Part 2: Classical Era c. 600 BCE-c. 600 CE

Great Empires

Major political entities that rose in various regions, including the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Mauryan, Gupta, Qin, and Han dynasties.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between empires, particularly in Western Eurasia and South Asia.

Buddhism

A major spiritual development in South Asia founded by Siddartha Gautama, focusing on ending suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Mauryan Empire

The first unified empire in South Asia (322 BCE-187 BCE), known for its peak under Ashoka, who promoted Buddhism and built infrastructure.

Gupta Empire

The second period of unity in South Asia (c. 320 CE to c. 550 CE), recognized as the Golden Age of India with advancements in various fields.

Confucianism

A philosophical system founded by Confucius that emphasized education, respect for authority, and social hierarchy, particularly in East Asia.

Legalism

A philosophy used by the Qin Dynasty that advocated for strict laws and harsh punishments to control the inherently selfish nature of people.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese political doctrine that justified the rule of emperors, indicating that natural disasters could signal a loss of legitimacy.

Christianity

A religion that emerged from Judaism, gaining popularity in the Roman Empire, particularly among the poor, and eventually becoming the official religion under Constantine.

Byzantine Empire

The eastern half of the Roman Empire that became politically and economically powerful, known for its capital Constantinople and legal contributions like the Justinian Code.

Teotihuacan

An influential Mesoamerican civilization known for its impressive architecture and temples, located near modern-day Mexico City.

Mayans

A significant classical civilization in the Americas known for advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and a complex written language.

Decline of Classical Empires

Factors leading to the fall of empires by 600 CE, including tax collection challenges, trade declines, disease spread, and social divisions.