World History Lecture: Early Humans to Exploration

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering major historical eras and concepts from early humans through the Age of Exploration.

Paleolithic era

Known as the Old Stone Age, occurring between $70,000$ and $12,000$ years ago.

Nomads

People who depend on wild plants and animals to survive and do not live in permanent settlements.

Neolithic era

Known as the New Stone Age, occurring between $12,000$ and $6,000$ years ago, characterized by agriculture and domestication.

Subsistence farming

A type of farming that provides just enough food for one family.

Surplus

An extra supply of something, such as food, allowed by the development of agriculture.

Specialization

Also known as division of labor, this occurred when a surplus of food allowed individuals to focus on tasks other than farming.

Fertile Crescent

The region of ancient Mesopotamia known for its productive land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Famine

A widespread shortage of food.

Monotheism

The belief in only one god.

Polytheism

The belief in many gods.

Sargon

The first emperor who united the Mesopotamian city-states.

Hammurabi's Code

A set of laws based on the principle of 'eye for an eye,' where punishments varied depending on social class.

Cuneiform

The system of writing used in Mesopotamia.

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen holding absolute power.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system developed in the Nile Valley of Egypt.

Dynasty

A line of rulers who all belong to the same family.

Oracle bones

The earliest representation of Chinese writing and a cultural universal of language.

The Silk Road

A trade network that promoted cultural diffusion, improved the economy, and helped people discover new religions.

Democracy

A system of government, as seen in ancient Athens, in which citizens vote to make governmental decisions.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to speak or act for them.

Twelve Tables

The Roman set of laws posted for all to see, which governed all aspects of life despite being based on social class.

Byzantine Empire

The name of the Eastern Roman Empire that continued for $1,000$ years after the Western Roman Empire collapsed.

Feudalism

A political, economic, and military system in the Middle Ages where higher social classes provided land in exchange for loyalty and protection.

Magna Carta

A legal document signed by King John in $1215$ that stated the rights of the barons and subjects.

Renaissance

A term meaning 'rebirth,' referring to a period of change in Europe with advancements in education, literature, and higher thinking.

Cultural Diffusion

The borrowing of customs from other cultures, promoted by trade, conquest, religion, and exploration.