AP World Introduction (Pre - 600 BCE) & The Classical Period (600 BCE - 600 CE)

review for quiz and in class DBQ

What significant agricultural change occurred around 10,000 BCE?

The Neolithic Revolution, which marked the transition from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agriculture.

What were some long-term results of the shift to agriculture?

Sedentary lifestyle, population growth, specialization of labor, development of towns, trade, social hierarchies, and environmental problems.

What are the key features that define a civilization?

Significant food surpluses, social hierarchies, governments, unique culture, writing or record keeping, specialization of labor, trade, and cities.

What is the significance of the Code of Hammurabi?

It is one of the most famous legal codes, establishing rules for courts, property rights, family duties, and harsh punishments for crimes.

What are the main characteristics of Zoroastrianism?

Founded by Zoroaster, it features dualism, the struggle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), and the concept of judgment day.

What is the importance of Hebrew monotheism?

It established the belief in one God, the Covenant with Abraham, and the Ten Commandments as a moral code.

What is the Vedic religion and its significance?

A religion from 1500-500 BCE that shaped Hinduism and was based on the 4 Vedas, which are religious texts of the Aryans.

What social structure emerged during the Vedic Age?

The caste system, which included Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants), Shudras (laborers), and Pariahs (untouchables).

What was the Axial Age?

A period from 800-200 BCE marked by the emergence of major intellectual, philosophical, and religious systems that shaped societies.

Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?

Buddha, who lived from 563-483 BCE.

What are the main teachings of Confucianism?

Founded by Confucius, it emphasizes moral integrity, social harmony, and the importance of family and education.

What is the primary focus of Daoism?

It emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao, or the fundamental principle that is the source of all existence.

What role did religion play in early societies?

Religion provided a unified system of beliefs and practices that shaped worldviews and moral communities.

What is the difference between religion and philosophical belief systems?

Religion includes sacred elements and practices, while philosophical belief systems focus on ethical and moral principles without the sacred.

What was the impact of agriculture on social structures?

It led to the establishment of social hierarchies, specialization of labor, and the development of trade networks.

What was the significance of the Great Ziggurat of Ur?

Built in the 21st century BCE, it exemplifies the architectural achievements and religious practices of ancient Mesopotamia.

What were the early writing systems used in Mesopotamia?

Cuneiform and pictographs were among the earliest forms of writing used for record keeping.

What were the early legal codes in Mesopotamia?

The Code of Ur-Nammu and the Code of Lipit Ishtar preceded the more famous Code of Hammurabi.

What environmental problems arose from agricultural practices?

Issues such as soil depletion, deforestation, and the spread of diseases were consequences of sedentary agricultural lifestyles.

How did the concept of private property emerge?

With agriculture, the idea of owning land and resources became prevalent, leading to social stratification.

What was the population growth trend during the Neolithic Revolution?

Population increased from approximately 1-10 million to 5-20 million due to improved food sources.

What is the significance of the Ten Commandments?

They provided a moral framework for the Hebrew people, emphasizing ethical conduct and the worship of one God.

What role did trade play in early civilizations?

Trade facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, contributing to the development of complex societies.

What is the relationship between agriculture and disease?

The sedentary lifestyle associated with agriculture increased population density, which contributed to the spread of diseases.

What is the Vedic religion also known as?

Brahmanism

What was the primary concern of the Vedic religion?

Survival and earthly needs rather than spiritual needs.

Who held the most power in the Vedic religion?

Brahmins

What are the Upanishads?

A collection of teachings, speculations, parables, and poems about reality and immortality.

How many major Upanishads are there?

13 major Upanishads and about 108 total.

What is Brahman in the context of the Upanishads?

The ultimate, external supreme reality that creates and sustains the universe.

What is Atman according to the Upanishads?

The true essence of all individuals, which is unchanging and eternal, and comes from Brahman.

What does the term 'maya' refer to?

