The document provides an overview of art history from prehistoric to ancient times. It describes some of the earliest art created by homo sapiens in the Paleolithic era between 30,000-20,000 BCE. Examples of cave paintings from this time period are mentioned. The document then outlines the rise of ancient civilizations like those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Aegean, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, and India, noting some iconic artworks created in each culture.