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World History

A panoramic exploration of World History and the civilizations, events, cultures, and figures that collectively shaped our world.

Australia’s Pearl Harbor: History of the City of Darwin
Australia’s Pearl Harbor: History of the City of Darwin

The city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia is a former frontier outpost with a rich history. While often overlooked, its role in World War II remains impactful to this day.

Get to Know the Ainu, Japan’s First People
Get to Know the Ainu, Japan’s First People

Mysterious and misunderstood, the Ainu are an ancient Indigenous people who still call Japan their home.

How Portugal Conquered the Indian Ocean Spice Trade
How Portugal Conquered the Indian Ocean Spice Trade

Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias had to overcome formidable challenges to enter the Indian Ocean spice trade. Learn about the pioneers who led the way.

How Medieval Japan’s Fusion of Buddhism and Shinto Created Shinbutsu-Shugo
How Medieval Japan’s Fusion of Buddhism and Shinto Created Shinbutsu-Shugo

Japan has been Buddhist throughout most of its history, but before Buddhism there was Shinto. Merging these beliefs created Shinbutsu-Shugo, the religion of Medieval Japan.

An Overview of the Sui and Tang Chinese Dynasties
An Overview of the Sui and Tang Chinese Dynasties

After centuries of division and disorder, China was reunited by the short-lived Sui Dynasty, which gave way to the illustrious Tang Dynasty.

An Overview of the Song, Liao, Jurchen Jin, and Yuan Chinese Dynasties
An Overview of the Song, Liao, Jurchen Jin, and Yuan Chinese Dynasties

While Chinese civilization flourished under the Song Dynasty, large parts of northern China were ruled by rival dynasties until the Mongol conquest reunified the country.

An Overview of the Ming and Qing Chinese Dynasties
An Overview of the Ming and Qing Chinese Dynasties

The Ming Dynasty restored Han Chinese rule for three centuries until its overthrow by the Manchu Qing Dynasty.

The Jōmon Period: Japan’s Mysterious Origin Story
The Jōmon Period: Japan’s Mysterious Origin Story

The very first people to arrive in Japan came to the islands many thousands of years ago and began what is known today as the Jōmon Period.