The illusion that our experience of the world is real; the world is impermanent.

What is samsara?

The cycle of birth and rebirth that souls are trapped in.

What is the ultimate goal of Hinduism?

Liberation from samsara, known as moksha.

What is the significance of karma in Hinduism?

Actions determine the cycle of rebirth and are tied to moral duties (dharma).

What is Buddhism based on?

The teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

1. Suffering is universal. 2. Desire causes suffering. 3. Letting go of desire minimizes suffering. 4. The Eightfold Path eliminates desire.

What does the Eightfold Path include?

Right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

What is the Middle Way in Buddhism?

A path of moderation between austerity and indulgence.

What is Confucianism primarily focused on?

The relationships between people and the proper ordering of society.

What are the Five Great Relationships in Confucianism?

Ruler-Subject, Husband-Wife, Father-Son, Older Brother-Younger Brother, Older Friend-Younger Friend.

What is the Dao in Daoism?

The Way, which emphasizes living in harmony with nature.

What does 'wu wei' mean in Daoism?

Effortless action or non-action.

What does Yin and Yang represent?

The complementary forces of the universe, with Yin representing feminine qualities and Yang representing masculine qualities.

What is the significance of the Analects?

A collection of Confucius' teachings written by his followers, focusing on practicalities of relationships and governance.

What was the political philosophy of Legalism in China?

It posits that people are corrupt and self-interested, necessitating harsh rule from the top down.

What was the Mandate of Heaven?

A Chinese political doctrine used to justify the rule of the emperor as divinely ordained.

What characterized the social structure of classical China?

Four occupations: Scholar Gentry, Peasant farmers, Craftspeople & artisans, Merchants & traders.

What was the role of the caste system in India?

An extremely rigid social hierarchy that dictated legal rights and social status.

What was the Silk Road?

A trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of luxury goods.

What were the main legs of the Indian Ocean trade?

Utilized lateen sails and monsoon winds for navigation.

What was a key feature of the Trans-Saharan trade?

The introduction of the camel and camel saddles for caravans.

What method did Socrates introduce for examining beliefs?

The Socratic Method, which involves repeated questioning to examine the validity of a position or belief.

What is Platonic Idealism?

A philosophical concept developed by Plato that suggests the existence of ideal forms or ideas that transcend the physical world.

What was Aristotle's approach to knowledge?

He emphasized rational examination of both earthly subjects and abstract realms.

What type of government did Rome have from 508 BCE to 27 BCE?

A Republic, characterized by a Roman Law Code that applied equally to all citizens.

Who was the first emperor of Rome?

Caesar Augustus, also known as the 'First Man'.

What was the Pax Romana?

A period of peace and stability across the Roman Empire from 31 BCE to 180 CE.

What significant construction began under Qin Shi Huangdi?

The Great Wall of China.

What was the primary ideology during the Han Dynasty?

Confucianism, which led to the establishment of Civil Service Exams.

What characterized the political landscape of ancient India?

A trend of competing states with few periods of unified empire, often influenced by regionalism.

What are the Five Classics in Chinese literature?

A collection of texts that form the foundation of Chinese literature and political thought.

What are the two major epic poems of India?

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

What type of art is prominent in ancient China?

Calligraphy, along with jade, ivory, silk, bronze, and pottery emphasizing detail and craftsmanship.

What social structure existed in classical China?

A hierarchy of four occupations: Scholar Gentry, Peasant farmers, Craftspeople & artisans, and Merchants & traders.

What is the caste system in India?

An extremely rigid social hierarchy where lower classes have few legal rights and gender roles are patriarchal.

What was the primary trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean?

The Silk Road, active from the 2nd century BCE to approximately 1450 CE.

What innovations facilitated trade in the Indian Ocean?

Lateen sails and the use of monsoon winds.

What was a key feature of Trans-Saharan trade?

The introduction of the camel and camel saddles, which enabled caravans to navigate the desert.