Well, by definition if it predates writing it is not "history", I think. But it is still an important part of the human past and I also find it fascinating.
Most interesting period of history?
- Thread starter RedRalph
- Start date
aronnax
Let your spirit be free
I dont think the first cities emerged by any form of desire or design. I think a long time ago someone said "What a nice place to grow food." built a single mud shelter and settled down with a wife. Then someone else came by and goes "What a nice place to grow food" and so on.
Its not really "Here I shall lay a Stone where in the Future a Great City will Stand!"
Would be rather boring to watch, even if you fastforward thousands of years. At least in my opinion.
Shaihulud
Deity
I am interested in the rise of Rome. I admit that it was partially caused by playing Rome: Totalwar!
JonathanStrange
PrinceWithA1000Enemies
? Oh, I never suggested that the first cities emerged by design or anticipation of a great future city. Or that one would observe a few random mud shelters and hope that a great city would rise.
I specifically mentioned known early cities, fast-forwarding to watch their various stages as Ur or Catal Huyuk grew, skipping the decades and centuries of little or no change. In a manner similar to time-lapse photos of plants growing.
I think a historian with the ability to identify turning points, key resources used, technology discoveries, animals domesticated, cultural values adopted, governments formed, religions founded, etc. would be able to give us a fascinating account. She or he would spare us the centuries of "no change". They do attempt this now through archaelogical excavation, but if one could observe (again, I'm not saying you watch thirty years or three hundred years of mud shelters in real time.) that would be something else.
aronnax
Let your spirit be free
No i mean, because they are built base on pure luck. Its growth is a bit...uh monotone.
When I started reading this I had the impression we were talking about which period of history would we choose to "spend a lifetime in" (let's say 80 years of healthy adulthood) - rather than an entire era we happen to be interested in. So going on that criteria, and assuming we were adults armed with our current knowledge, we would have an opportunity to influence or change history, which creates a paradox. But all that aside; these would be my choices (humour me, I like lists):
Update:
Roaming the earth in the Pliocene era c. 2-4 million years ago, when the earth was a sub-tropical paradise, the Sahara was a forested savannah, and the sea level was lower, and witness the waterfall when the Mediterranean filled. Probably would not survive the many natural predators and would only have Ramapithecus for company, who maybe could be convinced you are God and not eat you, especially if you knew exactly where to point out a massive supernova that passed within 150 light years of Earth.
Inter-glacial period c. 200,000 years ago, when Homo Sapiens and Neanderthalensis lived more or less side by side. Leave some artifact like a black monolith to confound future anthropologists, and give rise to theories that we were visited by aliens.
In the wake of the last Ice Age through a wildly changing landscape, see the dispersal of humanity from the Caucasus region, lead a tribe to the site of Byzantium and plant the seeds of a future dynasty.
A Mesopotamian mariner in the time of people who knew Gilgamesh or Sargon. Explore the Persian Gulf and the enigmatic Indus Valley culture, see the Pyramids in their original state. There would probably be no better time to make an early play for complete world domination. At least 5 of the world's 6 cradles of civilization (other than the new world) were within easy reach.
The first wave of Iron Age Invasions - 1190 - 1110 BCE or thereabouts. An extremely brutal time, but with no equal for nations on the move. You might get to see the Fall of Troy, solve the riddle of the Sea Peoples, the collapse of Hittite and Mycenaean cultures, and witness Judea in the time of the Judges. A lot of interesting stuff happening in the eastern Mediterranean there has been much speculation about.
Classical Greece - 500 - 420 BCE, well this is stretching it, but an opportunity to take part in the Ionian Revolt and Persian Wars, and seeing the different city states, including the first true democracies, and the Temple of Artemis. I probably would have argued with philosophers and tried to broker a peace between Athens and Sparta in the Peloponnesian War.
Accompanying Alexander the Great as a scientific advisor - try to prolong or save his life and convince him the earth was round.
Accompanying Hannibal - the odds of surviving would not be so good, but I would have probably tried to help him conquer Rome.
Palestine at the time of Christ - to see the man behind the myth, or the divinity behind the man. See the decadence of Imperial Rome and try to prevent the horrors of the Jewish revolt. This wouldn't be necessarily a fun trip, but an enlightening one.
The barbarian migrations from about 400-480 AD. So many changes and epic treks in the history of nations. From the last victories of Stilicho, the sack(s) of Rome, defeat of the Huns at Catalonian Fields, sailing with the pirate empire of Genseric, to Theodoric dethroning the last pretender to the Imperial throne. Who knows, maybe even meet the future King Arthur, and play Merlin.
