Rise of Cities and Hydraulic Societies

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the rise of cities, hydraulic societies, and social structures in ancient civilizations.

Hydraulic Civilization

A society that relies on an extensive system of irrigation to support agriculture and population growth.

Urban Divide

The disparity between the wealthy elite (kings) and the commoners in an urban society.

City States

Independent, self-governing cities which develop economic and political systems, often in close proximity to each other.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

Hammurabi's Stele

A significant artifact inscribed with one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, representing a crucial innovation in governance.

Royal Inscriptions

Written records that document achievements and properties of kings or deities, often emphasizing their power and glory.

Obsidian Trade

The trade of a volcanic glass used for tools and weapons, indicating long-distance trading networks.

Fertile Crescent

A region in the Middle East known for its rich soils and early agricultural practices, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Common Planting Techniques

Technologies and methods used by early societies, such as wooden plows for cultivating barley, wheat, and other staple crops.

Social Hierarchy

A system where members of society are ranked according to their access to resources, social status, and power.

Scribes

Professional record-keepers and writers in ancient societies, crucial for maintaining administrative and economic records.

Adoption Contracts

Legal agreements formalizing the adoption of sons in ancient societies, affecting inheritance and lineage.