c. 610★★★★★
Muhammad's first revelation
According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad receives his first revelation in the cave of Hira near Mecca, beginning his prophetic mission.
Religion· Saudi Arabia
Events this year
Ongoing
c. 3rd century – c. 9th century★★★★★
Classic period of Maya civilization
Maya city-states such as Tikal, Palenque and Calakmul reach their height in architecture, writing, astronomy and calendrics.
CultureScience· Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
c. 3rd century – c. 11th century★★★★★
The Ghana Empire in West Africa
The Soninke Ghana Empire (Wagadu) flourished in what is now Mauritania and Mali, growing rich from control of the trans-Saharan gold and salt trade.
DynastyEconomy· Mauritania, Mali
605 – c. 610★★★★★
Sui builds the Grand Canal
Emperor Yang of Sui links and extends canals into the Grand Canal, joining the Yellow River and Yangtze basins.
TechnologyEconomy· China