The court of Justinian of the Byzantine Empire - William Butler Yeats seemed to think this was a fascinating period to be in. See the Hagia Sophia take shape. Maybe I would accompany Belisarius as his aide de camp and try to make his life a little easier.
Accompany the Vikings on raids or trade missions from the Ukraine and Constantinople to the New World. You'd get to see a lot of what was going on in a dim misty part of human history, plus keep a really awesome travelogue, and have hot Swedish babes waiting for me at home.
The Crusades - 1095-1175, and 1185-1265. In general, keep them out of trouble. As guide and advisor (with the blessing of the Pope and Alexius Comnenus) Prevent the worst atrocities. Gather the scattered parties of reinforcements that followed the First Crusade and the 2nd Crusade, before attempting to cross Anatolia instead of being massacred piecemeal. In the latter period, assassinate Guy de Lusignan and support Balian of Ibelin in a Peace Treaty with Saladin, avoiding Tiberias. Failing that, join King Richard. Later, save Constantinople from the 4th crusade by convincing them to continue to Acre, and join the Muslims against the Mongols of Hulagu Khan.
Early exploration was actually a lot of tedious drudgery and harsh conditions, but being the first to make contact with the Incas after walking across South America, and changing the course of history would be worthwhile if given the chance.
The great era of British colonial expansion and exploration 1820-1900. After reading the story of Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton - the man had adventures on every continent but Antarctica, including the Old West and the heart of Mecca. Would have been hard to keep up with him unless I knew 7 languages and could convince Muslims I was a green eyed Pashtu Sufi. But there were lots of similar opportunities in "the Great Game" at this time to explore the darkest corners of the earth and have a position of influence in many cultures. Plus, Richard became a connoisseur of Middle Eastern, Indian and African harems and brothels (as long as I had some penicillin). Along the way I could have met the French Impressionists, who knows maybe even play God and roll the dice by assassinating someone like Bismarck or Lenin to see how things turn out. As a final altruistic motive I would have made a campaign of public outrage at the British involvement in the Boer War, and met Gandhi.
WWII - just old enough to meet some of the literary figures of the Spanish Civil War, but enlist as a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, and get transferred to N. Africa and the Italian campaigns. Get to see the remarkable social changes traveling in Europe post war - see the iron curtain go up, the growth of avante-garde counter culture etc.
Or an early baby boomer who comes of age in the late 50s, and experiences the 60s first hand. All in all a more prosperous, innocent, and optimistic time for most people on this continent, (and you would be free from the nuclear terror, Yeah its a bit over the top nostalgic, you'd still know better). See Elvis and the Beatles live, to name a few, and probably write a controversial book or two that would warn the world to avoid some of the pitfalls and crises we face today. I might be still alive to enjoy it too !
Update:
Roaming the earth in the Pliocene era c. 2-4 million years ago, when the earth was a sub-tropical paradise, the Sahara was a forested savannah, and the sea level was lower, and witness the waterfall when the Mediterranean filled. Probably would not survive the many natural predators and would only have Ramapithecus for company, who maybe could be convinced you are God and not eat you, especially if you knew exactly where to point out a massive supernova that passed within 150 light years of Earth.
Inter-glacial period c. 200,000 years ago, when Homo Sapiens and Neanderthalensis lived more or less side by side. Leave some artifact like a black monolith to confound future anthropologists, and give rise to theories that we were visited by aliens.
In the wake of the last Ice Age through a wildly changing landscape, see the dispersal of humanity from the Caucasus region, lead a tribe to the site of Byzantium and plant the seeds of a future dynasty.
A Mesopotamian mariner in the time of people who knew Gilgamesh or Sargon. Explore the Persian Gulf and the enigmatic Indus Valley culture, see the Pyramids in their original state. There would probably be no better time to make an early play for complete world domination. At least 5 of the world's 6 cradles of civilization (other than the new world) were within easy reach.
The first wave of Iron Age Invasions - 1190 - 1110 BCE or thereabouts. An extremely brutal time, but with no equal for nations on the move. You might get to see the Fall of Troy, solve the riddle of the Sea Peoples, the collapse of Hittite and Mycenaean cultures, and witness Judea in the time of the Judges. A lot of interesting stuff happening in the eastern Mediterranean there has been much speculation about.
Classical Greece - 500 - 420 BCE, well this is stretching it, but an opportunity to take part in the Ionian Revolt and Persian Wars, and seeing the different city states, including the first true democracies, and the Temple of Artemis. I probably would have argued with philosophers and tried to broker a peace between Athens and Sparta in the Peloponnesian War.
