8th Grade Global History: Civilizations, Beliefs, and Leaders

What was the role of a scribe in ancient Egyptian civilization?

A scribe was a high-status position responsible for taking notes and managing written records, as few people knew how to write.

What are the key elements that historians agree define a civilization?

Surplus, cities, specialization, trade, social stratification, centralized government, shared values, and written records.

According to Strayer, what are the two most important aspects of civilization?

Agriculture and hierarchy, which lead to economic growth.

What does McNeil believe is essential for a civilization?

Organization, a clear flow of wealth, and a writing system to enforce commands.

What caution do the Johnsons advise regarding the term 'civilization'?

They argue that the distinction between civilized and uncivilized societies is finer than often perceived, and that nomadic tribes can also have organized systems.

How did Egyptians manage water resources?

They constructed waterways and water-lifting machines to utilize the Nile's irrigation, which facilitated city growth and political power.

What irrigation techniques did Mesopotamians develop?

They leveled land, adjusted rivers, and built water-raising machines, leading to a hierarchy based on access to irrigation.

What challenges did the Yellow River present to ancient Chinese civilizations?

The river's floods caused erosion and necessitated constant dredging and irrigation canals, leading to social upheavals.

What was the Roman approach to water management?

They built aqueducts for drinking water and drainage ditches, which improved infrastructure and government oversight.

How did geography influence settlement in South Asia?

Fertile river valleys and predictable monsoon rains supported agriculture, while harsh mountains and deserts limited movement.

Where did the earliest peoples in South Asia settle?

Along the Indus River and later the Ganges River, which provided rich soil and reliable water for farming.

What natural defenses isolated South Asia from the rest of Asia?

The Himalaya Mountains to the north, the Hindu Kush Mountains to the northwest, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

What are the three major geographical zones of South Asia?

Gangetic plain (fertile), Deccan Plateau (dry and sparsely populated), and coastal plains (on either side of the Deccan).

What was distinctive about the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?

They featured advanced urban planning, including a grid pattern of streets, standardized clay bricks, and a plumbing system.

What do we know about the population and governance of the Indus Valley Civilization?

It had a large population with at least five major cities, suggesting a well-organized government, though few written records exist.

What was the likely religious belief system of the Indus Valley Civilization?

They were probably polytheistic, honoring animals and having a special regard for cattle.

What is known about the Aryan invasion and its impact on South Asia?

The Aryans brought new cultural and social structures, as reflected in the Vedas, which detail their beliefs and values.

What are the Vedas?

A collection of sacred texts that serve as a major source of information about the Aryans, containing hymns to the gods and instructions for rituals, originally passed down orally.

What characterized the Aryan society?

The Aryan society was hierarchical and male-dominant, led by rajas (chiefs) who consulted male elders for advice.

Which was the strongest Aryan tribe?

The Bharatas.

What were the primary deities of the Aryans associated with?

Nature, with gods such as Varuna (sky god), Indra (god of thunder and war), Agni (god of fire), and Soma (associated with an intoxicating drink used in rituals).

What does Varuna represent in Aryan beliefs?

Varuna is the sky god who presides over order in the universe.

What role did Indra play in Aryan mythology?

Indra is the god of thunder, rain, and storms, known for his love of fighting and referred to as the destroyer of cities.

What is the significance of Agni in Aryan rituals?

Agni is the god of fire, serving as a comforting link between the heavens, atmosphere, and earth.

What is the caste system called in Aryan society?

Varnas.

What are the four main varnas in Aryan society?

Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and farmers), and Shudras (laborers).

Who are the Untouchables in the context of the caste system?

A group below the Shudras, considered outside the caste system, whose contact is traditionally seen as defiling to higher castes.

What is dharma in Aryan beliefs?

One's duty in their caste and society, emphasizing individual responsibilities rather than a fixed moral code.

What does the story of Parusha illustrate about the caste system?

Parusha's sacrifice and the division of his body into different varnas illustrate the hierarchical structure, with Brahmins at the top.

How did the Mahabharata depict the consequences of war?

It tells the story of a civil war among Aryan tribes, emphasizing internal conflict and the destruction resulting from war.

What is the significance of the Ramayana in understanding dharma?

The Ramayana illustrates the importance of adhering to one's dharma through the story of Rama's banishment and his eventual return, highlighting moral duties.

What is asceticism?

A practice of withdrawing from sensory pleasures to seek a reality beyond everyday activities.

What revolutionary idea did the Upanishadic sages propose?

They claimed that the universe is composed of one reality called Brahman, which is also the deepest self (Atman) of individuals.

What is moksha in Aryan philosophy?

The liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) achieved by realizing oneness with Brahman.

How did the Upanishads differ from the earliest Vedas in their understanding of divinity?

They focused on philosophical concepts rather than a single divine being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence.

What role did Brahmins play in society as the Aryans settled?

Brahmins became more important than warriors, conducting public sacrifices and rituals crucial for successful harvests.

What does the term 'jati' refer to in the context of the caste system?

Sub-castes within the broader varna system.

What was the impact of the Aryans settling into farming communities?

As conflict decreased, the power shifted from warriors to Brahmins, who became central to religious and social life.

What is the relationship between karma and samsara?

Karma measures how well one performs their dharma, influencing rebirth in the caste system; good karma can lead to higher castes, while bad karma can result in punishment.

What does Brahman represent in Hinduism?

Brahman comprises every single thing, forming the world and the spiritual realm.

How can Hindus worship many gods while believing in a single ultimate reality?

