ai notecards

Judaism

A monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God and the teachings of the Torah.

Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition; consists of the first five books of the Old Testament.

10 Commandments

Biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, significant in both Judaism and Christianity.

Patriarchs

Founding fathers of Judaism, specifically Abraham and Moses.

David and Solomon

Kings of Israel, known for establishing Jerusalem and building the First Temple.

Promise Land

Refers to modern-day Israel, the land promised to the Israelites in the Bible.

Zoroastrianism

An ancient religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster focusing on the duality of good and evil.

Ahura Mazda

The supreme god in Zoroastrianism representing truth and light.

Dharma

A key concept in Hinduism that refers to duty, ethics, and the right conduct according to one’s caste.

Karma

The belief in Hindu and Buddhist traditions where an individual's actions influence their future.

Reincarnation

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Moksha

The liberation from the cycle of samsara in Hinduism, leading to enlightenment.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism.

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance.

Buddhism

A universalizing religion focused on reaching nirvana through the teachings of Buddha.

Nirvana

A transcendent state in Buddhism where one is free from suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment.

Eightfold Path

Buddhism's guide to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments.

Mahayana Buddhism

A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing the role of bodhisattvas.

Bodhisattvas

Enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism who help others on their path to enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism

The oldest surviving branch of Buddhism, focused on personal enlightenment.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Holy Trinity

The Christian belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Messiah

In Christianity, Jesus is believed to be the awaited savior or messiah.

Constantine

The Roman emperor who made Christianity legal and prominent in the Roman Empire.

Legalism

A Chinese philosophy valuing strict laws and harsh punishments, founded by Han Fei.

Daoism

A philosophy and religion in China promoting harmony with the Tao (the way) and nature.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius focusing on morality, family, and social harmony.

Filial Piety

A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors in Confucianism.

Wuwei

A Daoist concept of 'non-action' or 'effortless action'.

Civil Service Exam

A test in China required for government service, based on Confucian teachings.

Epicureanism

An ancient school of philosophy teaching that pleasure is the highest good.

Stoicism

A philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

Hellenism

The spread of Greek culture and influence during the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Persia

An ancient empire in the Middle East known for its cultural influence and Zoroastrianism.

Cyrus the Great

The founder of the Persian Empire known for his tolerance toward conquered peoples.

Darius I

A ruler of Persia known for his administrative accomplishments and the Behistun Inscription.

Alexander the Great

A Macedonian King who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.

Hellenistic Era

The period of history after Alexander the Great's conquests and the spread of Greek culture.

Plantation Slavery

A system of agricultural labor focused on cash crops, prevalent in Ancient Greece and later in the Americas.

Marcus Aurelius

A Roman emperor known for his philosophical writings and adherence to Stoicism.

Gladiator Fights

Popular public spectacles in ancient Rome, often involving combat between trained fighters.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting the East and West, facilitating cultural exchange.

Aqueducts

Human-made channels used to transport water, a significant engineering achievement in ancient Rome.

Confucianism to Daoism

The shift of beliefs among followers in response to social and political unrest in ancient China.

Chandragupta Maurya

The founder of the Maurya Empire in India.

Ashoka

A Mauryan emperor who embraced Buddhism and promoted its principles.

Red Eyebrow Revolt

An uprising of peasants against the Han dynasty in China during times of hardship.

Emperor Wu

A significant ruler of the Han dynasty, known for consolidating power and expanding the empire.

Xiongnu

Nomadic tribes in ancient China known for their conflicts with the Han dynasty.

Great Wall of China

A series of fortifications built to protect Chinese states from invasions.

Han Dynasty

A significant Chinese dynasty that succeeded the Qin, known for its cultural and political advancements.

3 successor states

Antiginod, Seleucid, Polemic

Julius Caesar

A Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the demise of the Roman Republic.

Octavius

Also known as Augustus, he became the first Roman emperor after Caesar's assassination.

Patricians

The wealthy elite class in ancient Rome.

Plebeians

The common people or lower class in ancient Rome.

Forum

The central public space in ancient Rome used for judicial and public matters.

Indoor plumbing in Rome

An advanced system for transporting water to public baths and households in ancient Rome.

Constantine's Edict of Milan

The decree that granted religious freedom in the Roman Empire, specifically favoring Christianity.