This course introduces the emergence of the major civilizations of the ancient world, beginning with the Paleolithic Era and ending with the end of the Middle Ages in fifteenth century A.D. It focuses on the political, economic, social, religious and cultural development of the world and investigates the European and Middle-eastern empires of the ancient world such as Greece, Rome, Byzantium and Islam, as well as the tensions and transformations in these empires. It will also attempt to assess the impact of these empires and civilizations upon today’s world.