David Christian (historian)

David Christian (born 1946) is a historian and scholar known for his pioneering work in Big History, an academic field that examines history from the Big Bang to the present, using a multidisciplinary approach. He is Distinguished Professor of History at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Christian's most notable contribution is his effort to synthesize knowledge from diverse fields, including cosmology, physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, archaeology, and history, to create a coherent narrative of the past. He argues for a more holistic understanding of history, one that considers the long-term trends and patterns shaping the universe, Earth, and humanity.

His publications include:

• Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History (2004) – A seminal work that popularized the field of Big History.
• This Fleeting World: A Short History of Humanity (2008) – A concise overview of human history from a Big History perspective.
• Origin Story: A Big History of Everything (2018) – A more accessible and updated version of his Big History ideas, intended for a broader audience.

Christian's work has been influential in promoting interdisciplinary thinking and challenging traditional historical perspectives. He has lectured widely and his ideas have been disseminated through various media, including TED Talks and online courses, making Big History accessible to a global audience. He co-founded the International Big History Association (IBHA). His research continues to explore the complex interplay of factors that have shaped the trajectory of the universe and human civilization.