Video Notes: The West: Encounters and Transformations (Ch.1-4) - Flashcards

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering Chapters 1–4 of The West: Encounters and Transformations.

What major development marks the Neolithic Age?

The emergence of human food production.

What is Stonehenge famous for?

A famous megalithic structure in England.

What is the Sumerian writing system called?

Cuneiform (wedge-shaped writing).

Along which river did ancient Egypt develop?

The Nile River.

Why did food production in Europe accumulate more slowly than in Southwest Asia?

Because of the colder climate and large forests.

As the redistributive economy of Mesopotamia became partially privatized, which group became more important?

Merchants.

Where did the Minoan civilization develop?

Crete.

Matriarchal societies are dominated by whom?

Women.

According to Hebrew tradition, who led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt?

Moses.

What was a key element in the palace system that distinguished it from other royal rule?

Kings and elders lived in one complex.

What was the status of women in Judaism?

Not considered fit for public worship.

Cities along the eastern Mediterranean shores tended to be what?

Independent trading hubs.

In Sparta, political power was what?

In the hands of a few elders.

The Greek use of coinage what effect?

Helped increase trade in poleis and their colonies.

How were tyrants in the poleis typically described in relation to Hoplites and the poor?

Tyrants were usually supported by the Hoplites and the poor.

Who is traditionally known as the founder of Greek democracy?

Cleisthenes.

What is Zoroastrianism?

The Persian monotheistic religion.

What best characterizes Greek religious beliefs?

The gods affected every aspect of life, including politics.

Which gave Athens an advantage leading to victory over Persia?

The Navy.

Why is the period 336–331 B.C.E. called the Hellenistic Age?

The Greeks were known as Hellenes and their culture spread widely.

Where did the Hellenistic Age really begin?

Macedon.

When did the Hellenistic Age end?

With the Roman conquest of Egypt.

Which political tradition did Alexander borrow from the Persians?

Autocracy.

The career of Alexander the Great can be said to be a _ the career of Philip II.

Continuation.

During the Hellenistic era, what happened to Greek culture?

Greek culture absorbed many non-Greek elements from other peoples.