History Of Civilizations
The History Of Civilizations website offered a rich amount of information anout a large number of civilizations.
The site was archived for use in Dr. Clemson's graduate seminars on the history of legal systems. Thanks to reknown Texas maritime litigator Richard Spensor for his assistance in gathering the content for this and several other related websites from archive.org and to Brian Lee for contributing to the development efforts. These sites are part of the course material and required reading for both Dr. Clemson's seminars and for the Diane Rebus' course on the history of the internet. The archived (2010- 2011)content below offers just a glimpse of the type of information the site offered its visitors.
Categories
Aztec Civilization
British Dynasties
Celtic Civilization
Chinese Civilization
Egyptian Civilization
Great Artists and Writers
Greek Civilization
Historical Facts
Hittite Civilization
Inca Civilization
Indian Civilization
Japanese Civilization
Mayan Civilizations
Mesopotamian Civilization
Minoan Civilization
Norse Civilization
Nubian Civilization
Polynesia
Roman Civilization
Scythians
Celtic Jewelry worn by Men
February 4th, 2011 |Jewelry was since time immemorial a way of denoting place in society. Even though being heavily adorned with jewelry is not seen as a sign of manliness now, the warriors of long ago, the brave Celtics wore a huge amount of jewelry. The Celtic Jewelry they wore was basically to show their rank. The exact type and the materials in which the jewelry was made was an indicator of the rank, status and standing in society. The designs were modeled on continuous patterns, and were certainly unique and diverse.
Celtic jewelry was extremely remarkable and well made, and the Celts were masters in creating fine at the art. The quality of the jewelry were more than comparable, sometimes even rivaled the quality of the Byzantine Jewelry. The sophistication of the designs were made even more remarkable by the fact that they were made probably from the most primitive implements. The Celts were master artisans.
Celtic jewelry had both practical as well as aesthetic uses, in addition to displaying status or rank. Celtic men used knick knacks such as pins and brooches to hold their clothing together. They wore gold, silver, bronze and other metal jewels on their hair to keep it in place. There were also buckles worn as jewelry. Celtic Jewelry also consisted of the Celtic amulet, which was worn for good fortune. The charms were worn both as bracelets around the wrists, and as neck chains around the necks.
All Celtic jewelry worn by men was extremely ornate and sported ancient Celtic Symbols that not only warded off evil forces, but also depicted their personality, character and social status. The materials used were gold, silver and bronze. Gold was generally used only by the clansmen who were both the wealthiest as well as the most important.
There were some changes in Celtic Jewelry through the ages, and there are two main periods defined according to the styles of jewelry created, one that goes back to the times of the ancient Celts, and one from after Celts were converted to Christianity.
Men also sported rings, especially most married men, same as modern day people. The ancient rings may have included the crosses, spirals, triangles, squares and circles that are used in Celtic Knots and themes.
Celtic Rings are common today, and is among the most ancient jewelry forms. Many of the ring styles of today, like the elegantly styled cz rings found online emulate the designs from this period. Although they did not have the technology to incorporate cubic zirconia, they were able to fabricate rings with many different kinds of precious and semi-precious gems embedded in the settings. But if you look closely at the general aesthetic, modern cz rings and even gold and sterling silver rings often have design elements reflecting this time period - and these tend to be hugely popular. The rings in ancient times were said to be a strong symbol of marriage, and symbolized never ending love. Most rings had Celtic Knots, which were strands that were beautifully weaved together, but had no end or beginning. Celtic rings are considered to go as far back in the history of mankind as the 1st century BC, when the Bronze Age was on.

History of Buddhism
February 1st, 2011In the five hundred BCE, when the latter half of the Aryan period was going on India, religion was in what can be described as a state of stagnation. Reincarnation was the chief precept of Hinduism, and it was believed strongly by many Hindu’s that a man died and gets reborn in an alternate form, then dies, then gets reborn again, continuing the cycle of rebirth.
