10,000 BCE – Ancient Origins
– First hemp cultivation begins in Central Asia (China, Mongolia, Southern Russia)
– Archaeological evidence of hemp textiles in early human settlements
2800 BCE – Chinese Documentation
– Emperor Shen Nung’s “Medicine Book” describes hemp as therapeutic plant
– Chinese begin using hemp fibers for rope, fabric, and paper production
1500 BCE – Mediterranean Spread
– Hemp cultivation reaches Ancient Egypt and Greece
– Hemp fibers found in mummy wrappings and ship rigging
500 BCE – 500 CE – Classical Period
– Romans used hemp extensively for naval ropes and sails
– Homer references hemp ropes in epic literature
– Hemp becomes essential for maritime civilizations
800-1400 CE – Medieval Europe
– Hemp becomes the backbone of European agriculture and industry
– King Henry VIII mandates hemp cultivation for naval supremacy
– European exploration ships depend entirely on hemp sails and ropes
1400-1600 CE – Renaissance Art
– Leonardo da Vinci creates sketches on hemp paper
– Master painters begin using hemp canvas for durability
– “Canvas” word derives from “Cannabis” in Latin
1600-1800 CE – Colonial Expansion
– Columbus ships carried 80 tons of hemp materials to the Americas
– Hemp cultivation was required by law in the American colonies
– Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Gainsborough painted on hemp canvas
1800-1900 CE – Industrial Revolution
– Hemp processing is mechanized for mass production
– Peak global hemp cultivation reaches millions of hectares
– Ottoman Empire develops “Turkish Hemp” as premium export
1900-1937 – Modern Innovation
– Hemp fiber quality improvements through selective breeding
– Industrial applications expand to automotive and construction
– Popular Mechanics calls hemp “billion dollar crop” in 1938
1937-2000 – The Dark Century
– Hemp prohibition begins despite industrial importance
– Synthetic materials replace hemp in most applications
– Traditional hemp knowledge is nearly lost in many regions
2000-Present – Renaissance Beginning
– Scientific research validates hemp’s environmental benefits
– Industrial hemp legalization spreads globally
– Hemp returns to construction, textiles, and food industries
2017-2025 – Artistic Renaissance (Our Journey)
– Heirloom hemp varieties preserved and cultivated
– Hemp art materials developed and tested
– Community-driven hemp cultural movement launched
– Art on Hemp exhibitions demonstrate creative applications
This timeline shows hemp’s 12,000-year partnership with human civilization, from ancient Chinese medicine to contemporary sustainable art – proving that our hemp renaissance isn’t innovation, but restoration of humanity’s oldest creative relationship.
