Elements: Suite - In the Beginning... Fire - Air - Water - Earth & Conclusion Many ancient cultures have variations on the belief that the four elements; Fire Air, Water, and Earth, were integral to all life on Earth. Some civilizations even worshiped some or all of them at one time. The Cradle of Two Rivers (3000 BC) The fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern day Iraq gave rise to the earliest known civilization of Mesopotamia. It is often referred to as ‘the cradle of civilization,’ and is widely regarded as the most probable location of the biblical Garden of Eden. Sacred Stones (2000 BC) One of the great mysteries of the ancient world, Stonehenge was actually begun in the Neolithic age. After centuries of construction, the ring of stones was erected in roughly 2000 BC. Though theories abound as to why it was built, the true purpose of Stonehenge remains unknown. Land of the Pharaohs (1000 BC) The Egyptian Empire reigned from roughly 3000 BC to 30 BC when it became a province of Rome. Among its many achievements are the quarrying, surveying and construction techniques that supported the building of monumental pyramids, temples, and obelisks. Its art and architecture were widely copied, and can be found in other civilizations both near and far. Peloponnesus (460 BC) In the mid fifth century BC, a confederation of Greek city-states, led by Sparta, united to face the grave threat of an invading Persian Empire. This short-lived alliance managed to defeat the Persians, but eventually the Athenian Empire and its powerful navy threatened Sparta, which resulted in the Peloponnesian Wars. Pax Romana (100 AD) A roughly 200 year long period of relative peace and prosperity within the Roman Empire, the Pax Romana began under the reign of Augustus in 27 BC. He initiated many new building projects, including large aqueducts and a vast expansion of roads throughout the empire. Rise of the Prophet (638 AD) After the death of Muhammad, his followers spread out and led a series of military expeditions into Egypt and North Africa. They defeated the Byzantines and eventually moved into Spain. Though its expansion was halted in Europe, by 1258 Islam had become the dominant religion in the Middle East and Africa. Nordic Tides(800 AD) Viking raids on Britain began in the late 8th century. Villages and monasteries were easy prey to the longboats, which could traverse shallow rivers as well as open sea. Taking advantage of a divided kingdom to loot and pillage, they eventually colonized the land. By 1284 however, they had either been driven out or assimilated into a united Christian England. Medieval Vignette (1100 AD) By 1100, the population of Europe had increased greatly as technological and agricultural innovations allowed trade to flourish. Kings became the heads of centralized nation states, reducing crime and violence. This also led to higher learning and the building of the first universities, as well as advances in art and architecture. Angkor Wat (1150 AD) Originally built as a Hindu temple by the Khmer dynasty, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a center of worship to Buddhism. Though it was once a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis, its palaces, public buildings, and houses were built of wood, and have long since disappeared. Only the stone temples remain. Song of the Song (1279 AD) The Song Dynasty was a vibrant period in Chinese history. Art, science, philosophy, mathematics, and engineering all flourished. The development of gunpowder led to advancements in weapons, but it was not enough to stave off the Mongols, who conquered the Song in 1279 AD. Byzantine Sunset (1453 AD) The conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, which had ruled for over 1100 years. With eastern trade routes now cut off, European explorers sought a western approach to India and its riches, which lead to the accidental discovery of the New World. Tenochtitlán: Suite - Island City - Floating Gardens - Flower War - Feeding the Gods (1500 AD) In 1500 the Aztec Empire was at the peak of its power. In less than 100 years it rose from a small homeless tribe to become the dominant power in the region, with its capital city rivaling any in Europe at that time. The arrival of the Spanish in 1518 brought disease and the Aztecs were easily conquered within a year.