Ancient Civilizations: Sumerian, Egyptian, and Indus Vedic Period

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, geographical features, and social hierarchies of the Sumerian, Egyptian, and Indus/Aryan civilizations as discussed in the lecture notes.

Sumerian Civilization

The earliest civilization in the world established in Southwest Asia.

Ziggurat

The center of the community in Sumerian society.

Tigris and Euphrates

The rivers that provided fertile land for farming in Mesopotamia.

Cuneiform

The system of writing created by the Sumerians.

Calendar

A tool used by the Sumerians to determine the correct time for river flooding.

Stylus and clay tablets

The primary materials used by the Sumerians for their writing.

Plateau of Iran

The origin of the Sumerians before they arrived in Mesopotamia.

Lugal

The title used for the king in Sumerian society.

Nile Valley

The location where the Egyptian civilization emerged.

Pharaoh

Egyptian leaders considered gods with ultimate power and authority over the land.

Aswan

The city that serves as the southern border of Upper Egypt.

Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt

The two main geographical divisions of ancient Egypt.

Vedic Period

The time period between $1500 - 500\,BCE$ when the Varna or Caste system began in Indus society.

Brahmin

The highest level of the caste system consisting of priests and religious teachers.

Kshatriya

The level of the caste system responsible for governing and protecting society, including warriors and kings.

Vaisya

The caste level responsible for trade, food production, and the economy, consisting of merchants, farmers, and artisans.

Sudra/Shudra

The lowest level of the four main castes, composed of workers and slaves.

Pariah/Dalit (Untouchables)

Individuals not considered part of the four main castes who performed tasks deemed low or dirty and faced discrimination.

Aryan Social Levels

The initial three levels of Aryan society comprised of royal warriors, priests, and common citizens.