Antiikajas

Antiikajas is a Finnish term that translates to "antique time" or "ancient times." It generally refers to the historical period spanning from the earliest recorded human history up to the Early Middle Ages, typically around the 5th century AD. This broad era encompasses the rise and fall of major civilizations, including Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It is a period characterized by significant developments in art, philosophy, science, law, and governance, many of which have had a lasting impact on Western civilization. The study of antiikajas involves examining archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and the surviving material culture of these societies to understand their social structures, beliefs, and achievements. The transition from antiikajas to the Middle Ages is often marked by the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent fragmentation of power in Europe. This period laid the groundwork for many of the political and cultural landscapes that would define later historical epochs.