The Old World

The Old World refers to the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, which have historically been known to Europeans and have long-standing cultural, geographic, and historical connections. These regions were central hubs of ancient civilizations, trade, and cultural development before the exploration and colonization of the so-called New World (the Americas). The term highlights the continuity of civilizations and cultures that existed there for thousands of years, contrasting with the relatively recent European contact and colonization of the Americas and Oceania.