This is the first title in a new six volume series of Political Chronologies of the World ... Although the book includes greater coverage of more recent events -- particularly in countries with a recent history of political upheaval -- it also provides invaluable detail on the early history of each nation. Each chronology begins at least as early as the emergence of an entity resembling the modern nation, and in many cases considerably earlier. In addition to coverage of purely political events, each title in the series also includes details of the principal economic, cultural and social landmarks in the history of each nation. Examples may include the adoption of new languages, alphabets, calendars or religions. The principal events in the histories of dependencies and external territories lying within Europe may be found in the chapter dealing with the relevant sovereign state. Entries for territories and dependencies of European countries in other parts of the world will be found in the appropriate volume for that region. This series aims to be the first point of reference for concise information on the history of each nation of the world ..." -- Foreword (page v).