Iron Age Empires and Ancient China Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the Assyrian system, the Chaldean and Persian empires, Zoroastrianism, and the political and philosophical foundations of Ancient China.

Tiglath-Pilesar I

The ruler from 1114-1078 B.C. who established the Assyrian empire through brutal conquest and a reign of terror.

Shalmaneser III

The Assyrian leader who reigned from 858-824 B.C. and expanded the empire into Babylon and Canaan.

Assyrian Cavalry

The first civilization to utilize horseback archers in warfare, making their military highly effective.

Library of Ashurbanipal

A significant cultural achievement of Assyrian society that served as a unifying element under the King's rule.

Chaldeans

The founders of the Second Babylonian empire (612-539 B.C.) who conquered Assyria following an internal revolt.

Nebuchadnezzar II

The Chaldean ruler from 605-560 B.C. who finalized the conquest of Assyria and is credited with the Hanging gardens.

Cyrus the Great

The Persian leader (550-530 B.C.) who conquered the Chaldeans in 539 B.C. and was known for practicing religious toleration.

Satrapies

The administrative provinces used to organize and govern the Persian Empire.

Cambyses II

The Persian ruler (530-522 B.C.) responsible for the conquest of Egypt.

Zoroastrianism

A dualist religion founded by Zarathushtra involving Ahura-Mazda and Ahriman, which influenced Judaism and Christianity's concepts of Heaven, Hell, and the End times.

Ahura-Mazda and Ahriman

The opposing divine forces in Zoroastrianism representing the dualist nature of the faith.

Xia Dynasty

The earliest Chinese dynasty, dated c. 2100-1600 B.C., which some scholars consider fictional.

Oracle Bones

Artifacts from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) that contain the first records of Chinese writing.

Zhou Dynasty

The dynasty (1046-256 B.C.) that created the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rise to power.

Warring States Period

A period from 476-256 B.C. characterized by military leaders asserting power over the emperor and the emergence of major philosophical schools.

Mandate of Heaven

The belief that Tian (Heaven) decides the emperor based on morality; if favor fades due to immorality, a new dynasty begins.

Filial Piety

A Confucian concept regarding respect for one's parents and ancestors, applied to Maintain a peaceful and strong state.

Junzi

A Confucian concept referring to the 'superior person' or ideal gentleman within the context of the Mandate of Heaven.

Why was the Assyrian military so effective?

The Assyrian military was effective due to its highly organized structure, advanced weaponry, and innovative tactics such as siege warfare, combined with a robust system of communication and logistics.

How did the Assyrians rule their empire?

The Assyrians ruled their empire through a combination of fear, military strength, and effective governance, incorporating local customs while employing a network of governors to maintain order and loyalty.

What is the significance of Nebuchadnezzar II?

Nebuchadnezzar II was a prominent king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for his military conquests, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and his role in the Babylonian captivity of the Jews.

In what ways did the Persian empire differ from Assyria and Bablyon?

The Persian empire differed from Assyria and Babylon in its approach to governance, promoting tolerance and allowing local customs, as well as focusing on administrative efficiency and infrastructure development, such as the Royal Road.

How did Zoroastrianism influence Christianity?

Zoroastrianism influenced Christianity through concepts such as angels, demons, and the ideas of heaven and hell, along with a dualistic worldview that emphasizes the struggle between good and evil.

What is the Mandate of Heaven and how does it influence the dynastic cycle?

The Mandate of Heaven is a Chinese philosophical concept that justifies the rule of the Emperor based on their virtue and ability to govern. It influences the dynastic cycle by determining the rise and fall of dynasties, where a dynasty loses the mandate through misrule, leading to its overthrow.