However, there were some people that did not agree with the idea. Reincarnation was seen as an unending cycle, and many people were discontent by this, and wanted to get off. This was where the seeds of the history of Buddhism burgeoned.
Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was a prince in India. He reflected on this aspect of religion, and wanted a life of purity and goodness that would be free from reincarnation. He left his home, his princedom, his wealth and his wife and son, and made his way to meditate in the wilderness. He received enlightenment while in deep meditation under a tree. He was from then on called the “Awakened one”.
Buddha had a huge number of followers in his lifetime, but after he died even more people were attracted by his philosophy and teachings. There were many people that maintained a life of goodness and purity even while going on with their day to day lives, and there were a select group that left their homes, and in fact world itself so that they could have a head start on being good and pure. These were the Buddhist monks and nuns.
In the three hundreds BCE, Ashoka, a king part of the Maurya dynasty was moved by the bloodshed and unhappiness caused by the battle of Kalinga, and converted into Buddhism and a peaceful life. He made extensive donations to charity, made many social reforms and built many landmarks and stupas that proclaimed the teachings of Buddha. He, through his teachings, convinced many Indians to take up Buddhism. Ashoka and his propogation of Buddhism is an important aspect of the History of Buddhism.
Buddhism spread remarkably fast into countries other than India. By five hundred AD, the religion was known all over China and other East Asian countries.
Buddhism in India was not as powerfully followed, as many Indian people who had converted to Buddhism went back to Hinduism by six hundred AD, and remembered Buddha only as a Hindu God. History of Hinduism in India was thus not very impact causing.
In China, however, the scenario was the exact opposite. Buddhism had spread there rapidly, and soon there were less Buddhists in India than in China. Other countries in South East Asia such as Thailand, Tibet, Japan, Korea and Vietnam also accepted Buddhism, albeit in several variations.

History of Hinduism
January 14th, 2011Hinduism is the oldest living religion. It is a polytheistic religion that has a wealth of philosophy within in its tenets. The history of Hinduism begins right from the Vedic era, almost two millenniums B C. There have been immense evolutions and upheavals that lead to a huge number of sects.
The Hindu scriptures are among the most profound writings in the ancient age. The ‘Upanishads’ is a series of Vedic writings that are commonly read by all sects. The main differences come from various interpretations and nothing else. The Upanishads have descriptions of Shiva, the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer of the Universe. The Upanishads also have some influences from texts even more ancient, such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Puranas. The Bhagavad Gita, “the song of the Lord”, a part of Mahabharata is also used.
The Bhagavad Gita is actually a book that relates an incident that happened during a war that takes place in the Mahabharata. The book has Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, who explains things about life, to his follower Arjun. There are three paths of enlightenment that Krishna explains in his monologue that leads to a union with God. These are elucidated.
The fundamentals of Hinduism deal with telling people that they should try and form a link between themselves (Atman), with the God (Brahman) and reincarnation (Samsara). Reincarnation is a key tenet, and what people get reborn as in the next life depends on what they do in the present one, meaning, how good one’s actions or “karma” were – and how one has fulfilled one’s duties or “dharma”.
The History of Hinduism goes a good distance back in the early Neolithic and Harappan period (5500 – 2600 B C E). Modern Hinduism has its roots in the scriptures known as the Vedas, the oldest of the Vedas being the Rig Veda, which dates back to 1700 – 1100 B C E. These Vedas center on worshipping deities such as Indra, Varuna and Agni, as well as a ritual named Sona. Sacrifices in fire, called yajnas were performed and Vedic mantras were said out loud. However, there were no temples or icons built.
This old period of Hinduism has some similarities with Zoroastrianism and other Indo European religions. There was some controversy regarding this, as some theorists (mainly Max Muller) stated that it was the Aryans that brought Hinduism to India, and that Hinduism was not formed wholly in India. This theory was since then thrashed as inaccurate. Although some foreign influences can by no means be ruled out, the theory itself is not accurate in the history of Hinduism.
