Year 8 History Syllabus: Ancient to the Modern WorldYear 8 Overview- Introduction to the study of history and the importance of understanding the past
- Overview of the different time periods and civilizations that will be covered in Year 8
The Ottoman Empire (c.1299 – c.1683)- Origins and rise of the Ottoman Empire
- Key leaders and their contributions
- Expansion and peak of the empire
- Cultural and technological advancements
- Decline and fall of the empire
Renaissance Italy (c.1400 – c.1600)- Overview of the Renaissance period
- Italian city-states and their political, economic, and cultural influence
- Key figures of the Renaissance and their contributions
- Art, literature, and architecture of the period
- Impact of the Renaissance on Europe
The Vikings (c.790 – c.1066)- Viking society, culture, and way of life
- Exploration and trade routes of the Vikings
- Viking raids and invasions
- Viking influence on European history
- Legacy of the Vikings
Medieval Europe (c.590 – c.1500)- Feudalism and the social structure of medieval Europe
- The role of the Catholic Church
- Crusades and their impact
- Medieval warfare and chivalry
- Black Death and its consequences
Angkor/Khmer Empire (c.802 – c.1431)- Rise and expansion of the Angkor/Khmer Empire
- Architecture and religious beliefs
- Trade and cultural exchange
- Decline and abandonment of Angkor
- Legacy of the Khmer Empire
Japan under the Shoguns’ (c.794 – 1867)- Political and social structure during the Shogunate
- Samurai and their code of Bushido
- Cultural and artistic achievements
- Isolationist policies and their impact
- Transition to modern Japan
Polynesian expansion across the Pacific (c.700 – 1756)- Origins and navigation techniques of the Polynesians
- Settlement patterns and cultural diffusion
- Trade and exchange networks
- Impact on Pacific island societies
- Decline and factors contributing to it
Mongol expansion (c.1206 – c.1368)- Rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire
- Conquests and strategies of the Mongols
- Administration and governance of the empire
- Cultural and technological exchanges
- Fall and legacy of the Mongol Empire
Black Death in Asia, Europe, and Africa- Causes and spread of the Black Death
- Impact on population and society
- Responses and measures taken to combat the plague
- Economic and social consequences
- Long-term effects on Europe
Spanish conquest of the Americas (c.1492 – c.1572)- Voyages of Christopher Columbus and other explorers
- Conquest and colonization of the Americas
- Interactions between Spanish conquistadors and indigenous peoples
- Impact on indigenous cultures and societies
- Legacy and implications of Spanish colonization
By covering these topics, Year 8 students will gain a comprehensive understanding of different civilizations and their contributions to world history. This syllabus aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of historical events and societies.
This course is helpful for the following exams: Year 8