Key Terms by Theme

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes.

Hinduism

A religion originating in India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being of many forms and natures.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East, emphasizing ethical behavior and covenant with God.

Buddhism

A religion founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing the elimination of suffering through meditation and ethical conduct.

Confucius

A philosophy and ethical system developed in China, emphasizing social harmony, filial piety, and education.

city-state

Independent city that forms the center of political, economic, and cultural life.

Agricultural Revolution

The transformation of human societies from hunting and gathering to agriculture, leading to settled communities and increased populations.

Mauryan Empire

approximately 322 to 185 BCE, It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who unified much of the Indian subcontinent under his rule. The empire was known for its strong centralized government, large army, and influential reign under Ashoka the Great

monsoon winds

Seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean that bring heavy rainfall, crucial for agriculture and trade.

Gupta Empire

approximately 320 to 550 CE, marking a period known as the "Golden Age of India" due to significant advancements in art, science, literature, and culture. Founded by Sri Gupta

Mandate of Heaven

The belief that the ruler's authority comes from divine approval, used to justify the rule of emperors in ancient China.

Qin

first imperial dynasty in China, lasting from 221 to 206 BCE. Established by Qin Shi Huangdi, who unified China after conquering other warring states, the dynasty is known for its standardization, infrastructure projects, and the Great Wall of China

Han

206 BCE to 220 CE, was a pivotal period in Chinese history, known for its extensive reign, cultural development, and significant advancements in various fields. It's divided into two periods: the Western Han (206 BCE - 9 CE) and the Eastern Han (25 CE - 220 CE), founded by emperor Gaozu/Liu Bang

Daoism

ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with "the way," which is the natural order of the universe.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Islam

A monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Dar al-Islam

“The House of Islam”—refers to the parts of the world where Muslims are in the majority and the rulers practice Islam

Mayans

A civilization in Mesoamerica known for its advanced writing system, mathematics, and astronomy.

Mississippian

A pre-Columbian Native American culture that flourished in the Mississippi River Valley.

Toltecs

A Mesoamerican culture that preceded the Aztecs, known for their impressive architecture and trade networks.

Shinto

A religion native to Japan, emphasizing the worship of kami (spirits) and reverence for nature.

Roman Catholic Church

The largest Christian church, based in Rome and led by the Pope.

Silk Roads

An ancient trade route connecting the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

Orthodox Church

The Eastern branch of Christianity, centered in Constantinople and characterized by its own traditions and practices.

patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership.

civil service exam

A system of selecting government officials based on merit rather than heredity, used in China

diaspora

scatter from their homeland to places across the globe, spreading their culture as they go.

entrepôt

A trading post or commercial center where goods are received and shipped out.

shogun

A military dictator in feudal Japan.

daimyos

A Japanese feudal lord.

Indian Ocean trade routes

A network of trade routes across the Indian Ocean facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

trans-Saharan trade routes

A trade route across the Sahara Desert connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa.

Persian Empire

also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was a large and powerful empire that spanned from the sixth century B.C. to the 20th century A.D. It was founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 B.C. and became one of the largest empires in history

Greece

wasn't a unified empire like Rome, but rather a collection of independent city-states. The most extensive Greek empire, under Alexander the Great, stretched across three continents, but it was a short-lived expansion

Roman Empire

a vast and influential political entity that ruled the Mediterranean and much of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries. It began with the rise of Augustus Caesar in 27 BC and ended in the West in 476 AD

Byzantine Empire

the continuation of the Roman Empire in the east, lasting from 330 to 1453 AD. It was centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)

Abbasid Caliphate

A major caliphate that ruled much of the Middle East and North Africa during the Islamic Golden Age.

Sui Dynasty

(581-618 AD) was a short-lived Chinese dynasty that unified the country after centuries of division, marking a significant period in Chinese history. Founded by Yang Jian (Emperor Wendi), it implemented reforms like a new legal code, a merit-based civil service, and infrastructural projects like the Grand Canal

Tang Dynasty

(618–907 CE) was a golden age of Chinese history, characterized by significant advancements in culture, arts, and technology. It followed the Sui Dynasty and oversaw a period of prosperity, strong military, and a flourishing cosmopolitan culture. 

Song Dynasty

960 to 1279, is a period known for its significant cultural, economic, and technological advancements. It was divided into the Northern Song (960-1125) and Southern Song (1125-1279) periods, founded by emperor Taizu

Ghana

A medieval kingdom in West Africa known for its gold trade and complex social organization.

Great Zimbabwe

A medieval city in southeastern Africa known for its impressive stone architecture and trade networks.

Teotihaucan

100 BCE to 650 CE, A major city in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, known for its large pyramids and urban planning.

imperial dynasty

a ruling family of an empire

12 tables

the first written laws of the Roman Republic, created around 450 BCE and served as the foundation of Roman law

stone tools

represent the earliest technologies developed by humans and offer insights into the lives and adaptations of prehistoric societies

cuneiform

considered the first writing system developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets

ziggurats

a massive, terraced structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as a temple to the gods

hieroglyphics

a writing system used in ancient Egypt, characterized by pictorial symbols representing sounds and meanings. around 3000 BCE

complex math

involving advanced calculations and theories, significant for trade and astronomy in ancient civilizations.

pyramids

a structure with a square or rectangular base that rises to a point, often built as a tomb or monument.

stirrups

devices attached to saddles for securing a rider's feet, enhancing stability and control during riding.

camel saddle

a special type of saddle designed for riding camels, providing comfort and stability for the rider.

taxation

the process of collecting money from individuals or businesses by the government to fund public services and infrastructure.