Honors World History Unit 2

Socrates

Philosopher, taught through questioning (Socratic Method), executed for "corrupting the youth of Athens."

Plato

Student of Socrates; founded the Academy; wrote The Republic (ideal society led by philosopher-kings).

Aristotle

Student of Plato; emphasized logic and observation; tutor of Alexander the Great.

Athens vs. Sparta

Athens = democracy, culture, philosophy, trade. Sparta = military, discipline, oligarchy.

Persian Empire

Large empire that invaded Greece; defeated at Marathon and Salamis.

Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE)

Athens vs. Sparta; Sparta wins but Greece weakened, paving the way for Macedonian takeover.

Alexander the Great

Macedonian king who conquered Persia, Egypt, India; spread Greek culture.

Hellenism

Blend of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian culture that flourished after Alexander.

Patricians

Wealthy, landowning aristocrats; held most political power.

Plebeians

Common people; gained political rights over time (Tribunes, assemblies).

Julius Caesar

Military general; part of the 1st Triumvirate (with Pompey & Crassus); became dictator; assassinated in 44 BCE.

Augustus (Caesar’s nephew)

First emperor of Rome; ushered in the Pax Romana (200 years of relative peace and prosperity).

Pax Romana

Period of stability, trade, roads, and cultural growth under Roman Empire.

Roman Republic vs. American Republic

Both

Representative government, checks and balances, written laws.

Rome

Senate dominated by aristocrats, no universal rights.

U.S.

Broader suffrage, Constitution protects rights.

The Rise of Christianity

Began in Roman Judea; spread by apostles like Paul; persecuted at first but became official religion under Constantine.

Xia Dynasty

Possibly legendary first dynasty; early river valley civilization.

Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

First confirmed dynasty; oracle bones, bronze work, early writing.

Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

Longest dynasty; Mandate of Heaven (justification for rule); feudal system.

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)

First empire; Shi Huangdi united China, built parts of Great Wall, standardized laws, weights, and currency.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)

Golden Age; Confucian bureaucracy, Silk Road trade, paper invented, civil service exams.

Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE)

Founded by Chandragupta Maurya; large, centralized Indian empire.

Asoka the Great (Mauryan emperor)

Expanded empire, converted to Buddhism, spread Buddhist teachings, promoted tolerance.

Gupta Empire (320–550 CE)

Golden Age of India; advancements in math (zero, decimals), medicine, literature, astronomy; Hindu culture flourished.