World History FInal Review Willson

This is gonna be veeeeeery slightly different than Ms Young's

7 features of Ancient Civilizations (Early Civ)

The seven features of ancient civilizations include cities, organized governments, established religions, job specialization, social classes, writing systems, and cultural achievements. WARMUPS

Epic of Gilgamesh (Early Civ)

An ancient Mesopotamian epic(poem) that is one of the earliest known works of literary fiction, telling the story of King Gilgamesh's adventures and his quest for immortality.

Hammurabi’s Code (Early Civ)

A set of laws enacted by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BC, which established rules and consequences for both civil and criminal matters, embodying the principle of "an eye for an eye."

Sumer (Early Civ)

The earliest known civilization in Mesopotamia, characterized by the creation of city-states, advancements in writing (cuneiform), and contributions to science and mathematics.

Ziggurat (Early Civ)

A tiered temple structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as a religious center and a place for worship, often dedicated to a particular god.

Polytheism (Early Civ)

The belief in or worship of multiple gods, commonly found in ancient civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.

Monotheism (Early Civ)

The belief in the existence of only one god, contrasted with polytheism, and practiced in religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Yahweh (Early Civ)

The central figure and deity in the Hebrew Bible, worshipped in Judaism as the one true God.

Henotheism (Early Civ)

The belief in and worship of one primary god while acknowledging the existence of other gods is often seen in ancient cultures. And the transition from polytheism to monotheism.

Theocracy (Early Civ)

A system of government in which priests or religious leaders control the state, claiming divine guidance.

Covenant (Early Civ)

A solemn agreement between God and humanity in the biblical context, establishing mutual commitments and responsibilities.

10 Commandments (Early Civ)

The moral and ethical laws given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, serving as a fundamental code of conduct in Judeo-Christian traditions.

King David (Early Civ)

A significant figure in biblical history, King David is known for uniting the tribes of Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital, and composing many of the Psalms.

Jerusalem (Early Civ)

The ancient city that became the capital of Israel under King David and is considered a holy city in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Aryans (India)

An ancient people who migrated into the Indian subcontinent, traditionally considered the creators of the Vedic civilization and culture.

Raja (India)

A title used in India for a king or prince, often signifying sovereignty and authority in traditional Indian governance.

Maharaja (India)

The title for a great king or ruler in India, often signifying a higher rank than a raja and associated with extensive power and wealth.

Caste System (India)

A hierarchical social structure in India that divides individuals into groups based on their occupation and social status, traditionally linked to Hindu beliefs.

Varna (India)

The four classifications within the caste system in ancient India, namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, which delineate social roles and responsibilities.

Brahmins (India)

The highest varna in the caste system, traditionally composed of priests and scholars responsible for religious rituals and preservation of sacred knowledge.

Kshatriya (India)

The second varna in the caste system, consisting of warriors and rulers who were responsible for protection and governance in society.

Vaishyas (India)

The third varna in the caste system, comprising traders, agriculturists, and merchants responsible for commerce and agriculture.

Sudras (India)

The lowest varna in the caste system, mainly comprising laborers and service providers who perform various tasks for the higher varnas.

Jati (India)

A sub-caste within the broader caste system, typically based on specific occupations or community practices.

Vedas (India)

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Bhagavad Gita (India)

A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, focusing on the conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer.

Dharma (India)

The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life, encompassing duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and lifestyle in Hinduism.

Moksha (India)

The ultimate goal of Hindu life, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and union with the divine.

Karma (India)

The concept in Hinduism that refers to the actions of an individual and their subsequent effects on future lives, influencing one's destiny and spiritual journey.

Hinduism (India)

The principle of cause and effect in Hindu belief, where a person's actions (good or bad) influence their future reincarnations and life circumstances.

Hinduism (India)

A major world religion originating in India, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and rituals, including concepts like karma, dharma, and moksha.

Sati (India)

A Hindu practice in which a widow self-immolates on her husband's funeral pyre, often viewed as a means to join him in the afterlife.

Zhou (China)

Dynasty that ruled China from 1046 to 256 BCE, known for the development of Confucianism and Daoism.

Qin

A Chinese dynasty that succeeded the Zhou, known for unifying China and initiating major reforms, including the construction of the Great Wall.

Han

Dynasty that followed the Qin, ruling China from 206 BCE to 220 CE, known for its significant advancements in technology, culture, and trade, including the Silk Road.

Agricultural technologies

The innovations and tools used in farming and cultivation, including irrigation, plows, and crop rotation, which greatly improved agricultural productivity.

Cycle of Dynasties

The historical pattern of rise and fall of dynasties in China, characterized by periods of unity followed by fragmentation and the emergence of new dynastic rule.

