Key Concepts in Ancient Indian and Greek Civilizations

Pre-Ap World History Mid-term

Caste System

Rigid social categories in ancient India.

Dharma

Divine law governing duty in Hinduism.

Reincarnation

Rebirth of a soul in a new form.

Brahmins

Priestly caste in Hindu society.

Ascetic

Person practicing self-denial for spiritual understanding.

Yoga

Training method for achieving oneness with God.

Hinduism

Major Indian religion originating from Aryan beliefs.

Monsoon

Seasonal wind pattern bringing heavy rains in South Asia.

Kshatriyas

Warrior caste in Hindu society.

Karma

Force from actions determining rebirth in Hinduism.

Nirvana

Ultimate reality and enlightenment in Buddhism.

Silk Road

Trade route connecting Rome and China.

Caste

Social division based on occupation in India.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama in India.

Polytheistic

Belief in multiple gods.

Monotheistic

Belief in a single god.

Tragedy

Drama depicting conflict leading to protagonist's ruin.

Stoicism

Philosophy advocating inner peace through harmony with God.

Socratic Method

Teaching method using question-and-answer format.

Ritual

Ceremony or rite in cultural practices.

Phalanx

Military formation of foot soldiers in Greece.

Polis

City-state in ancient Greece.

Philosophy

Organized system of thought; love of wisdom.

Ostracism

Temporary ban of politicians by popular vote.

Oracle

Sacred shrine revealing the future in Greece.

Oligarchy

Government controlled by a small group.

Hoplites

Heavily armed foot soldiers in Greek military.

Helot

Captive people forced to work in Sparta.

Hellenistic Era

Period of Greek influence after Alexander the Great.

Epicureanism

Philosophy prioritizing happiness through pleasure.

Epic

Long poem narrating heroic deeds.

Ephor

Spartan official overseeing education and citizen conduct.

Direct Democracy

Government where people participate in decision-making.

Democracy

Government ruled by the people or representatives.

Arete

Qualities of excellence sought by Greek heroes.

Agora

Gathering place and market in Greek city-states.

Age of Pericles

Period of Athenian political dominance and power.

Acropolis

Fortified hilltop site for temples in Greece.

Consul

Chief executive officer of the Roman Republic.

Dictator

Absolute ruler in Roman governance.

Imperator

Roman commander in chief.

Insulae

Roman apartment blocks made of concrete.

Inflation

Rapid increase in prices.

Laity

Regular church members in Christianity.

New Testament

Second part of the Christian Bible.

Triumvirate

Government by three equal power holders.

Procurator

Official in charge of a Roman province.

Plague

Epidemic disease affecting large populations.

Paterfamilias

Dominant male head of a Roman household.

Pax Romana

Period of peace in the Roman Empire.

Praetor

Official enforcing civil law in Rome.

Republic

Government where leader is not a king.

Patrician

Great landowners ruling in the Roman Republic.

Plebeian

Social class of common people in Rome.

Neolithic Revolution

Shift to sedentary agriculture and village communities.

Increased population density from stable food supplies.

Agricultural Development

Fall of Empires

Caused by intensified invasions and security issues.

Judaism and Hinduism

Both have written scriptures and ethical codes.