World History and Energy

antiquity The era of ancient (from the Western perspective, mostly the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean) civilizations extant between prehistory and the Middle Ages. determinism A doctrine claiming that human actions are determined by external factors; its prominent varieties include environmental and geographic determinism. early modern world The period immediately following the Middle Ages, variously dated as 1493–1800, 1550– 1850, or the 16th to 18th centuries. energy transition A period of passing from one configuration of prime movers and dominant fuels to a new setup. middle ages The period between antiquity and the modern era, often circumscribed by the years 500–1500CE. prehistory The period of human evolution predating recorded history.