Unit 3 - Classical Civilizations (2)

Empire

A large political unit or state that controls many territories or peoples, usually ruled by a single sovereign or emperor.

Republic

A form of government where power rests with citizens who elect representatives to make decisions.

Democracy

A political system where the power to govern comes directly from the people, either directly or through elected officials.

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens vote on all major issues and laws, rather than electing representatives.

Senate

The governing and advisory council in ancient Rome, made up of patricians (wealthy class) and later including plebeians (commoners).

Twelve Tables

The earliest written laws of Rome, publicly displayed to ensure fairness and consistency.

Pax Romana

A long period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire, lasting about 200 years.

Hellenistic Culture

A blend of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures that spread due to Alexander the Great's conquests.

Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and ethics.

Polis

A city-state in ancient Greece, consisting of a city and its surrounding countryside.

Citizen

A legally recognized member of a state, often with specific rights and responsibilities.

Bureaucracy

A system of government with many departments and officials who manage the day-to-day work.

Silk Road

A vast network of trade routes connecting China to Europe and the Middle East, famous for the silk trade.

Civil Service

Government jobs that require passing exams and are based on merit, rather than family or wealth.

Legalism

A Chinese philosophy that stressed strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy based on respect, family loyalty, and moral behavior, developed by Confucius.

Daoism (Taoism)

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing living in harmony with nature and following 'the Way' (Dao).

Golden Age

A period of great cultural, artistic, scientific, and political achievements in a civilization.

Socrates

A Greek philosopher known for teaching by asking questions and encouraging critical thinking.

Plato

A Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, who wrote about justice, politics, and the ideal state.

Aristotle

A Greek philosopher, student of Plato, who wrote about science, logic, and government.

Pericles

A prominent leader in Athens who expanded democracy and led the city during its Golden Age.

Alexander the Great

A Macedonian leader who created one of the largest empires in history and spread Greek culture across three continents.

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and dictator who played a key role in ending the Roman Republic and starting the empire.

Augustus Caesar

The first emperor of Rome, who established the Roman Empire after Julius Caesar's assassination.

Ashoka

An Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who spread Buddhism and promoted nonviolence and tolerance.

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of the Maurya Empire in India, who established a strong, centralized government.

Shi Huangdi

The first emperor of China, who unified the country and built much of the Great Wall.

Liu Bang

Founder of the Han Dynasty in China, known for lowering taxes and promoting Confucian ideals.

Wudi

A Han emperor who expanded China's territory and strengthened the civil service system.