What does the term old world refer to?

The term "Old World" is a historical and geographical term that was historically used to refer to the regions known to Europeans prior to the European Age of Exploration in the 15th century. It generally includes Europe, Africa, and Asia. "Old World" is used to contrast with the term "New World," which refers to the Americas, which were unknown to Europeans until the Age of Exploration.

Here is a more detailed exploration of the term "Old World":

1. Origins:

The term "Old World" originated during the Middle Ages in Europe. It was used by Europeans to distinguish their known parts of the world from other regions, particularly the Americas, which they later encountered during their explorations.

2. Regions Included:

The Old World primarily includes three continents:

a. Europe: Europe is considered the birthplace of many civilizations, including ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval European civilizations.

b. Asia: Asia is the largest continent and is home to various cultures, civilizations, and religions throughout history.

c. Africa: Africa is another continent that was known to Europeans in ancient times, especially Northern Africa and parts of West Africa.

3. Cultural and Historical Significance:

The Old World has a rich and diverse cultural, religious, and historical legacy that dates back thousands of years. It is the birthplace of many major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Many civilizations, empires, and languages emerged in the Old World, shaping the course of human history.

4. Exploration and Discovery:

During the Age of Exploration, European explorers set out to discover new lands and establish trade routes. Their journeys led to the "discovery" of the Americas ("New World") and expanded the Western knowledge of the world. This marked a turning point in history and changed the perspective and understanding of the world's geography.

5. Comparison to the New World:

The Old World and New World are often compared and contrasted. The Old World was already well-explored and had established societies and civilizations, while the New World was uncharted and underwent significant exploration and colonization by European powers.

It's worth noting that the terms "Old World" and "New World" are historical constructs that have been used to categorize regions based on European perspectives. These terms may have different connotations and interpretations in certain contexts and fields of study.