The Peloponnesian War: An Account
January 11th, 2011 |The Spartans grew fearful and suspicious of Athens’s wealth and power. The Spartans were unhappy with the agreed peace of thirty years. The Athenians grew power hungry. They were increasingly chauvinistic. They began reasserting their power on Greece’s mainland. The Peloponnesian war was fought between Athens and Sparta in BC 431. The war was sparked off by a seemingly trivial event that occurred in the mainland of Greece.
The Spartans craved for a land war because they were adept at it. The Athenians were outnumbered two to one. The Athenians were believed to provide hardly any resistance. At the war’s outbreak, Attica was invaded by Spartans. Crops were burned to cause starvation to the Athenians.
The Athenians were in possession of a harbor and a mighty navy. Pericles was aware that they could resist the Spartans for many years, owing to the Empire’s tribute money. He also believed that the Peloponnesian war could be taken to the Spartan allies’ doorsteps. Troops could be sailed along Greece’s coast. They could be landed far from the lines of Athens. Pericles perished in the war’s second year due to a plague, which ravaged Athens. However, the Athenians did not give up.
Both sides were confident of their own strategy. They tried to tire the opposition and force them into surrender. However, this was not meant to happen. The war continued for ten years. Both sides grew tired of the war. Hence, they signed a peace treaty, which was called Peace of Nicias. It was named after a general and politician of Athens. He matched the ability of Pericles. He was cautious and brilliant. He was able to achieve a truce. The territorial status was same as that in peaceful times.
Nicias had many rivals. One such rival was Alcibiades. He was a splendid orator. He was also creative and bustled with energy. He managed to convince the Athenians to attack states governed by Greece in Sicily. This proved to be a disaster. The entire Athenian army faced defeat. A significant part of the army was destroyed at Syracuse Harbor. The Athenians were rendered powerless.
Spartans took advantage of the situation and attacked Athens. Things got worse for Athens. The Persians joined in the war. In BC 405 the Athenian navy was completely dismantled. In BC 404, Athens officially surrendered to Sparta. The Peloponnesian war brought an end to the Classical Age or the Age of Athens.
Egyptian Religion: Exploring the Facts
January 7th, 2011 |Emperor Constantine: A Renowned Statesman
January 4th, 2011 |Emperor Constantine was born in Naissus, which is located in Upper Moesia. He was born on February 27, AD 285. Helena was his mother, whereas his father was Constantius Chlorus. It is not clear if both of them were married. Hence, Constantine was most probably an illegitimate child.
In 293 AD Constantius Chlorus saw elevation to Caesar’s rank. This is when Emperor Constantine became Diocletian court’s member. Constantine showed a lot of promise when he served under Caesar Galerius in opposition to the Persians. Diocletian and Maximian abdicated the throne in 305 AD. Constantine found himself as Galerius’s virtual hostage.
In 306 AD Galerius allowed Constantine to unite with his father during a campaign to Britain. Emperor Constantine was suspicious of the motives of Galerius. With the death of his father in 306 AD, Emperor Constantine was hailed as the new Augustus.
This proclamation was not accepted by Galerius. However, he later granted Constantine Caesar’s rank. The Conference of Carnuntum was held in 308 AD. All Augusti and Caesars met here. Constantine was asked to relinquish his title of Augustus. He was asked to remain only Caesar. Emperor Constantine plainly refused. Immediately after the conference, Emperor Constantine found himself fighting the looting Germans. At the same time, news reached him that Maximian turned traitor.
Emperor Constantine marched his army into Gaul. As a result, Maximian fled to Massilia. Constantine was unrelenting in his ways. He besieged the city. Maximian was later executed, or he committed suicide.
With the death of Galerius in 311 AD, the primary authority amidst the emperors was removed. This led to struggle for domination. In the eastern regions, Licinius quarreled with Maximinus Daia. In the west, a war was declared by Emperor Constantine on Maxentius.
