AP World History Unit 0

AP World History: Early Civilizations to 600 CE Key Concepts and Developments

What is the significance of the Neolithic Revolution?

It marked the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, leading to demographic, social, political, and economic changes.

What were the primary crops and animals domesticated during the Neolithic Revolution?

Various crops such as wheat, barley, and rice, and animals like sheep, goats, and cattle were domesticated.

How did the Neolithic Revolution affect human labor?

Humans began to specialize in different types of labor, leading to the development of new skills and professions.

What were the environmental effects of the Neolithic Revolution?

It led to deforestation, soil depletion, and changes in local ecosystems due to agricultural practices.

What role did pastoral societies play in relation to agricultural societies?

Pastoral societies often coexisted with agricultural societies, providing resources such as meat and dairy while also engaging in trade.

What defines a 'civilization'?

A civilization is characterized by urban development, social stratification, centralized political organization, and a shared culture.

Where did the earliest civilizations develop and why?

They developed in fertile river valleys, such as the Nile and Tigris/Euphrates, due to the availability of water and arable land.

What is a 'state' in the context of early societies?

A state is a political entity with a centralized government that has authority over a specific territory and population.

What factors contributed to the expansion of early states?

Military conquest, economic incentives, and the need for resources led some early states to expand and conquer neighboring territories.

What are the core teachings of Buddhism?

Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to attain enlightenment and escape suffering.

How did Christianity spread by 600 CE?

Christianity spread through missionary work, trade routes, and the support of political leaders.

What are the characteristics of universal religions?

Universal religions seek to appeal to a broad audience beyond specific ethnic or cultural groups and often have missionary components.

What impact did religions have on gender roles in their societies?

Religions often reinforced traditional gender roles, but some also provided women with new opportunities for leadership and participation.

What are some examples of early empires in the Nile and Tigris/Euphrates River Valleys?

Examples include the Egyptian Empire and the Babylonian Empire.

What technological innovations are associated with the growth of agriculture?

Innovations include the plow, irrigation systems, and storage techniques for surplus crops.

What social effects resulted from the increased food supply due to agriculture?

Increased food supply led to population growth, social stratification, and the development of complex societies.

What literary works influenced later eras by 600 CE?

Works such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and various religious texts influenced cultural and literary traditions.

How did trade networks develop by 600 CE?

Trade networks expanded due to improved transportation technologies and the establishment of trade routes connecting different regions.

What were the common characteristics of Classical Era empires?

Classical Era empires were characterized by centralized authority, territorial expansion, and complex administrative systems.

What role did art and culture play in ancient civilizations?

Art and culture served to unify populations, express societal values, and reflect the complexities of civilization.

What were the common social classes and occupations in Classical empires?

Common social classes included elites, merchants, farmers, and laborers, with occupations ranging from government officials to artisans.

What were the environmental and social weaknesses that contributed to the decline of Classical Empires?

Environmental weaknesses included resource depletion, while social weaknesses involved internal strife and class conflict.

How did diseases affect Classical empires?

Diseases led to population decline, weakened economies, and contributed to the instability of empires.

What forms of writing developed in ancient civilizations?

Forms of writing included cuneiform in Mesopotamia, hieroglyphics in Egypt, and early scripts in the Indus Valley.