‘Ve been wanting to start and see the end to “खस जातिको इतिहास”, a book on Khas anthropology by Balkrishna Pokharel, but after going through some pages, quickly discovered that each line in this book is so densely packed with histories and contexts from the past, that it was quite challenging to grasp. This monumental work of Pokharel explores the origins of the Khas tribe, an Indo-Aryan group native to the Himalayan region of Nepal of the Indian subcontinent. So to prepare for this reading, I found myself submerged in about 50 hours of videos from History with Cy along with other multiple hours of selection of movies and documentaries. Now, I feel somewhat ready to engage with this book from Balkrishna Pokharel – which I will be posting in another blog.
Here’s a list of infolinks, documentaries, and films that will help ready us to fully (hopefully) appreciate and understand “खस जातिको इतिहास” by Balkrishna Pokahrel !
Pre Human History ~4.6 billion years ago - ~2.6 million years ago
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Precambrian Era (4.6 Billion – 541 Million Years Ago) |
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Paleozoic Era (541 – 252 Million Years Ago) |
Movie: Walking with Monsters (2005) |
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Mesozoic Era (252 – 66 Million Years Ago) |
Movie: Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) |
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Cenozoic Era (66 Million Years Ago – Present) |
Movie: Walking with Cavemen (2003), Walking with Beasts (2001) |
Prehistoric Era: ~2.6 million years ago - ~3,200 BC
Paleolithic Age (2.6 Million Years Ago – Around 10,000 BC) | Lower Paleolithic (2.6 Million Years Ago – 300,000 Years Ago) Middle Paleolithic (300,000 – 50,000 Years Ago) Upper Paleolithic (50,000 – 10,000 BC) |
Mesolithic Age (Around 10,000 BC – 5,000 BC) |
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Neolithic Age (Around 10,000 BC – 2,000 BC) |
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River Valley Civilizations (~3,200 BC - ~1,000 BC)
Mesopotamia (4,000 BC – 539 BC)
4,000 BC: Development of the Sumerian civilization (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7) in the Mesopotamian region, located between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (modern-day Iraq). The city of Uruk emerged as a major center among other prominent cities. Other major cities: Ebla, Eridu, Ugarit, Oxus, Aleppo (Part 1 and Part 2), Kish, Mari, Zagros, Persepolis, Naqsh-eRustam. Inventions: Hand Mill for flour production; early advancements in scribes and schools, art, agriculture lead to changes in human physicality, including reduced height and athleticism compared to hunter-gatherer ancestors. The civilization also has roots to many religions and cultures, art, astrology, languages, writing, social life and business that bears similarity to multiple cultures practicing polytheism. In Sumeria, terms of literature, this civilization also gave us Epic of Gilgamesh, a story of the Sumerian King Gilgamesh, Enkidu and Utnapishtim and his quest for immortality (which shares themes like that of Noah’s story).
3,300 BC: The invention of cuneiform script by the Sumerians marks one of the earliest known forms of writing.During this time the west bank of the Middle East (Israel, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Megiddo/Armageddon) were under the flourishing under Canaan civilization (Kingdom of Israel and Judah) which was largely under the Egyptian influence around Levant Region (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) who paid tributes to the Egyptians
3,000 BC: The Akkadian Empire (often known with the tragic story of Akadian King Ur-Zabab), led by Sargon of Akkad, conquered the Sumerians, creating one of the first empires in history. Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon was appointed the Poet, Priestess and Politician of Ancient Mesopotamia – which was a very radical step in women empowerment during that time. She is also known as the first known author of the found literary works. Naram-Sin, grandson of Sargon The Great, was one of the great Akkadian warrior kings and helped expand the empire greatly among the Akkadian descents. Island of Cyprus (known as Alasiya in those times) made a wide maritime trade network and great works in iron and copper. A separate Jiroft Civilization also did exist in modern day south eastern Iran.
2,100 BC: The rise of the Ur III from the Hurrian Dynasty, (city of Ur, birthplace of Abraham) often referred to as the Sumerian Renaissance, where culture, literature, and architecture flourished.When the Hurrians conglomerate with the other empires of the region like Akkadian, Neo Sumerian civilizations: Shulgi and Sham Amorites they became federation called Mittani. There was a religious and political war going on between the people of Umma and Lagash during the Hurrian times. The present day Bahrain and Qatar were under the Dilmuns. The modern day Oman and UAE were under the Magan / Makkan.
1,750 BC: King Hammurabi (An Amorite, who came to be after Sumerians) of Babylon (an old Port City which later came to conquer the entire region) establishes one of the earliest written legal codes, known as the Code of Hammurabi, which becomes a foundational text for legal systems. After the HIttitesransacked the Babylons the Kassite Dynasty who were villagers from Northern Iran took the charge of Babylon. More on Early Babylonian Period: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
1,200 BC: The fall of many Mesopotamian city-states during the Bronze Age Collapse, possibly due to invasions by the Sea Peoples or internal conflicts.