Accompanying Alexander the Great as a scientific advisor - try to prolong or save his life and convince him the earth was round.
Accompanying Hannibal - the odds of surviving would not be so good, but I would have probably tried to help him conquer Rome.
Palestine at the time of Christ - to see the man behind the myth, or the divinity behind the man. See the decadence of Imperial Rome and try to prevent the horrors of the Jewish revolt. This wouldn't be necessarily a fun trip, but an enlightening one.
The barbarian migrations from about 400-480 AD. So many changes and epic treks in the history of nations. From the last victories of Stilicho, the sack(s) of Rome, defeat of the Huns at Catalonian Fields, sailing with the pirate empire of Genseric, to Theodoric dethroning the last pretender to the Imperial throne. Who knows, maybe even meet the future King Arthur, and play Merlin.
The court of Justinian of the Byzantine Empire - William Butler Yeats seemed to think this was a fascinating period to be in. See the Hagia Sophia take shape. Maybe I would accompany Belisarius as his aide de camp and try to make his life a little easier.
Accompany the Vikings on raids or trade missions from the Ukraine and Constantinople to the New World. You'd get to see a lot of what was going on in a dim misty part of human history, plus keep a really awesome travelogue, and have hot Swedish babes waiting for me at home.
The Crusades - 1095-1175, and 1185-1265. In general, keep them out of trouble. As guide and advisor (with the blessing of the Pope and Alexius Comnenus) Prevent the worst atrocities. Gather the scattered parties of reinforcements that followed the First Crusade and the 2nd Crusade, before attempting to cross Anatolia instead of being massacred piecemeal. In the latter period, assassinate Guy de Lusignan and support Balian of Ibelin in a Peace Treaty with Saladin, avoiding Tiberias. Failing that, join King Richard. Later, save Constantinople from the 4th crusade by convincing them to continue to Acre, and join the Muslims against the Mongols of Hulagu Khan.
Early exploration was actually a lot of tedious drudgery and harsh conditions, but being the first to make contact with the Incas after walking across South America, and changing the course of history would be worthwhile if given the chance.
The great era of British colonial expansion and exploration 1820-1900. After reading the story of Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton - the man had adventures on every continent but Antarctica, including the Old West and the heart of Mecca. Would have been hard to keep up with him unless I knew 7 languages and could convince Muslims I was a green eyed Pashtu Sufi. But there were lots of similar opportunities in "the Great Game" at this time to explore the darkest corners of the earth and have a position of influence in many cultures. Plus, Richard became a connoisseur of Middle Eastern, Indian and African harems and brothels (as long as I had some penicillin). Along the way I could have met the French Impressionists, who knows maybe even play God and roll the dice by assassinating someone like Bismarck or Lenin to see how things turn out. As a final altruistic motive I would have made a campaign of public outrage at the British involvement in the Boer War, and met Gandhi.
WWII - just old enough to meet some of the literary figures of the Spanish Civil War, but enlist as a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, and get transferred to N. Africa and the Italian campaigns. Get to see the remarkable social changes traveling in Europe post war - see the iron curtain go up, the growth of avante-garde counter culture etc.
Or an early baby boomer who comes of age in the late 50s, and experiences the 60s first hand. All in all a more prosperous, innocent, and optimistic time for most people on this continent, (and you would be free from the nuclear terror, Yeah its a bit over the top nostalgic, you'd still know better). See Elvis and the Beatles live, to name a few, and probably write a controversial book or two that would warn the world to avoid some of the pitfalls and crises we face today. I might be still alive to enjoy it too !
It would be hard for you to be a better historian than Prokopios.
It would be hard for you to be a better historian than Prokopios.
Sounds like somebody I should take the time to read /
Bast
Protector of Cats
I'm more interested in the history of the world before there were humans. But I'm also interested in origins of humans and prehistory. The most recent periods I'm interested in are ancient histories of India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and to some extent Rome. These only because of the religions, literature and culture of those civilizations.
Anyway, the more I know about recent human history, the less I become interested in.
Anyway, the more I know about recent human history, the less I become interested in.
I also have a few in the category of early humans. There would be a real connection with our earthly origins - and the beauty of the world at different times as well. There are a few Nexus points where our species could have gone extinct, or made great beginnings.
Bast
Protector of Cats
I agree like the Toba catastrophe theory. It's so interesting to find out how precarious life really was and especially so if you even go back further in the evolutionary ladder.
