Untitled Flashcards Set

Loess

Fine windblown soil that raises the water level of rivers and contributes to agricultural development.

Yellow River

A river in China known for its unpredictable flooding and often called the 'River of Sorrows.'

Shang Dynasty

An ancient Chinese dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) known for bronze work and early writing advancements.

Zhou Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE) that introduced the Mandate of Heaven concept.

Mandate of Heaven

The idea that the heavens grant a ruler’s right to govern, which can be lost if they fail.

Qin Dynasty

China's dynasty (221–206 BCE) that unified the country and standardized systems under Emperor Shi Huangdi.

Han Dynasty

The dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) that ushered in a golden age of prosperity and made Confucianism the state belief system.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes that connected China with Central Asia and beyond, opened under Emperor Wudi.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds in India critical for agriculture but can lead to devastating floods.

Mauryan Empire

The first Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya, known for its centralized government.

Vedas

The foundational sacred texts of Hinduism that contain hymns, prayers, and rituals.

Samsara

The cycle of rebirth in Hinduism, which individuals aim to escape by achieving moksha.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism.

Dharma

The moral and ethical duties and responsibilities in Hinduism.

Karma

The belief that a person’s actions influence their fate in the next life.

Ahimsa

The principle of nonviolence in Hinduism.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama that teaches liberation from suffering.

Nirvana

The Buddhist belief in union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Mesoamerica

Region that includes Mexico and Central America, home to the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.

Incas

Civilization in South America that built a vast empire across the Andes and advanced in engineering.

Minoans

An advanced Bronze Age civilization on the island of Crete known for their palaces and frescoes.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict fought by the Myceneans, described in Homer's Iliad.

Athens

A Greek city-state known for its democracy and cultural achievements.

Sparta

A Greek city-state known for its military strength and warrior society.

Alexander the Great

The conqueror who created one of the largest empires in history and spread Greek culture.

Hellenistic Architecture

Architecture style characterized by grand structures and a blend of Greek and Eastern influences.

Stoicism

A philosophy that teaches acceptance of life's challenges and achieving peace through self-discipline.

The Republic

A work by Plato discussing the ideal state governed by philosopher-kings.

Phalanx Formation

An effective military formation used by ancient armies that emphasized teamwork.

Roman Republic

The period of ancient Rome before it became an empire, established after defeating the Etruscans.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage (264–146 BCE) over control of trade routes.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 that limited the power of the English monarch.

Feudalism

A system of governance where lords managed land under the obligations to the monarch.

Manor System

An economic system where peasants farmed land and the manor was self-sufficient.

Agricultural Revolution

Advancements in farming techniques that increased food production during the medieval period.

Chivalry

A code of conduct for knights emphasizing bravery, honor, and respect.

Medieval Universities

Centers of advanced learning that taught various subjects and utilized Latin.

Romanesque Architecture

An architectural style characterized by rounded arches and thick walls.

Gothic Architecture

An architectural style featuring pointed arches and large stained glass windows.

The Crusades

A series of religious wars aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.

The Black Death

A devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, killing a significant portion of the population.

COVID-19

A global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, characterized by rapid spread and modern medical responses.

The Crusades

A series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims initiated by Pope Urban II in 1095 to reclaim Jerusalem.

Impact of the Crusades

The Crusades led to increased trade, cultural exchanges, and long-term tensions between Christians and Muslims.

The Black Death

A devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, resulting in the death of one-third of the population.

Consequences of the Black Death

The Black Death weakened social and political structures, caused labor shortages, and increased demands for higher wages.

The Hundred Years' War

A conflict between England and France (1337–1453) over territory and sovereignty, characterized by changes in military tactics.

Longbow Revolution

The introduction of the longbow during the Hundred Years' War significantly altered combat dynamics in favor of the English.

Comparison of Plagues

Both the Black Death and COVID-19 caused widespread social and economic disruption but differed in causative agents and medical responses.

Modern Medicine vs. Medieval Treatment

COVID-19 benefited from advancements in medicine and vaccines, unlike the Black Death which had no effective treatment.

Crossroads of Constantinople

Constantinople's strategic location contributed to its wealth and cultural diversity as a significant trade hub.

Domesday Book

A comprehensive survey commissioned by King William I in 1085 to assess landholdings and wealth in England.

Significance of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, limited the monarchy's power, establishing principles of due process and rule of law.