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese philosophical concept that legitimizes the rule of a dynasty, asserting that heaven grants the right to govern based on the virtue of the rulers.

Well-field system

An agricultural system used in ancient China where land was divided into several plots, with some cultivated for individual use and others reserved for communal farming.

Filial Piety

A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors in Confucian philosophy, emphasizing the importance of familial loyalty and duty.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas founded Confucianism, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

Legalism

A Chinese philosophical belief asserting that strict laws and harsh punishments are essential for maintaining social order and control.

State Confucianism

A political ideology in China that combines Confucian values with legalist principles, emphasizing moral governance and social harmony.

Qin Shi Huangdi

Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, is renowned for uniting the warring states and establishing the Qin Dynasty. He's also known for his vast infrastructure projects, including the Great Wall of China, and his obsession with immortality, which led to the creation of his elaborate tomb and the Terracotta Army. 

Trade (China)

Exchange of goods and ideas between two nations

Merchants (China)

People who carry out trade

Money systems (China)

Systems of money in china

Polis

Self-governing city state in Greece

Agora

Public open space for selling goods; a market.

Acropolis

Highest part of the polis, usually containing a temple

Phalanx

A body of Macedonian infantry with long spears, drawn up in close order with shields overlapping.

Sparta

Greek polis with rich history often went against Athens. Patron God: Ares

Polis,"A city-state in ancient Greece, the central political unit (e.g., Athens, Sparta)."

Agora

Public open space in a Greek polis used for markets and assemblies

Acropolis

Fortified hilltop center of temples/government (e.g., Athens’ Parthenon)

Phalanx

Rectangular military formation of heavily armed Greek soldiers

Sparta

Greek city-state focused on military strength; oligarchic government

Helot

State-owned serfs in Sparta, enslaved to farm the land

Lycurgus Reforms

Sparta’s strict laws creating a militarized society

Tyrant

Sparta’s strict laws creating a militarized society

Solon

Athenian reformer who reduced debt slavery and expanded political rights

Pisistratus

Athenian tyrant who promoted culture and public works

Cleisthenes

Established Athenian democracy via the Council of 500 and tribal reforms

Democracy

Rule by the people (Athens' system under Cleisthenes)

Oligarchy

Rule by a small elite group (e.g., Sparta's government)

Women in Poleis

Spartan women had more rights; Athenian women were confined to domestic roles

Greco-Persian Wars

Conflicts between Greece and Persia (490–479 BCE; Marathon, Thermopylae)

Peloponnesian War

Athens vs. Sparta (431–404 BCE); Sparta won but weakened Greece

Hellenization

Spread of Greek culture after Alexander the Great's conquests

Republic

Roman government system where citizens elected leaders (509–27 BCE)

Patricians

Wealthy aristocratic class in Rome

Plebeians

Common Roman citizens who fought for political equality

Latifundia

Large Roman farming estates using slave labor

Gracchi

Brothers who tried to reform Rome's land laws; assassinated

Consuls

Two elected leaders of the Roman Republic

Senate

Advisory body of patricians in Rome; held major influence

Council of Plebs

Assembly representing plebeians in Rome

Triumvirate

Political alliance of three rulers (e.g., Caesar, Pompey, Crassus)

Julius Caesar

Roman dictator whose assassination ended the Republic

Augustus

First Roman emperor; began the Pax Romana

Praetorian Guard

Elite military unit protecting the emperor

Pax Romana

Period of Roman peace and stability (27 BCE–180 CE)

Greco-Roman

Blend of Greek and Roman cultural elements

Aqueduct

Roman engineering feat to transport water

Slavery

Vital to Rome's economy; slaves worked farms, mines, households

Gladiators

Enslaved fighters who entertained the public in Rome

"Bread and circuses"

Free food/games to distract the Roman poor, panem et circenses-Juvenal)

Paterfamilias

Male head of a Roman household with absolute authority

Christianity in Rome

Persecuted early, later became the state religion under Constantine

Abrahamic Religions

Judaism, Christianity, Islam—all tracing roots to Abraham

Bedouins

Nomadic Arab tribes in pre-Islamic Arabia

Sheiks

Tribal leaders among the Bedouins

Razzia

Raids for livestock/tribute in pre-Islamic Arabia

Mecca

Holy city in Islam; birthplace of Muhammad

Kaaba

Sacred shrine in Mecca; focal point of Muslim prayer

Muhammad

Founder of Islam (570–632 CE); considered the final prophet

Islam

Monotheistic religion based on the Quran and Muhammad's teachings

5 Pillars of Islam

Faith, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage (Hajj)

Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (alms-giving), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Make flashcard later

Caliph

Successor to Muhammad as political/religious leader

Sunni

Muslims who believe caliphs should be elected; majority branch