For most of our 250,000-year history, all humans were foragers. But then, about 12,000 years ago, some people started farming. Was it all a huge mistake?

How did complex societies change the way people lived? Trace the transformation from small communities to cities, states, and empires—and explore how this transformation reshaped human life.

From Hinduism and Buddhism to Christianity and Islam, religions transformed societies as they spread to new places. As these beliefs spread, some religions blended with local cultures and took on new traditions.

Learn about the transition of Rome from republic to empire and examine how the Han Dynasty first seized and later lost the Mandate of Heaven. Plus explore the roles and rights of women in these two powerful ancient civilizations.

After the fall of empires, societies don’t always collapse, they adapt, rebuild, and restructure. Challenge the idea of universal decline and explore how people showed resilience after catastrophe.