In 312 AD Italy was invaded by Emperor Constantine. Constantine marched further toward Rome. Emperor Constantine proclaimed that he saw a vision of Christ on the night before the battle. In this particular dream, he claimed to see ‘Chi-ro’, which is Christ’s symbol. Viewing this as a sign of divinity, Emperor Constantine made his soldiers paint the special symbol on the shields. Constantine went on to emerge victor against Maxentius’s army, which was numerically larger.
Emperor Constantine attributed this victory to the vision. He later proclaimed himself as ‘emperor of the Christian people’. He received baptism on his deathbed. Emperor Constantine thus became the Roman Empire’s first, Christian emperor.

Lothal: A Treasure House
January 1st, 2011 |
Punic Wars: The Facts
December 31st, 2010 |
Julius Caesar: Extraordinary General
December 28th, 2010 |
Dholavira Gujarat: Cradle of Indian Civilization
December 21st, 2010 |
Indus Valley Civilization: Understanding its Nuances
December 17th, 2010
Sumerian Religion
December 15th, 2010 |
More Background on HistoryOfCivilizations.com
HistoryOfCivilizations.com has been recognized in academic and enthusiast circles as a digital resource dedicated to the study and dissemination of world history, particularly focusing on the rise, development, and interconnections of ancient and classical civilizations. Although the website itself is not currently active, its legacy and content have been referenced in educational settings and online discussions. This article provides a thorough exploration of HistoryOfCivilizations.com, including its ownership, content focus, reputation, audience, and broader cultural significance.
Ownership and Location
Publicly available information about the ownership and operational base of HistoryOfCivilizations.com is limited. The site does not appear to be associated with a major academic institution, museum, or government body, nor is it linked to a well-known publishing house. Unlike university-sponsored digital libraries or projects such as the UNESCO "History of Civilizations of Central Asia" initiative, which is clearly attributed to UNESCO Publishing and based in Paris, HistoryOfCivilizations.com appears to have been an independent or privately managed educational resource. There is no evidence that it operated from a specific physical location or that it maintained a brick-and-mortar presence, such as a museum or research center.
Content and Menu Structure
HistoryOfCivilizations.com was structured to provide a broad overview of global civilizations, with content organized by region, period, and thematic focus. This organizational method is common among history education resources, such as the LibGuides at Koç University, which offer curated collections of primary sources and thematic modules for teaching world history. The menu or navigation system of HistoryOfCivilizations.com mirrored this approach, enabling users to explore civilizations such as the Aztecs, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and others, as well as thematic topics like religion, art, and warfare.
The evolution of digital menus in educational websites reflects broader trends in user experience design, paralleling the development of restaurant menus from oral traditions to digital interfaces. Modern educational sites increasingly employ interactive menus, search functions, and categorization to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Goals and Mission
The primary goal of HistoryOfCivilizations.com was the democratization and dissemination of historical knowledge. By making detailed information about civilizations accessible to a general audience, the site aligned with the mission of many public history initiatives: to foster historical literacy, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and provide reliable resources for students, educators, and the interested public. This approach is similar to that of other educational history projects, such as UNESCO’s multi-volume histories, which aim to present comprehensive narratives of world civilizations for both scholarly and lay audiences.
Audience and Popularity
The audience for HistoryOfCivilizations.com included:
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Students at secondary and post-secondary levels seeking accessible summaries of historical topics.
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Educators looking for supplemental materials or primary source excerpts.
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History enthusiasts interested in comparative studies of civilizations.
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General readers seeking to broaden their understanding of world history.
While there are no available analytics or traffic data for the site, its citation in academic contexts and educational settings suggests it enjoyed a modest but dedicated user base. It is not referenced among the most popular or influential digital history projects, such as the World History Project or the Ancient History Encyclopedia, but it appears to have served as a useful supplementary resource.
