Human history
People have a long story. We lived in Africa first. Then we moved to new places. We learned to grow food. We built big cities. Our world is very big. Do you like stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory articles
Explore people, places, events and discoveries from the past. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
3,877 public articles · Page 1 of 81
Ancient history
Long ago, people began to write. They lived in many places. Some lived near big rivers. They grew food to eat. Many people lived together. This was a busy time. Can you imagine living then?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCivilization
A civilization is a big group of people. Many people live in cities together. They grow lots of food to eat. Some people make things like pots. They may even use writing. This helps them work together. Can you…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleClimate
Climate is the usual weather. It stays the same for a long time. It tells us what to expect. It helps us plan our lives. Do you like the sun or rain?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleEarly modern period
Long ago, the world began to change. People traveled far by sea. They met new friends in far places. They shared many new things. This time helped connect our big world. Do you like to learn about old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory
History is the study of the past. It looks at how people lived. We use old things to learn. This helps us know the truth. It is like a big story. Do you like old stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleModern era
We live in a new time. It is called the modern era. Many new things were made. Machines helped people work. This changed how we live. It still changes today. Do you like new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePost-classical history
Long ago, the world changed a lot. New groups of people grew. They built big cities. People traded goods far away. They also shared new ideas. Many people grew in number. It was a busy time. Can you imagine traveling…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articlePrehistory
Long ago, people lived without writing. They used stone tools to work. Some used fire to stay warm. This was a very long time ago. It helps us learn about our past. Do you like old things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleWar
War is when groups fight. It can be very sad. People work to make peace. Many people help others stay safe. This helps our world. Do you know about peace?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAchaemenid Empire
Long ago, a big empire lived in Iran. It was very, very large. A leader named Cyrus started it. He was a kind king. Many different people lived there together. It was a grand place. Do you like learning about old kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAge of Discovery
Long ago, many people sailed the seas. They went to far places. They found new lands and new ways to trade. This changed the whole world. It was a big change for everyone. Do you like to explore?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAge of Enlightenment
Long ago, people wanted to learn. They used their minds to think. They looked for new ways to be free. This helped change the world. It helped us today. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAkbar
Akbar was a great king. He ruled a big land in India. He helped many different people live in peace. His kingdom grew very large and rich. He was a very famous leader. Do you like learning about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAlexander the Great
Long ago, a king named Alexander lived. He led a very big group of people. He traveled to many far lands. He built many new cities. Alexander was a very famous leader. Do you like to explore?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAmerican Revolution
Long ago, many people lived in new lands. They wanted to rule themselves. They did not like new rules. A big fight happened between them and a king. After the fight, they became a new nation. Now they have their own…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAncient Egypt
Long ago, people lived by a big river. This river helped them grow food. They built huge stone pyramids. These buildings are still here today. It was a very special place. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAncient Greece
Long ago, people lived in Greece. They lived in small cities. These cities had their own rules. Some cities were very strong. They built big, beautiful buildings. These ideas still help us today. Do you like to learn…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAncient Rome
Long ago, a city called Rome grew. It was by a big river. The city became very large. It ruled many lands. People still learn from them today. Can you imagine living there?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAndean civilizations
Long ago, many people lived in the mountains. They grew food like potatoes. They used strings with knots to keep track of things. They built big cities and long roads. These people were very smart. Do you like to…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleArchaeology
People study the past. They look for old things. They find tools and pots. This helps us learn. It is like a big puzzle. Can you be a helper too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAshoka
A great king lived long ago. His name was Ashoka. He ruled a very large land. He helped many people find peace. His wheel is on the flag of India. Do you like to learn about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAtlantic slave trade
Long ago, a sad thing happened. Many people were taken from Africa. They were sent far away on ships. They had to work very hard. Later, people worked to stop this. It was a very big change. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleAztecs
Long ago, many people lived in Mexico. They built big cities. They grew food like corn. They made beautiful art. We can still see their things today. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBlack Death
