Unit 3 Early Agrarian Societies

cuneiform

A system of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, making it one of the earliest forms of written expression in human history.

elite

A social group that holds a privileged status due to wealth, education, or political power, often influencing decisions and policies in society.

infrastructure

The fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, including transportation, communication systems, and utilities.

matrilineal

A social system in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother rather than the father, often leading to women's central roles in family and societal structures.

smelting

The process of extracting metal from its ore by applying heat and melting, often involving the use of a furnace.

social hierarchy

A system of ranking individuals or groups within a society based on various factors such as wealth, power, or status. It often influences access to resources and opportunities.

society

A structured community of people bound together by shared norms, values, and institutions, which governs behavior and interactions among its members.

dynasty

A lineage of rulers from the same family or lineage that maintains power over a period of time, often in a specific territory or kingdom.

empire

A large political unit or state, often comprising multiple territories or peoples, ruled by a single authority or monarch.

government

An organized system or group of individuals that create and enforce laws, policies, and decisions for a community or state.

inequality

The state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities, often found in social, economic, or political contexts.

patriarchal

A societal system in which men hold primary power, predominating in roles of leadership, authority, and control over women and children.

periphery

The outer edges or margins of a society, where power and resources are limited and often marginalized.

dynasty

A line of rulers from the same family or group, often ruling for several generations in succession. Dynasties typically establish a legacy and influence over a particular region or state.

elite

A select group with superior status, power, or influence within a society, often characterized by wealth, education, or political connections.

empire

A large political unit that rules over a vast territory and diverse populations, often established through conquest and characterized by centralized authority.

government

The governing body of a nation, state, or community, responsible for creating and enforcing laws and policies.

infrastructure

The basic physical systems and structures that are essential for the operation of a society, including transportation, communication, utilities, and public services.

specialist

A person who focuses on a specific area of work or study, often to gain a high level of expertise in that particular field.

state

A political entity with a defined territory, government, and population, capable of making and enforcing laws.

division of labor

The allocation of different tasks to individuals or groups in order to increase efficiency and productivity in the production process.

inequality

nomadic

Relating to a lifestyle characterized by moving from one place to another rather than settling permanently, often in search of food or grazing land.

sedentary

Describing a lifestyle in which individuals or groups remain permanently in one place, typically engaging in agriculture or permanent settlement.

steppe

A large area of flat grassland, often found in regions with harsh climates, where nomadic herding and minimal agriculture may occur.

urban

Relating to areas characteristic of cities, often involving high population density and various economic activities, typically with permanent settlements.