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Ancient, Medieval and Modern History - Differences, Definition, Timeline And More
IMPORTANT LINKS
The primary difference between ancient, mediaeval, and modern history is that the ancient period is from 6,000 BCE to 650 CE, the fifth to the fifteenth century, and the latter from the fifteenth century to the late eighteenth century. Ancient, medieval, and modern history are distinct periods that have shaped human civilization over time. Each era carries its unique characteristics, developments, and influences on societies globally. Understanding these differences provides insights into the evolution of cultures, economies, and governance systems.
Ancient, Medieval and Modern history are an important part of the UPSC syllabus as they comprise part of UPSC mains General Studies paper-1 and UPSC prelims.
In this article, let us look at the classification of history, the timeline of ancient history, medieval history and modern history, the difference between ancient, medieval and modern history and the timeline of Indian history in detail for the UPSC IAS Exam.
You can also enroll and prepare for History topics through Testbook’s flagship UPSC History Optional Coaching Program.
Check out the linked article on Medieval History UPSC Notes now.
Difference Between Ancient, Medieval and Modern History
Following table summarizes the differences between the Ancient, Medieval and Modern History
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Key Differences between Ancient, Medieval and Modern History |
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Ancient History |
Medieval History |
Modern History |
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Ancient history time period extends from 6000 BC to 650 AD. |
This period extends from 500 AD to 1500 AD. |
Modern history time period extends from 500 AD till the present day. |
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This time period of human history saw extensive use of bronze and iron tools leading to the development of composite human societies that ultimately transformed to large empires. |
This period witnessed many advancements in science and other technologies such as the invention of gunpowder and increased trade between Asia and Europe. |
The technological progress will usher in a new era of enlightenment and understanding with new systems of government overcoming the ancient systems. |
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The word “classical antiquity” is generally mixed up with Ancient History when in fact it is employed to explain the time period in Western history when ancient civilizations of the mediterranean flourished. |
In Europe, medieval history is also described as the “Dark Ages” as many records were lost due to the chaos subsequent to the fall of the western part of the Roman empire. |
Contemporary history is either a subset of the late modern period, or it is one of the three important subsets of modern history, along with the early modern period and the late modern period. The word contemporary history has been in use at least since the early 19th century. |
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It is predicted that the world population at around 1000 BC stood at approximately 72 million and at around 500 AD it stood approximately at 209 million. |
The world population increased from 210 million in 500 AD to around 461 million in 1500 AD. |
The world population increased from 460 million in 1500 AD to about 7 billion at around 2020 AD. |
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Some of the considerable happenings of this era comprise the rise of the Greek Kingdoms, rise and decline of the Indus Valley Civilization and creation of international trade networks. |
Even though the dark ages have said to begun with the decline of the Roman empire in the West in 476 AD, the invasion of Italy by its Eastern half (referred to as the Byzantine empire) in 534 AD is referred to be the real beginning of a period marked by anarchy and disorder. |
The Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries declared the commencement of the modern period as we recognize it today. This period was marked by outstanding progress in learning, medicine, technology and exploration. |
What is Ancient History?
Ancient history delves into the world's earliest records, spanning from the dawn of human history to the era following classical antiquity. Encompassing approximately 5000 years, from roughly 3000 BC to 500 AD, though subject to historical debates, this era saw the emergence of Greek realms, the ascent and fall of the Indus Valley civilization, and the establishment of global trade networks. This epoch was marked by using bronze and iron to construct human structures, which laid the foundation for forming expansive empires.
Check out the linked article on Indus Valley Civilization for UPSC now.
What is Medieval History?
The medieval era, commonly known as the middle ages, is pivotal in the traditional stages of human history. It is subdivided into the Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. From the 5th century until the end of the 15th century, this span saw significant technological advancements and agricultural breakthroughs that stimulated trade growth. However, it also bore witness to numerous famines, plagues, and conflicts, contributing to a decline in the population during the latter part of this era. The conclusion of the middle ages signals the onset of the early modern period.
Check out the linked article on the Revolt of 1857: Political and Economic Causes now.
What is Modern History?
Modern history encompasses the span from the 15th century until the current era. The early modern era, starting in the 15th century, extended through the 18th century. Towards the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, ushering in an unprecedented phase of human advancement. This Modern epoch is characterized as an age of exploration, fostering knowledge, reasoning, and comprehension. During these times, Europeans began colonization and international trade, engaging with various parts of the world. The 19th century witnessed the ascent of the British Empire, wielding influence over a significant portion of the global populace. The 20th century marked the occurrence of two World Wars—World War I and World War II. Additionally, numerous countries embarked on decolonization efforts during this time period.
Check out the linked article on Modern History UPSC Notes now.
Timeline of Indian History
The time frame of Indian history can be divided into three types: ancient Indian history, medieval Indian history, and modern Indian history.
- The time frame of ancient Indian history tells us about the commencement of the country's earliest cultures, agriculture, and civilization. Throughout this period, the Greeks, the Hunas, the pre-Aryans, the Indo-Aryans, the Scythians, etc., invaded the country and made it their homeland.
- The time frame of medieval Indian history commenced in the eighth century when political disunity existed in various parts of the country. Significant dynasties, such as Khiljis, Mughals, Tughlaqs, etc., were established during this period.
- The timeline of modern Indian history marks the advent of Europeans one after the other and the commencement of their business and trade at a large scale. The sequence of historical events, from falling under British rule to achieving independence, falls under the timeline of modern history.
Difference Between Ancient, Medieval and Modern History – Download the PDF for UPSC Exams Now!
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Difference Between Ancient, Medieval and Modern History FAQs
What are the middle ages?
The medieval period in history is normally termed the middle ages and is the mid part of the three conventional periods of human history. It is further subdivided into three groups, namely Early, High and Late middle ages. It spans from the beginning of the 5th century to the end of the 15th century.
What is the modern period in history?
Modern period commenced with the fall of the Western Roman empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Discovery Age. The modern period or the modern era, is the international historiographical approach to the time period after the middle ages.
What is the significant feature of the modern history of India?
Modern history inculcates ironic happenings like the British assuming full political control of India, exploiting indigenous workers in mills, farmers in plantations, etc. to great wars like the 1857 war of independence.
What is the time frame of the medieval history of India?
The medieval history of India spans over a time period of 700 AD to 1857 AD.
Who divided history into ancient, medieval and modern?
Indian historians divided Indian history into three periods, namely the ancient, medieval and modern, while James Mill, an economist and political scholar of Scotland divided Indian history into three periods, namely the Hindu, Muslim and British.
What does ancient history cover?
Ancient history encompasses all continents populated by humans in the period of 3000 BCE to 500 CE. The three-age arrangement groups ancient history into the Stone age, the Bronze age and the Iron age, with recorded history typically assessed to commence with the Bronze age.