Humanity's Greatest Journey: Celebrating 12,025 Years of Human History

The Remarkable Story of Our Ancestors’ Global Migration

Two hundred thousand years ago, a small group of early humans set out from their ancestral homeland in East Africa on a journey that would eventually take them to every corner of the planet. With little more than the clothes on their backs and the most basic of tools, these intrepid ancestors of ours traversed vast deserts, scaled towering mountains, and braved the elements to carve out new lives in unfamiliar lands.

It was a monumental undertaking, a testament to the incredible resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity of our species. Through sheer determination and an unquenchable thirst for exploration, these early humans managed to not only survive, but to thrive in the most inhospitable corners of the globe. Their story is one of the greatest achievements in human history – a tale of adventure, perseverance, and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of the known world.

To commemorate this remarkable journey, we’ve created the 12,025 Human Era Calendar – a unique and inspiring way to celebrate the origins of our species and the incredible feats of our ancestors. Each month, you’ll discover a new chapter in the saga of humanity’s global migration, complete with stunning artwork and thought-provoking insights that will transport you back in time and ignite your sense of wonder.

The Dawn of the Human Era

The 12,025 Human Era Calendar marks a significant shift in the way we measure the passage of time. Rather than adhering to the traditional Gregorian calendar, which is based on the birth of Jesus Christ, this calendar sets its year zero at the dawn of the human era – approximately 12,000 years ago.

This was a pivotal moment in our history, a time when our ancestors began to transition from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one of more permanent settlements and the beginnings of agriculture. It was a period of profound transformation, as our species began to work together on a larger scale, laying the foundations for the complex societies and technological advancements that would define the centuries to come.

By choosing this as the starting point for our calendar, we’re not only honoring the achievements of our ancestors, but also recognizing the profound impact that this era had on the trajectory of human civilization. It was a time of great change and innovation, a period that would ultimately shape the world we live in today.

Exploring the Wonders of the Human Era Calendar

Each month of the 12,025 Human Era Calendar is a celebration of a different aspect of our species’ remarkable journey. From the earliest migrations out of Africa to the development of complex societies and the dawn of written language, every page is a window into the rich tapestry of human history.

January: The Great Exodus

The calendar begins in January with the story of the Great Exodus – the momentous journey of our ancestors as they ventured out of their ancestral homeland in East Africa and began to spread across the globe. This was a time of great uncertainty and challenge, as these early humans faced the daunting task of navigating unfamiliar landscapes, contending with fierce predators, and adapting to radically different climates and environments.

The origins of our species in East Africa
The factors that drove our ancestors to embark on this epic journey
The challenges and obstacles they faced along the way
The various routes and pathways they took as they spread across the continents

February: Surviving the Ice Age

As our ancestors continued their global migration, they encountered one of the most formidable obstacles of all – the Ice Age. This period of dramatic climate change brought with it a host of new challenges, from the need to adapt to freezing temperatures and scarce resources to the threat of megafauna predators that roamed the frozen landscapes.

The impact of the Ice Age on human populations
The innovative strategies and technologies our ancestors developed to survive
The role of cooperation and community in overcoming the harsh conditions
The emergence of new cultural traditions and practices

March: The Dawn of Agriculture

After millennia of relying on hunting and gathering, our ancestors began to experiment with the cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals. This shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle marked a profound transformation in the way our species interacted with the natural world, laying the groundwork for the development of complex societies and the rise of civilization.

The origins of agriculture and its impact on human societies
The various regions and cultures where agriculture first emerged
The technological and social innovations that enabled this transition
The challenges and adaptations required to sustain these new ways of life

April: The Birth of Cities

As our ancestors continued to refine their agricultural practices and build more stable communities, the first cities began to emerge. These urban centers were hubs of innovation, commerce, and cultural exchange, drawing people from far and wide and giving rise to new forms of social organization and political structures.

The factors that led to the development of the first cities
The architectural and technological advancements that enabled their growth
The social and cultural dynamics that shaped these early urban centers
The role of trade, communication, and the exchange of ideas in the rise of cities

May: The Invention of Writing

One of the most transformative developments in human history was the invention of writing. This revolutionary technology allowed our ancestors to record their thoughts, stories, and experiences in a way that could be shared and preserved across generations. It was a pivotal moment that paved the way for the development of complex civilizations and the rapid advancement of human knowledge.

The various writing systems that emerged around the world
The social, political, and economic impacts of the written word
The role of scribes, scholars, and record-keepers in the early development of writing
The ways in which the written word shaped the course of human history

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June: The Rise of Empires

As our ancestors continued to build increasingly sophisticated societies, the first great empires began to emerge. These vast political and economic entities exerted their influence across vast swaths of territory, often through the use of military force and the subjugation of neighboring peoples. While the rise of empires brought with it new challenges and conflicts, it also facilitated the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural traditions on an unprecedented scale.

The factors that enabled the rise of the first great empires
The strategies and tactics employed by these powerful entities
The impact of imperial expansion on the lives of ordinary people
The legacy of these ancient empires and their influence on the modern world

July: The Flowering of Civilizations

As the centuries passed, our ancestors continued to push the boundaries of human achievement, giving rise to a dazzling array of civilizations that left an indelible mark on the world. From the ancient Egyptians and their monumental pyramids to the sophisticated societies of the Indus Valley and the Maya, these cultures demonstrated the incredible ingenuity and creativity of our species.