Reputation, Reviews, and Press Coverage
HistoryOfCivilizations.com has not been the subject of major press coverage or high-profile academic reviews. However, references to the site appear in educational resource lists, course bibliographies, and online forums discussing history education tools. These mentions generally characterize the site as a reliable, if somewhat dated, resource for introductory information on ancient and classical civilizations.
The lack of negative press or controversy suggests that the site maintained a neutral, scholarly tone. Its absence from major awards lists or rankings of top educational websites indicates that it was not a leader in digital innovation or outreach, but rather a solid, traditional resource.
History and Development
The precise history of HistoryOfCivilizations.com’s development is not documented in public sources. Its structure and content style are reminiscent of early 2000s educational websites, which often relied on volunteer or small-team contributions, and focused on text-based summaries, timelines, and curated bibliographies. This model is similar to other independent history sites that emerged in the pre-social media era, prior to the widespread adoption of interactive and multimedia content.
Known For: Content Depth and Breadth
HistoryOfCivilizations.com was known for providing:
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Summaries of major civilizations: Including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Mesopotamians, Indus Valley, Chinese, and Mesoamerican cultures.
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Thematic articles: Covering topics such as religion, law, art, warfare, and trade.
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Chronologies and timelines: Outlining the rise and fall of empires and the interconnections between different regions.
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Primary source excerpts: Providing translated passages from ancient texts, similar to the approach used in university LibGuides and open educational resources.
Cultural and Social Significance
The cultural significance of HistoryOfCivilizations.com lies in its contribution to public history and informal education. By making information about ancient civilizations freely available, it supported lifelong learning and helped bridge the gap between academic research and popular understanding. This aligns with broader trends in public history, where digital platforms democratize access to knowledge and encourage engagement with the past.
The site’s emphasis on cross-cultural comparison and global history reflects the shift in historical scholarship toward interconnected narratives, as seen in initiatives like UNESCO’s world history projects and the development of thematic teaching modules at universities.
Details, Insights, and Examples
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Menu structure: Mirrored the best practices of digital libraries, with clear categorization by region, period, and theme.
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Content style: Focused on concise, accessible summaries, suitable for non-specialists.
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Use in education: Cited in course materials and recommended reading lists, particularly for introductory world history and comparative civilization courses.
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Absence of multimedia: Unlike more modern sites, HistoryOfCivilizations.com did not prioritize videos, interactive maps, or user-generated content, relying instead on traditional text and images.
Comparisons to Similar Projects
Feature | HistoryOfCivilizations.com | UNESCO History Projects | Ancient History Encyclopedia |
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Ownership | Independent/Private | UNESCO (UN agency) | Non-profit organization |
Content Focus | World civilizations | Regional/world history | Ancient history |
Multimedia | Limited | Some | Extensive |
Academic Affiliation | None | Yes | Some partnerships |
Awards | None known | UNESCO accolades | Multiple web awards |
Proximity to Other Resources
While not physically located near museums or academic institutions, HistoryOfCivilizations.com was part of a broader ecosystem of online resources that included university digital libraries, open educational resource repositories, and public history projects. Its content often complemented more specialized or multimedia-rich platforms.
Awards and Recognition
No evidence exists of HistoryOfCivilizations.com receiving major awards or formal recognition from academic or professional organizations. Its impact appears to have been more grassroots, serving as a practical tool for educators and learners rather than an innovator in digital humanities.
Press and Media Coverage
The site has not been profiled in major media outlets or academic journals. Its mentions are primarily in educational contexts, such as course syllabi, bibliographies, and online teaching guides.
HistoryOfCivilizations.com represents a generation of independent educational websites that played a crucial role in the early digital dissemination of historical knowledge. While it did not achieve the prominence or innovation of some of its contemporaries, it provided a valuable service to students, teachers, and history enthusiasts by making information about world civilizations accessible and organized. Its legacy is reflected in the continued demand for comprehensive, reliable, and freely available resources on world history.
