Definition of the word ancient history

The term "ancient history" refers to the historical period before the present time, specifically before the Middle Ages, which began in Europe around the 5th century AD. This definition varies by region and cultural tradition; for example, medieval historians in Asia or Africa might consider events from the past millennium to be "ancient" by their standards. The use of the word "ancient" itself comes from the Latin word antiquus, meaning "old" or "venerable." In ancient times, historians themselves often used similar words to describe events and people falling outside their immediate experience. The phrase "ancient history" as we know it today, however, began to take shape during the Renaissance in Europe, as scholars rediscovered and celebrated the forgotten cultures and accomplishments of the classical world (such as Greece and Rome). Since then, the term has connoted both the fascinating stories of the past and the enduring significance of those stories for our own time.