The unique cultural, artistic, and technological achievements of various ancient civilizations
The role of religion, philosophy, and social structures in shaping these societies
The ways in which these civilizations interacted and influenced one another
The lasting impact of these ancient cultures on the modern world

August: The Age of Exploration

As our ancestors continued to expand their horizons, the Age of Exploration dawned. Driven by a thirst for adventure, a desire for wealth and power, and a curiosity about the unknown, intrepid explorers set out to map the furthest reaches of the globe, encountering new peoples, cultures, and landscapes along the way.

The factors that fueled the Age of Exploration, from technological advancements to economic and political motivations
The stories of famous explorers and the challenges they faced
The impact of these voyages of discovery on the lives of indigenous peoples
The ways in which the Age of Exploration shaped the modern world

September: The Industrial Revolution

The 19th century saw the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, a period of unprecedented technological and economic transformation that would forever change the course of human history. From the invention of the steam engine to the rise of mass production, this era ushered in a new era of industrialization that would reshape the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.

The key technological innovations that drove the Industrial Revolution
The social and economic impacts of industrialization, including the rise of the middle class and the challenges faced by the working class
The role of urbanization and the growth of cities in the Industrial Revolution
The lasting legacy of the Industrial Revolution and its influence on the modern world

October: The Age of Information

In the latter half of the 20th century, humanity entered a new era – the Age of Information. Fueled by the rapid development of digital technologies, this period has been marked by an explosion of knowledge, communication, and interconnectivity that has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another.

The emergence of the internet, personal computers, and other digital technologies
The impact of the information age on fields like education, healthcare, and entertainment
The challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid pace of technological change
The ways in which the Age of Information has shaped the modern world and our vision of the future

November: The Exploration of Space

As our species has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible, one of the most awe-inspiring achievements has been the exploration of space. From the first tentative steps of the Space Age to the ambitious plans for future interplanetary exploration, our ancestors’ thirst for adventure and discovery has taken us to the stars.

The key milestones in the history of space exploration, from the launch of Sputnik to the Moon landings and beyond
The technological and scientific advancements that have enabled our exploration of the cosmos
The challenges and obstacles faced by space pioneers, and the ingenuity required to overcome them
The impact of space exploration on our understanding of the universe and our place within it

December: The Future of Humanity

As we look back on the remarkable journey of our species, it’s natural to wonder what the future holds. What new frontiers will we conquer, what challenges will we face, and how will we continue to shape the world around us? The 12,025 Human Era Calendar concludes with a reflection on the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and a celebration of the boundless potential of the human spirit.

The emerging technologies and scientific breakthroughs that may define the future of humanity
The global challenges we must confront, from climate change to social inequality
The ways in which our values, beliefs, and cultural traditions may evolve in the centuries to come
The role of exploration, innovation, and cooperation in shaping the future of our species

Celebrating the Kurzgesagt Story

The 12,025 Human Era Calendar is more than just a way to mark the passage of time – it’s a celebration of the incredible achievements of our ancestors and a testament to the enduring spirit of human exploration and discovery. But for the team at Kurzgesagt, this calendar holds a special significance.

In 2016, the creation of the first Human Era Calendar was a pivotal moment for the studio. At the time, Kurzgesagt was a small operation, struggling to find a sustainable business model that would allow them to continue creating the high-quality, science-focused videos that had captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

The success of the Human Era Calendar, which sold out within hours of its release, was a game-changer. It provided the financial resources and stability that enabled Kurzgesagt to grow their team, improve their production values, and maintain their commitment to releasing free, educational content for everyone to enjoy.

But the calendar is more than just a commercial success story – it’s a reflection of the studio’s core values and mission. By celebrating the remarkable journey of our species, Kurzgesagt is inspiring people around the world to embrace their sense of wonder, to explore the unknown, and to never stop pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

So as you flip through the pages of the 12,025 Human Era Calendar, take a moment to reflect on the incredible story it represents. This is more than just a way to mark the days – it’s a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and boundless potential of the human spirit. And by supporting Kurzgesagt and their passion projects, you’re helping to ensure that this story continues to be told for generations to come.

Become a Part of the Kurzgesagt Story

If you’re as inspired by the 12,025 Human Era Calendar as we are, there are plenty of ways to get involved and become a part of the Kurzgesagt story.

First and foremost, you can purchase the calendar and add it to your collection. Not only will you be celebrating the remarkable journey of our species, but you’ll also be supporting the continued growth and development of Kurzgesagt’s mission.

But the calendar is just the beginning. Kurzgesagt has a wide range of products designed with the same passion and attention to detail, from plushies and posters to books and apparel. By adding these items to your collection, you’ll be helping to fuel the studio’s creative endeavors and ensuring that they can continue to produce the high-quality content that has captivated audiences around the world.

If you’re looking to take your support to the next level, consider joining the Patreon Bird Army. By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, early previews of new projects, and the opportunity to directly shape the future of Kurzgesagt.