Milestones in evolution and history

This timeline is compiled by C. Patrick Doncaster, Professor in Ecology at the University of Southampton, UK. I aim to provide a referenced collation and synthesis of milestones in evolution and human history. My criteria for including events are only that they have each set a precedent in shaping or informing our current human condition, in its widest sense as I understand it. I welcome suggestions for additions or corrections (email: cpd@soton.ac.uk).

The direction of the timeline, from 13.8 billion years ago at the top to our current year at the bottom, reflects the consequential nature of change. Many milestones have origins in a specific geological period () or geographical location (), as well as corresponding to a measurable time (). Inline links to information sources for each event provide context on its time, place, certainty and consequence. Some milestones have an accompanying illustration (), linking the past event to a relevant aspect of current human nature, in many cases illuminated by science and animated by art. All of these clickable features offer perspectives on the immensity of time and space in which we play out our existence.

C.P. Doncaster, Timeline of the Human Condition, star index