of Turkey
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Oliver Cromwell
English statesman
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Hannibal
Carthaginian general [247-c.181 BCE]
The Modern World
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Winston Churchill
prime minister of United Kingdom
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Vietnam War
1954–1975
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Ho Chi Minh
president of North Vietnam
Prehistoric Age
The prehistoric age covers the millions of years that took place before human beings began to create written records of their life and of the world in which they lived. Archaeology and similar fields of study allow us to fill in the gaps and piece together an image of what life was like for our ancestors, including what kinds of flora and fauna they might have encountered.
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Mogollon culture
North American Indian culture
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Stonehenge
ancient monument, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom
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Neolithic
anthropology
United States History
As with most nations, the history of the United States contains a number of twists and turns throughout the centuries, from the time of the English colonization of North America up to the modern-day America that we're familiar with. Learn more about the people, events, and movements that left an indelible mark in history and shaped the development of the United States as a nation.
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Plains Wars
United States history
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War of 1812
United Kingdom-United States history
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Salem witch trials
American history
Wars, Battles & Armed Conflicts
Wars, battles, and other domestic or international conflicts, whether armed or diplomatic, are often the outcome of a dispute over natural resources or a struggle for power, influence, and wealth. Major conflicts between nations, peoples, and political groups can end up shifting the cultural and political geography of the world and can also effect change, whether intentional or not, in societal values and the balance of power.
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American Civil War
United States history
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Vietnam War
1954–1975
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Afghanistan War
2001–2014