social studies final 4

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Region where Mesopotamia formed (“land between rivers”)

Cuneiform

Early writing system

Ziggurat

Temple for gods and priests

Barter system

Trading without money

Sumerians

First Mesopotamian civilization

Nile River

River that made farming possible in Egypt

Pharaoh

Egyptian god-king ruler

Why pyramids were built

Tombs for pharaohs in the afterlife

Why Egypt was stable

Predictable river flooding for farming

Monotheism

Belief in one God

Abraham

Father of monotheism (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

Moses

Led Hebrews out of Egypt (Exodus)

Indus River Valley civilization

Early civilization with planned cities like Harappa

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that bring rain

Hinduism

Many gods + caste system

Buddhism

Peace, end suffering, no caste system

Ashoka

Indian ruler who converted to Buddhism and spread peace

Huang River

“Yellow River” that often flooded

Qin Shi Huangdi

First emperor who united China using strict laws

Confucius

Taught order, respect, and family hierarchy

Mandate of Heaven

Belief that rulers get power from heaven

Silk Road

Trade route connecting China to other civilizations

Shinto

Japanese religion of spirits (kami)

Samurai

Warrior class in Japan

Bushido

Samurai code of honor and discipline

Shogun

Military ruler of Japan

Polis

Greek city-state

Athens

Democracy (rule by citizens)

Sparta

Military society

Socrates

Greek philosopher who asked questions

Olympics

Athletic games held in honor of Zeus

Republic

Government led by Senate and elected officials

Pax Romana

200 years of peace in Rome

Augustus

First Roman emperor

Why Rome fell

Invasions, weak leaders, economic problems

Jesus

Taught peace and moral behavior

Apostles

Followers who spread Christianity

Constantine

Roman emperor who legalized Christianity