World History Honors—First Semester

Unit 1

Neolithic Revolution

The transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, characterized by the domestication of plants and animals, leading to permanent settlements and the rise of civilization.

Civilization

a complex society with organized government, social hierarchies, and cultural development.

Specialization of labor

The process by which individuals in a society focus on specific tasks or roles, leading to increased efficiency and the development of complex social structures.

Sedentary

referring to a lifestyle where people live in one place rather than moving around, often associated with agriculture and permanent settlements.

Hammurabi’s Code

an ancient set of laws established by Hammurabi, King of Babylon, that outlined legal standards and consequences for various offenses, emphasizing justice and order in society. “Eye for an eye”

Egalitarian

society characterized by equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, minimizing hierarchies and inequalities.

Hierarchical

referring to a system or organization in which individuals or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority, often leading to unequal access to resources and power.

Monotheistic

The belief in or worship of a single god or deity, distinguishing it from polytheistic systems which involve multiple gods.

Polytheistic

The belief in or worship of more than one god or deity, often involving a pantheon of gods representing different forces of nature or aspects of life.

Pyramid/Ziggurat

Monumental structures built in ancient civilizations; Pyramids (Egypt) served as tombs for Pharaohs, while Ziggurats (Mesopotamia) were stepped towers serving as temples and religious centers.

Geographic Isolation

The state of being separated from other cultures or civilizations by physical barriers like mountains, deserts, or oceans, which often leads to unique cultural developments.

Dynasties

A sequence of rulers from the same family or lineage, maintaining power over a country for generations

Dynastic Cycle/Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify rule; the belief that the heavens grant the right to rule to a just leader, creating a cycle where dynasties rise and fall based on their moral standing.

Confucianism

A central Chinese philosophy founded by Confucius, emphasizing social order, respect for elders, and moral integrity to ensure a stable society.

Filial Piety

A core virtue in Confucianism representing the deep respect, obedience, and care shown by children toward their parents and ancestors.

5 Relationships

The key social hierarchy in Confucianism (ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, older brother-younger brother, friend-friend) that dictates how individuals should interact to maintain social harmony.

Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes connecting East Asia with the West, facilitating the exchange of goods like silk, as well as ideas, technology, and culture.

Great Wall of China

A massive series of defensive fortifications built across the northern borders of China to protect the empire from invasions by nomadic groups.

SubContinent

A large, distinguishable part of a continent, such as India, which is physically separated by geographic features like the Himalayan mountains.

Monsoon

Seasonal winds in South Asia that bring heavy rainfall during the summer months and dry air in the winter, which are essential for agriculture in the region.

Indus Valley - Harappans

An ancient civilization located along the Indus River known for its advanced urban infrastructure, sophisticated drainage systems, and undeciphered writing system.

City Planning

The organized design and layout of urban areas, featuring grid systems and specialized zones, most prominently seen in the Indus Valley civilizations.

Aryan

Nomadic Indo-European people who migrated into the Indian subcontinent around 15001500 BCE, bringing the Sanskrit language and early religious traditions.

Caste system

A rigid social hierarchy in ancient India that determined a person’s status, occupation, and social interactions based on their birth into specific groups (varnas).