Lecture Review: Early Humans, Religions, and Empires

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to early human history, the origins and development of Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), major empires, and European colonization.

Paleolithic Era

A period from 2.5 million to 10,000 BCE characterized by nomadic hunter-gatherers, stone tools, fire, and cave art.

Neolithic Revolution

Occurring around 10,000 BCE, this era saw the development of farming and domestication, leading to food surpluses, villages, cities, social hierarchies, and civilizations.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods.

Monotheism

The belief in one God.

Abrahamic Faiths

A group of monotheistic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which trace their common origin to Abraham.

Abraham

Central figure in Judaism who formed a covenant with God and established Canaan as the promised homeland.

Moses

Led the Exodus of Israelites from Egypt and received the Mosaic Covenant, including the Ten Commandments, which formed the moral law for Judaism.

Solomon's Temple

The central sacred space for Judaism, located in Jerusalem, built during the United Kingdom of Israel.

Zionism

A political movement advocating for, and originally supporting, the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historic Land of Israel, leading to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God/Messiah, whose salvation is achieved through his resurrection; emerged in 1st century CE Roman Judea.

Catholic vs. Orthodox Split

A major schism in Christianity around 1000 CE, dividing the church into Western (Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement initiated in 1517 by Martin Luther against corruption in the Catholic Church, leading to increased literacy, individualism, and a shift towards capitalism.

Muhammad

The founder and central prophet of Islam, who received revelations from the Angel Gabriel in 7th century CE Mecca.

Night Journey

Muhammad's miraculous journey to Jerusalem and ascension to heaven, where he received instructions for the five daily prayers in Islam.

Mecca

A sacred city in Islam, home to the Kaaba, and the focal point for Islamic prayer and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Medina

A sacred city in Islam, where the first Muslim community was established after Muhammad's Hijra, and where Muhammad is buried.

Kaaba

A cube-shaped building in Mecca, considered the most sacred site in Islam and the direction of prayer.

Hijra

Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the formation of the first Muslim community (Ummah).

Ummah

The first unified Muslim community, established by Muhammad in Medina.

Caliphs

Successors to Muhammad who led the Muslim community after his death, including Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

Sunni Islam

The majority branch of Islam (approx. 85%), believing that succession to Muhammad is a community or political choice.

Shi'a Islam

The minority branch of Islam (approx. 15%), believing that succession to Muhammad rightfuly belongs to Ali and his descendants, who are considered infallible Imams.

Tawhid

The central concept in Islam emphasizing the absolute oneness of God, with Muhammad as the final prophet.

Five Pillars of Islam

The fundamental practices of Islam: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).

Jerusalem

A city sacred to all three Abrahamic faiths: for Judaism (Temple Mount), Christianity (Jesus' crucifixion/resurrection), and Islam (Al-Aqsa Mosque, Prophet's Night Journey).

Lutheran

Started by Martin Luther. Believes people are saved by faith alone (not works) and that God’s grace is offered to everyone. Worship stays closer to Catholic traditions but in the local language.

Calvinist (Reformed)

Based on John Calvin’s teachings. Strong focus on God’s sovereignty and predestination (God chooses who will be saved). Worship is simpler and more focused on Bible preaching.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Songhai Empire

A prominent Islamic empire in West Africa during the 15th–16th centuries, known for its control over the gold and salt trade.

Ottoman Empire

A powerful Sunni Islamic empire that existed from 1299 to 1922, succeeded by modern Turkey in 1923.

Safavid Empire

An empire based in Persia/Iran that established Shi'a Islam as its official religion, creating a distinct Shi'a identity.

Mughal Empire

An Islamic empire that ruled much of India, characterized by periods of coexistence and conflict with Hinduism.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912.

Anglican

Originated with the Church of England under Henry VIII. A middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism: keeps many Catholic traditions and rituals but with Protestant beliefs about the Bible and salvation.