The Age of Exploration launched an era of global connections, trade, and conquest, forever changing the course of world history. But with discovery came conflict, exploitation, and the reshaping of entire civilizations.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the motivations behind European exploration, from the search for new trade routes to the quest for wealth and power. We’ll examine key explorers like Columbus, Magellan, and da Gama, as well as the devastating impact of European expansion on indigenous peoples. This episode covers the Columbian Exchange, rise of mercantilism, and brutality of the transatlantic Slave Trade.

This episode is designed to accompany our Age of Exploration unit plan in our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with American History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Protestant Reformation shattered religious unity in Europe and reshaped the course of history. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the bold actions of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other reformers who challenged the Catholic Church.

This episode serves as a companion to our unit on the Reformation for World History students.

The unit (and this podcast episode) cover how the invention of the Printing Press spread new ideas rapidly, how Henry VIII’s personal and political motives led to England’s break from Rome, and how the Catholic Church responded with the Counter-Reformation and the Council of Trent. From fiery debates to lasting religious divisions, this period transformed European society and governance forever.

You can find resources for teaching about the Protestant Reformation here and join Students of History for immediate access to hundreds of engaging lessons and resources for teaching ALL of World History.

The Renaissance was a period of incredible creativity and intellectual growth that reshaped Europe and set the stage for the modern world. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we will review the art, ideas, and culture of both the Italian and Northern Renaissance of the 1500s.

This episode serves as a companion to our World History unit on the Renaissance. In it, students discover the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Donatello, the political insights of Machiavelli, and the literary genius of Shakespeare. From humanism to scientific advancements, this era saw a flourishing of knowledge that transformed society.

This episode provides an overview of the Renaissance unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. Learn more at Students of History.

Across Africa and the Americas, powerful civilizations flourished long before European exploration. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the rich cultures and achievements of the Aztec, Inca, and Maya civilizations in the Americas and great African empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Axum.

This episode serves as a companion to our unit on these fascinating civilizations.  Mesoamerican civilizations featured grand cities and advanced knowledge of astronomy, agriculture, and engineering. African civilizations are known for their vast trade networks, wealth, and contributions to world history. This unit looks at both regions around the year 1500 and their connections to civilizations before and after them. 

This episode provides an overview of the Civilizations in Africa & the Americas unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. If you are interested in learning more, check out Students of History.

The Middle Ages in Europe was a time of knights and castles, but also of great turmoil and transformation. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we examine the feudal system that structured medieval society, the devastating impact of the Black Death, and the religious and military conflicts of the Crusades.

This episode serves as a companion to our unit on this era. It reviews how Europe transitioned from fragmented feudal territories to the rise of powerful nation-states. From chivalry and the manor system to war, disease, and shifting political landscapes, this episode uncovers the forces that shaped medieval Europe.

This episode provides an overview of the Europe in the Middle Ages unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. Learn more at Students of History.

From the powerful dynasties of China to the vast Mongol Empire, Classical Asia was home to some of the most influential civilizations in history.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the achievements of the Qin, Han, Tang, and Song Dynasties in China, the rise of India’s Maurya and Gupta Empires, and the role of the Silk Road in connecting cultures across continents. We’ll also examine the Mongol Empire’s dominance under Genghis Khan and the unique warrior society of Feudal Japan. These civilizations shaped government, trade, and culture in ways that continue to influence the world today.

This episode provides an overview of the Classical Asia unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. Explore more at Students of History.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, a new empire rose in the east—one that would preserve Roman traditions, influence Christianity, and shape the development of Eastern Europe.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the rise of the Byzantine Empire, the achievements of Emperor Justinian (and his wife Theodora), the grandeur of Constantinople, and the lasting impact of Orthodox Christianity. We’ll also examine how Byzantine culture and trade influenced the formation of Kievan Rus', the first major Slavic state, and its role in shaping Russian and Eastern European history.

This episode provides an overview of the Byzantine Empire & Kievan Rus' unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. You can learn more about resources for teaching history in middle school and high school by visiting Students of History.

In the 7th century, a new faith emerged in the Arabian Peninsula that would shape history for centuries to come. In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the founding of Islam, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and the rapid expansion of Islamic civilizations across the Middle East and North Africa.

This episode is a companion to our unit plan on Islamic Civilizations. In this unit, students learn about the early caliphates and Islamic Golden Age, including how Islamic scholars, traders, and leaders contributed to advancements in science, mathematics, art, and governance.

This episode provides an overview of the Islamic Civilizations unit in the Students of History World History curriculum, which includes engaging lessons and resources for every day of the unit. You can learn more and find dozens of great resources about the history of Islam and explore student-centered activities by visiting Students of History.

What started as a small city on the banks of the Tiber River grew into one of the most powerful empires in history. In our next unit overview of our World History curriculum, we explore the geography of Rome and how it influenced the rise of a civilization that shaped the Western world.

This episode serves as a companion to our incredible unit plan on Ancient Rome. In the episode, you'll learn about Rome’s transformation from a republic ruled by elected officials to an empire dominated by powerful emperors like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Nero. We’ll also step inside the bustling streets of Rome to uncover daily life, the violence of gladiator battles in the Colosseum, rise of Christianity, and the political intrigue that led to Rome’s ultimate decline.

You can find resources for teaching about Ancient Rome here and join Students of History for immediate access to hundreds of engaging lessons and resources for teaching ALL of World History.

From the mountains to the sparkling Aegean Sea, the geography of Greece shaped its ancient civilizations like nowhere else.

In this episode of the World History Curriculum Companion, we will cover the independent city-states of Greece. We'll discuss the democratic ideals of Athens, the warrior society of Sparta, and the unique cultures that thrived in this ancient land. We’ll also dive into their legendary conflicts with the mighty Persian Empire, including the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae. Discover how the Greeks' innovations in philosophy, government, and warfare left a lasting impact on the world.

This episode serves as a companion to our incredible unit plan on Ancient Greece. 

You can check out our World History curriculum here with lessons and resources on all of the topics covered here in the podcast.