Long ago, a sickness spread far. It moved from place to place. Many people got sick. It was a very hard time. People worked to make things better. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleBronze Age
Long ago, people used new metal. They mixed metals to make bronze. This metal was very strong. It helped them make tools. People even started to write! Can you imagine using bronze?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleByzantine Empire
Long ago, there was a big empire. It was called the Roman Empire. It had a great city called Constantinople. People there lived for a long time. It was a very grand place. Can you imagine living there?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCharlemagne
Charlemagne was a great king. He ruled a very large land. He brought many people together. His work helped change Europe. He is a very famous leader. Do you like stories about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleChristopher Columbus
A man named Columbus sailed the sea. He wanted to find a new way to Asia. He sailed west in his big ships. He found new lands instead. Many things changed after his trip. It was a very big change for the world. Do…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCold War
Long ago, two big groups did not get along. One group was the US. The other was the Soviet Union. They did not fight a big war. They just competed to be the best. This lasted for a long time. Do you know about this time?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleContemporary history
This is our world today. It started after a big war. Many new countries were made. People use computers and the web. It is a busy time. Do you like new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrusades
Long ago, many wars happened. People fought for a special land. They traveled a long way. This was a hard time. Many people tried to make peace. Can you imagine a long trip?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCyrus the Great
Cyrus was a great king. He lived a long time ago. He built a huge land. He was kind to many people. He let them keep their ways. Do you like learning about kings?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleDecolonization
Long ago, some lands were ruled by others. These lands wanted to be free. People worked hard to make their own rules. This helped many new countries start. It is a big part of our world. Do you like learning about…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleFrench Revolution
Long ago, France had a big change. Many people felt things were not fair. They wanted more say in how things worked. People worked hard to make new rules. These rules helped many people today. Can you imagine making…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleGenghis Khan
Long ago, a boy named Temüjin lived. He grew up to be a great leader. He brought many tribes together. He built a very large empire. This helped people trade and talk. He is still famous today. Do you like history?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleGupta Empire
Long ago, a great group ruled India. They made beautiful art. They also had smart thinkers. These people helped many things grow. It was a special time. Do you like art?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of Africa
Africa is a very big place. Long ago, people first lived there. They built great kings and lands. Many people still live there today. It is a special place for us. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of Asia
Asia is a very big place. Many people lived there long ago. They built great cities near rivers. Some people traveled far to share new ideas. It is a place with many stories. Do you want to learn more?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of Europe
Europe is a big place. Many people lived there long ago. They built great cities. Some people were kings. They changed the world. We can learn from them. Do you like history?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of North America
Many people lived here long ago. They built big cities. They grew food like corn. Later, people from far away came. This changed how people lived. It is a very big story. Do you like history?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of religion
People have many ways to believe. Some ways are very old. Long ago, people wrote down their ideas. These ideas help people live together. They help us learn about the world. Can you find ways people believe?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of science
People have always wanted to learn. They looked at the stars. They learned how to grow food. They found ways to help sick people. This helps us understand our world today. Do you like to learn new things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of South America
South America is a big place. Many people lived there long ago. They grew food like beans and corn. They also lived in great cities. Many different groups live there now. It is a very special place. Do you want to…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHistory of technology
People make tools to help them. Long ago, they used stones. They used fire to stay warm. Later, they used metal for tools. These things help us every day. Do you use tools too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleHoly Roman Empire
Long ago, a big group of lands was one. It was called the Holy Roman Empire. A king ruled over many places. It lasted for a very long time. This group helped shape our world. Can you find it on a map?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleInca Empire
Long ago, the Inca lived in mountains. They built a big land. It had four parts. They used strings with knots to keep track of things. This helped them rule well. It was a very big home. Do you like mountains?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleIndustrial Revolution
Long ago, things changed fast. People started using big machines. These machines made things like cloth. They used steam and water for power. This helped many people live better. It changed how we live today. Do you…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article