Into the Iron Age

Vocabulary flashcards covering the transition into the Iron Age, including the Hittites, the Catastrophe of 1200 B.C., and the Phoenicians.

Indo-Europeans

A group of people coming from the fringes whose language and origins are studied in relation to the Agricultural Revolution.

Megalithic Structures

Ancient structures demonstrating sophisticated astronomical and architectural abilities.

Hittites

A warlike civilization that invaded Anatolia by at least 2000 B.C. and was the first to use iron weapons.

Hattusha

The capital city of the Hittites located in Anatolia.

Hittite Legal System

A system characterized by compensation and an aversion to the death penalty, differing from Hammurabi's laws.

Catastrophe of 1200 B.C.

A period where all major civilizations in the Middle East were destroyed or crippled, leading to the start of the Iron Age.

Sea Peoples

Groups arriving in Egypt around 1207 B.C. who utilized new tactics such as the short stabbing sword, round shield, and phalanx.

Philistines

A group, likely Mycenaean or Bronze Age Greeks, who were highly effective against Middle Eastern warfare and arrived during the Catastrophe.

Canaanites

Semitic people who created independent city-states during the power vacuum left by the collapse of the great powers.

Phoenicians

Semitic people known for their commercial network and trade routes across the Mediterranean, including cities like Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre.

Phoenician Alphabet

The greatest contribution made by the Phoenicians to civilization.

Carthage

A major Phoenician settlement located in Africa as part of their commercial network.

Why did the Iron Age begin?

The Iron Age began due to technological advancements that allowed societies to develop iron smelting and forging techniques, enabling the production of stronger and more durable tools and weapons. The Sea people

How did small Canaanite city-states emerge in the Levant?

emerged due to trade, agriculture, and strategic geographic locations, facilitating cultural exchanges and economic development.

What is the greatest contribution that the Phoenicians made to civilization?

The greatest contribution of the Phoenicians to civilization was the development of the alphabet, which served as a foundation for modern writing systems, enhancing communication and trade across the Mediterranean.