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Ancient History by Mike Prestwood.
Stories from 4004 BCE to 500 CE.
The age of reason.
New looks at a time before the rise of organized religion.
MODE:
~
8 minute
audio walk.
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It’s time to explore key ideas and takeaways.
First, a reminder about the philosophy of journalism.
Facts gain meaning through context; context gains credibility through evidence.
With that, two “tales.”
Our first story.
From History: circa 2600 BCE
Subject: Sumerian Tradition.
- The last king before the great flood! His advice to his son Ziusudra?.
- Be righteous, and the gods may just choose you to build a boat, fill it with pairs of animals, and save the world!.
The Wise King
Simply put.
King Shuruppak lived about 2600 BCE, authored the Instructions of Shuruppak, and was the father of Ziusudra, the character in the original Sumerian version of the great flood which preceded Noah’s Ark by many centuries.
That H2-Ancient History Story,
was first published on TST 2 years ago.
Now for our second story.
From History: 1900 BCE
Subject: Writing History.
- Emerged about 1900 BCE.
- Used from 1900 to 1500 BCE.
1900-1500 BCE
What matters here is this.
The first alphabet didn’t just change how we wrote, it changed how we thought and dramatically improved cultural transmission. By turning sounds into symbols, the Proto-Sinaitic script gave humanity a new way to preserve and share ideas. It was the birth of written thought itself—a quiet revolution that echoes in every word we read and write today
That H2-Ancient History Story,
was first published on TST 4 years ago.
Next up. Two “quotes.”
Tidbit number three, the first of two quotes.
Subject: The Philosophy of Philosophy.
- Epicurus.
- Circa 300 BCE.
When Epicurus thought about epistemology within philosophy, he gravitated toward applied philosophy.
In simple terms.
Epicurus believed that philosophy should be practical, not just theoretical. For him, true wisdom helps us live happier lives by easing our stress, fears, and pain. Epicurus embraced philosophy with a purpose.
That H2-Ancient History Quote,
was first published on TST 1 year ago.
Tidbit number four, another quote.
Subject: Socratic Method.
- Socrates.
- 399 BCE.
Socrates taught skepticism and critical thinking. He taught that a life with the seek truth tenant is required no matter what culture and time you live in.
Looked at differently.
Socrates taught that self-reflection brought knowledge, which in turn brought meaning. I think he wanted you to uncover the truth, no matter what it is, reconcile it with your beliefs, and make sense of it in a way that is consistent with common knowledge.
That H2-Ancient History Quote,
was first published on TST 2 years ago.
Finally, 4 frequently asked “questions.”
Now it is time for tidbit number five. The first of four questions.
Subject: Africa.
Iron smelting likely emerged independently in multiple regions, and Central Africa was among the earliest innovators.
To be clear.
Technological progress doesn’t follow a single path or originate from one “center of civilization.” Evidence from Central Africa reminds us that innovation can arise wherever conditions, curiosity, and skill converge. History becomes clearer when we abandon linear narratives and recognize parallel invention across cultures.
That H2-Ancient History FAQ,
was first published on TST 2 years ago.
Tidbit FAQ number six.
Subject: Ancient History.
- Legend says yes!.
- Either way, natural Daoist and formal Confucianism shaped Eastern thought..
Although we have records of their meeting going back to 100 BCE, this is a much debated story in academic circles.
Now, to be clear.
The story lives at the boundary between history and legend. A famous account from Sima Qian, circa 100 BCE, claims a young Confucius met the elderly Laozi in Zhou. The journey and meeting are plausible but unverified, as this earliest known account appears centuries after the event, with no contemporaneous records. Regardless, Confucianism and Daoism clearly developed side by side, bifurcating Chinese thought.
That H2-Ancient History FAQ,
was first published on TST 1 year ago.
“Done.”
Tidbits are the smallest working units of this project—focused facts, stories, or explanations tied directly to evidence and sources.
The goal is not to persuade quickly, but to build a stable framework where ideas can be tested honestly.
Refresh for another set.
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(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
