The Classical Period 1000 BCE- 500 CE INTRODUCTION The period marks the decline in river civilizations and a surge in population in three areas: China India Mediterranean (which includes the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa) These civilizations proved to be highly durable; however, it does not reflect the history of the entire world. The Classical Period is composed primarily of empires and dynasties that boasted great power, religious ideas, and artistic ideas. Many social customs and diverse ideas found in our societies today can be traced back to this period.