Free online courseHistory of the World to 1500 CE

Course Description

The "History of the World to 1500 CE" course, masterfully taught by Richard Bulliet, stands as a comprehensive exploration into the formative epochs of global history. Spanning 31 hours and 11 minutes, this course has garnered an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting its high quality and the satisfaction of its students. Situated under the category of Basic Studies and more specifically within the subcategory of History, this course serves as both an enlightening journey and an academic foundation for any history enthusiast or student.

Beginning with an introduction to the core concepts and methodologies of World History, Bulliet sets the stage for the vast temporal and geographic sweep of the course. The initial lectures delve into the earliest Valley Civilizations, dating from 8000 to 1500 BC, highlighting key developments and the vital interplay between human societies and their environments.

As the lectures progress, the rise of new civilizations is meticulously covered, focusing on the eras from 2200 to 250 BCE. This period saw remarkable changes and advancements, with Bulliet expertly guiding learners through the complexities and unique attributes of these burgeoning societies.

The Mediterranean and Middle East, epochal regions in world history, receive detailed attention next. The sessions navigate through their interconnected histories, illustrating the profound cultural, political, and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world.

Expanding the geographical lens, the course shifts to encompass India, Greece, and Iran, providing a comparative analysis of these distinct yet interlinked civilizations. This segment is rich with insights into their philosophies, governance, and intercultural interactions.

The Age of Empires is another focal point, with in-depth sessions on Rome and Han China. Bulliet examines their monumental rise, sustained zeniths, and eventual declines, offering a nuanced understanding of imperial dynamics and legacies.

A pivotal section of the course is dedicated to the Rise of Islam from 600 to 1200, shedding light on the meteoric expansion of Islamic civilization and its transformative impact on the global stage. Simultaneously, the emergence of Christian Europe during the same period is explored, elucidating the religious, cultural, and political transformations that undermined older structures and laid new foundations.

Further sessions traverse the histories of Inner and East Asia from 400 to 1200, analyzing the diverse and rich civilizations that flourished in these regions. The Civilization of the Americas is also brought into the discourse, revealing the pre-Columbian achievements and societies that thrived independently of Afro-Eurasian influences.

The narrative then sweeps through the cataclysmic changes wrought by the Mongol conquests and their aftermath, followed by sessions on the diverse regions of Tropical Africa and Asia, emphasizing the intricate web of interactions that defined these areas.

As the course nears its conclusion, it investigates the Latin West and its transformative period, culminating in the discussions of the Maritime Revolution that prefigured the age of exploration and global connectivity. The final lectures offer a synthesis of themes and insights, drawing together the multifaceted threads of human history up to 1500 CE.

This rich tapestry of lectures not only provides a chronological account but also encourages critical thinking about the forces that have shaped human civilization. Bulliet's engaging delivery and comprehensive coverage make this course an invaluable resource for those eager to understand the depths and breadths of early world history.