Ancient history explained to kids

Ancient history is the study of the past, specifically the period before the Middle Ages. This period is typically broken down into three distinct sections: the Classical period, the Hellenistic period, and the Roman period. The Classical period is the earliest of the three, lasting from around 2000 BCE to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. This period is characterized by the rise of the major civilizations of Greece and Persia. Major events during this time include the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War. The Hellenistic period is the middle period, lasting from the death of Alexander the Great to the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. This period is characterized by the spread of Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean world. Major events during this time include the rise of the Macedonian Empire and the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great. The Roman period is the latest of the three, lasting from the death of Julius Caesar to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. This period is characterized by the rise of the Roman Empire and the spread of Latin culture throughout the Mediterranean world. Major events during this time include the reign of Augustus Caesar and the Barbarian invasions.