Hindus view many gods as different manifestations of a single, ultimate reality.

What key ideas about dharma, karma, and reincarnation are explained in the Bhagavad Gita?

Arjuna must fulfill his dharma despite personal attachments; killing is seen as shedding old forms for new ones.

Why does Krishna insist that Arjuna must fight?

It is Arjuna's duty (dharma) as a warrior to act for righteousness.

How is dharma defined by Hindu sages?

Dharma is more about intention than results; good intentions are more virtuous than harmful ones, regardless of outcomes.

What does it mean to do one's own dharma poorly versus someone else's well?

Doing one's own dharma poorly is better than doing someone else's well, as it aligns with one's true nature.

How did Siddhartha Gautama achieve enlightenment?

He meditated under a tree after realizing that extreme asceticism did not yield answers, achieving oneness and becoming the Buddha.

What is the Middle Way proposed by the Buddha?

The Middle Way is a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of deprivation and indulgence.

What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

1) Life is suffering; 2) Suffering is caused by desire; 3) There is a way out of suffering; 4) The Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering.

What is the Eightfold Path?

A guide to end suffering, including right understanding, purpose, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, awareness, and concentration.

Why did the Buddha believe life is suffering?

Happiness is an illusion that leads to cycles of birth and death, causing anxiety and stress.

What is the role of desire in suffering according to Buddhism?

Desire causes suffering because attachment to material objects and fixed mindsets leads to pain.

What is the significance of the sangha in Buddhism?

The sangha is a community of practitioners that supports each other in spiritual practice and meditation.

What was Mahavira's central ideal in Jainism?

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the central ideal that emphasizes the sanctity of all life.

What is the ultimate goal in Jainism?

The ultimate goal is to free the jiva (soul) from the cycle of birth and death.

How do Jains apply their principles in daily life?

Jains practice non-violence and strive to live in a way that minimizes harm to all living beings.

What is the Doctrine of Maybe in Jainism?

It promotes tolerance of other faiths by acknowledging that truth can be multifaceted.

What are the Four Goals of Life in Hinduism?

Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (spiritual liberation).

What is the significance of fulfilling one's dharma in Hinduism?

Fulfilling one's dharma is essential for societal order and personal integrity.

What does Moksha represent in Hinduism?

Moksha is a sense of oneness with the world, akin to the Buddhist concept of nirvana.

How does the concept of karma differ in Buddhism compared to Hinduism?

In Buddhism, karma focuses on intentions and aspirations rather than just the results of actions.

What was the innovative aspect of Mahavira's teachings?

Mahavira's teachings emphasized non-violence and the interconnectedness of all life.

How does the caste system relate to Buddhism?

The Buddha rejected the caste system, allowing people from any caste to pursue enlightenment.

What does the term 'maya' mean in Buddhism?

Maya refers to the illusion of worldly existence that leads to suffering.

What is the significance of intention in Hinduism's view of dharma?

Intention is crucial; a good intention is valued more than a harmful outcome.

What signifies readiness to achieve moksha?

Feeling fulfilled and asking, 'what then?'

What is the first stage of life in Hinduism?

Proving one's dharma as a selfless and devoted student.

What is the second stage of life in Hinduism?

Focusing on achieving moksha through meditation and study.

What happens if a person does not reach the last stages of life?

They are not punished and have thousands of lives left to sort themselves out.

How did Brahmin ideas respond to the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism?

They provided aims and roles suited to daily life and different life stages.

What were some challenges of past religious practices?

Intense deprivation, constant prayer, and animal sacrifices caused discomfort.

How did Buddhism differ from Brahmanism?

Buddhism offered a safer, more accessible way to practice religion.

What was the purpose of the four goals in Brahmanism?

To make life worth living while allowing for leisure and wealth.

What is the significance of the term 'dharma'?

It refers to one's duty or righteousness in life.

What does 'artha' mean in Hindu philosophy?

Wealth or material success.

What does 'kama' refer to in Hindu philosophy?

Pleasure or desire.

Who was Chandragupta?

A ruler who united ancient India through infrastructure and governance.

What impressed the Greek visitor to Chandragupta's capital?

The grandeur, complexity, and organization of Pataliputra.

What were some of Chandragupta's positive qualities?

He was organized, powerful, and led a happy civilization.

What were some of Chandragupta's negative qualities?

He was manipulative and violent in his conquests.

What does Kautilya's 'schedule' suggest about his rule?

He was very organized and attentive to the needs of the people.

Why is Kautilya referred to as the 'Indian Machiavelli'?

Both used cunning and manipulation for power, often lacking a moral code.

What are the seven ways to greet a neighboring state according to Kautilya?

Saman, Danda, Dana, Bheda, Maya, Upeska, Indrajala.

Why did Ashoka convert to Buddhism?

After witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga war, he sought a moral example.

How did Ashoka implement his Buddhist beliefs?

By promoting healthcare, vegetarianism, and building infrastructure for pilgrims.

What is 'Dhamma' in the context of Ashoka's rule?

A compassionate and gentle approach to leadership.

What challenge did Ashoka face as a Buddhist emperor?

Balancing the needs of his people with the principles of Buddhism.

What would Ashoka and Chandragupta agree on?

That kindness is the best way to lead.

What would Ashoka and Chandragupta disagree on?

Chandragupta would oppose Ashoka's decision to stop military conquests.

What types of questions might be on the exam?

Map geography, vocabulary, 'Who Am I?' matching, multiple choice, and open-ended questions.