Movies: The Scorpion King (2002)
Ancient Egypt (3,000 BC – 30 BC)
3,000 BC: The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt marks the beginning of the dynastic period, led by Egyptian Scorpion King I (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17) from Upper Egyptian city of Hierakonpolis. Pharaohs begin the tradition of building monumental tombs (pyramids) to ensure their immortality. Construction: Pharaoh Djoser initiates the construction of the Step Pyramid, the earliest known pyramid in Egypt. Writing: Development of hieroglyphic writing, which becomes essential for administration, religion, and literature.
2,575 BC – 2,150 BC: The Old Kingdom period, marked by the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx during the Fourth Dynasty.
2,050 BC: The Middle Kingdom begins, marked by stability, increased trade, and cultural achievements.
1,550 BC: The New Kingdom period, often considered the height of Egyptian power and culture. Pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, and Akhenaten rule during this time.
1,500 BC: Reign of Ramses II (Ramses the Great), a period marked by extensive building projects and the famous biblical connection to Moses as depicted in the Old Testament.
1,070 BC: The Third Intermediate Period begins, characterized by political fragmentation and the decline of central power.
Movies: The Ten Commandments (1956), The Mummy (1999), The Prince of Egypt (1998), Gods of Egypt (2016), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014), The Egyptian (1954), Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)
Nubian Civilization (2,500 BC – 350 AD)
The Nubian Civilization, located in what is now Sudan, flourished in the Kingdom of Kush in Northeast Africa. Known for their skilled archers, referred to as the Ta-Chety, the Nubians lived along the Nile River and the Red Sea. Often considered the first kingdom of Kush, they had a long history of rivalry with Egypt. It was common for them to have queens and female warriors, highlighting the prominent role of women in their society.
Hebrew Civilization (1,200 BC – 586 BC)
Location: Ancient Israel and Judah, in the Levant. Significance: The Hebrews are significant for their religious contributions, particularly the development of monotheism and the writing of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The Kingdom of Israel and later the Kingdom of Judah were key states in the region. Notable Event: The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem under King Solomon (c. 957 BC), which became the center of Jewish worship.
Movies: David and Goliath (1960), King David (1985), Risen (2016), The Book of Esther (2006), Noah (2014), The Bible: In the Beginning (1966), The Story of Ruth (1960), Samson and Delilah (1949), Joshua (2002)
Elamite Civilization (2,700 BC – 539 BC)
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Location: Southwestern Iran, in the region of modern-day Khuzestan. Significance: The Elamites were one of the earliest civilizations in Iran, contemporary with the Sumerians and Akkadians of Mesopotamia. They developed a unique writing system and were known for their art, architecture, and military power. Notable Event: The Elamite capital, Susa, became a major cultural and political center, and the Elamites played a significant role in regional conflicts with Mesopotamian civilizations.
Assyrian Civilization (2,500 BC – 609 BC)
Location: Northern Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Significance: The Assyrians were known for their powerful military and extensive empire (started during the time of King Shamshi Adad I during Old-Assyrian Period), but grew even more prominent particularly during the Neo-Assyrian period (911-609 BC). The Middle Assyrian timeline was called the dark Assyrian period due to lack of documentation. They made significant advancements in knowledge, architecture, warfare, technology, and governance. Notable Event: The rise of the Assyrian Empire in the 9th century BC, leading to the conquest of large parts of the Near East, including the defeat of the Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC.
Movies: The Assyrians (2012, Documentary)
Phoenician Civilization (1,200 BC – 539 BC)
Location: Phoenicians, (Main cities Sidon, Tyre ) resided in coastal regions of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel. This region also hosted a Kingdom called Aramaean Kingdom. Significance: The Phoenicians were renowned seafarers and traders, establishing colonies across the Mediterranean, including Carthage. They developed the Phoenician alphabet, which heavily influenced the Greek and Latin alphabets. Notable Event: The founding of Carthage in the 9th century BC, which would later become a major power in the Mediterranean.
Movies: The Phoenicians (2005, Documentary)
Europe
Etruscan Civilization (900 BC – 27 BC)
The Etruscans were a people who migrated to the Italian peninsula from the Anatolian region, settling near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Their advanced culture, art, architecture, and religious practices greatly influenced the emerging Roman Empire, shaping many aspects of Roman society, governance, and engineering in later centuries.
Cycladic Civilization (3,200 BC – 2,000 BC)
Location: The Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Significance: Known for their distinctive marble figurines, which are among the earliest forms of art in Europe. The Cycladic civilization contributed to the cultural development of the Aegean, influencing later civilizations like the Minoans. Notable Event: The flourishing of Cycladic art and culture, which later influenced Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations.
Minoan Civilization (2,700 BC – 1,450 BC)
Location: The island of Crete in the Aegean Sea. Significance: The Minoans are considered the first advanced civilization in Europe. They were known for their elaborate palaces, such as Knossos, vibrant frescoes, advanced architecture, and early writing systems (Linear A, which remains undeciphered). Notable Event: The eruption of the Thera volcano around 1,600 BC is believed to have contributed to the decline of the Minoan civilization. Mycenaeans from mainland Greece came and took over Minoan Greece in the island of Crete.