I like a lot of history.... actually... I can say I like most World History. I find Asian history, Pre-Columbian N.+S. American history very interesting, Middle Eastern history is also really cool and interesting. The only history that I can say that I find boring and dislike is the period of Europe from right after the fall of Rome until Napoleon. In between that, the European Middle Ages and Renaissance, I find, just really boring... and i don't why... it just is. Other than that, classical Europe (Rome, Greece, etc.) is really cool, and after Napoleon Europe starts to get interesting again.
I'm terrible at choosing favorites or most interesting things, so I make lists
(in order from most interesting to least)
1) Pre-Columbian North +South America (Incas, Mayans, Aztecs, etc.)
2) East Asia (China, Mongolia, Japan, India etc.)
3) Middle Eastern (Israeli, Persian, Umayyads, Ottomans, etc.)
4) Classical Europe (Rome, Greece, Carthage, etc.)
5) 19th Century and Modern Europe (Napoleon, WWI, WWII, etc.)
6) African (Ethiopia, Egypt, Mali, Zulu, etc.)
7) Medieval Europe
8) Renaissance Europe
I'm terrible at choosing favorites or most interesting things, so I make lists
(in order from most interesting to least)1) Pre-Columbian North +South America (Incas, Mayans, Aztecs, etc.)
2) East Asia (China, Mongolia, Japan, India etc.)
3) Middle Eastern (Israeli, Persian, Umayyads, Ottomans, etc.)
4) Classical Europe (Rome, Greece, Carthage, etc.)
5) 19th Century and Modern Europe (Napoleon, WWI, WWII, etc.)
6) African (Ethiopia, Egypt, Mali, Zulu, etc.)
7) Medieval Europe
8) Renaissance Europe
Yeah you've got some interesting choices. Some of my choices, like yours, are less historical than just a setting we are interested in. For instance; a lot of Pre-Columbian Americas and sub-Saharan Africa pre-1800 there are only scattered, incomplete historical records, illuminated from outside by a few coastal explorers, or legends at best.
Well, the parts of pre-columbian history that I like are really just the Mayans, Incans, and to a lesser extent the Aztecs. Since the Incas didn't have a written language, info is hard to come by, but before the Spanish conquered them, some of the explorers still took down some info, and we know a lot from their ruins (Machu Piccu), mostly their massive engineering poweress. Other stuff we know about the Incas come from oral traditions and stuff. Though the Mayans are even more interesting, since they had a written language, and we can easily learn a lot about them.
Africa, I'm not that interested in, though the Zulu are pretty interesting, and so are some of the Islamic states in western Africa (Mali).
True enough. The Incas especially, I think were very cool. Also the Anasazi people (pre-Pueblos) when you go to places like Mesa Verde and many other sites in the 4 corners area. And the West Coast Indians and Algonquin/Iroquois had a well-developing culture.
History_Buff
Deity
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2001
- Messages
- 6,529
My personal favourite is the time that can be lumped together as The Age of Sail. The true formative years for Europe and the Americas, coupled with religious strife, rising nationalism, revolution, and Whitey trying to subjugate everyone he sees.
I'd wager that I'd enjoy the period ranging as far back as 1000AD, but I simply don't know enough about it.
It's not an overly interesting war, at least in the Crimea. The British bungle supply lines for a while, a few indecisive battles, followed by a long siege, and then the obvious conclusion. The real action is everywhere else.
In my opinion, the political game is actually the most interesting; nobody really wanted to fight the war, most of all Nicholas, but with some vague definitions and personal grudges, we get what we get.
Oddly enough though (for us commonwealthers anyway), it's a damn good thing that war went as poorly as it did, or Britain, and likely France would have taken a much bigger licking than they did in the opening stages of WWI.
I'd wager that I'd enjoy the period ranging as far back as 1000AD, but I simply don't know enough about it.
It's not an overly interesting war, at least in the Crimea. The British bungle supply lines for a while, a few indecisive battles, followed by a long siege, and then the obvious conclusion. The real action is everywhere else.
In my opinion, the political game is actually the most interesting; nobody really wanted to fight the war, most of all Nicholas, but with some vague definitions and personal grudges, we get what we get.
Oddly enough though (for us commonwealthers anyway), it's a damn good thing that war went as poorly as it did, or Britain, and likely France would have taken a much bigger licking than they did in the opening stages of WWI.
Annex
Tyranny and Mutation
Well to start off with, Im not really all that big on the military operations/historical battles part of history, Im more likely to be interested in, like you said, the political game.
I guess WWI and II might be an exception to this statement, because the battles and commanders are so interesting. Though Im sure some people would disagree about WWI being interesting.
I would claim that the First World War is more interesting than the Second because it's not so damn overdone.
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