Movies: Minoan Crete (2004, Documentary)
Hittite Civilization (1,700 BC – 1,200 BC)
1,700 BC: The Hittite civilization is established in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), recognized by its trading colonies, ruled by King Labarnas and Urartus from Eastern Anatolia. The neolithic civilization before the Hittites in the similar regions were called Catal Huyuk.
1,300 BC: King Muwatalli II of the Hittites engages in the famous Battle of Kadesh against Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II. The battle ends in a stalemate, leading to the first recorded peace treaty between Hittite King Hattusili III and Ramses II.
1,200 BC: The Hittite Empire collapses during the Neo HIttite Reign, likely due to invasions by the mysterious Sea Peoples and other external pressures. The largest group of Hittite people during that time were called Luwian who originally came from the shores of Black sea and later made most of the Hittite Population.
Mycenaean Greece (1,600 BC – 1,100 BC)
1,600 BC: The Minoans and Mycenaean civilization emerges in mainland Greece, characterized by Mycenaean wars, artworks, Lydian Coins, powerful kings ruling, culture, contact with other civilizations from the Middle East, from independent city-states such as Mycenae, Pylos, Troy, Athens, Syracuse, Eritrea, Corinth, Cyclades, Sparta, Acgaras, Tiryns. Writing System: Development of Linear B script, used for administrative and economic records, the era called Ancient Greece. Philip II of Macedon.
1,250 BC: The legendary Trojan War, as described in Homer’s epics, is believed to have taken place around this time. The story of the land known as Lukka housed Lycians, the story of Bellerophon.
1,200 BC: The decline of the Mycenaean civilization, possibly due to internal strife, natural disasters, and invasions by the Sea Peoples (Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Civilizations and Philistines). The story of King Midas is from Phrygia (North Western Turkey) who later came to settle in different parts of the Middle East. Greek Dark Age, Archaic Greece
The western Turkey during that time was called Kingdom of Lydia, known as a rich nation and had a major maritime trade relationship with mainland Greece.
The story of Spartan King Leonidas, Victory of Athenians over invasion of Persian King Xerxes called the Peloponnesian War (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) and the father of History Herodotus were set in around 450 BC.
Movies: Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Clash of the Titans (2010), Hercules (1997, Animated), Ulysses (1954), Immortals (2011)
Nuragic Civilization (1,800 BC – 900 BC)
Originating on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Nuragic people are known for their distinctive fortress culture, characterized by massive, tower-like structures called nuraghes. Skilled in bronze work, they produced weapons, tools, and utensils, showcasing advanced metallurgical techniques. Some historians speculate they may have been among the enigmatic Sea Peoples who disrupted Mediterranean civilizations during the Late Bronze Age.
Asia
Huang He (Yellow River) Civilization (2,100 BC – 771 BC)
2,100 BC: The Xia Dynasty is traditionally considered the first Chinese dynasty, established by Yu the Great, who is credited with controlling the floods of the Yellow River through the construction of dams and other hydraulic works.
1,600 BC: The Shang Dynasty begins, known for advancements in bronze casting, writing, and urbanization.
1,046 BC: The Zhou Dynasty succeeded the Shang Dynasty, marking the beginning of the longest-lasting dynasty in Chinese history.
Movies: Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023)
Indus Valley Civilization (3,300 BC – 1,300 BC)
3,300 BC: The Indus Valley Civilization (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) arises along the Indus River (modern-day Pakistan and northwest India). Inventions: Development of an advanced urban infrastructure, including one of the world’s earliest toilet and drainage systems. Cities: Major cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, known for their urban planning, grid layouts, and sophisticated water management systems. 1,800 BC: Gradual decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, possibly due to climate change, shifting river patterns, or invasions by Indo-Aryans.
Movies: Mohenjo Daro
Vedic Aryan Age (1,500 BC – 500 BC)
This era marks the migration of the Indo-Aryans into the Indian subcontinent, known through the Aryan Migration Theory. It saw the composition of the four Vedas—Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva—which became the foundation of Hindu philosophy and religious practices. The period also witnessed the development of Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest languages. The Vedic Aryans were skilled in the use of iron weapons and introduced horse-drawn chariots, significantly advancing their military capabilities and influencing the cultural landscape of ancient India.
Americas
Norte Chico Civilization (3,000 BC – 1,800 BC)
Location: Coastal areas of present-day Peru. Significance: Norte Chico is one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas. It is known for its monumental architecture, including large platform mounds, and its lack of ceramics or known writing system, which distinguishes it from contemporary civilizations. Notable Event: The construction of large complexes at sites like Caral, considered one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
Olmec Civilization (1,200 BC – 400 BC)
1,200 BC: The Olmec civilization, often considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, arises in what is now southern Mexico. Cultural Contributions: The Olmecs develop early forms of hieroglyphic writing, large stone head sculptures, and influence later civilizations like the Mayans, Toltecs, Aztecs and Zapotecs. Teotihuacán Civilization in the area of southern Mexico near the gulf of Mexico.