Period 0 (10,000 BCE-1200 CE)

Due to climate change, from where did the earliest humans migrate?

Out of Africa

Describe the first human societies from the Paleolithic Era.

Hunter-gatherer bands (kinship groups)

What were the long-term effects of the Neolithic Revolution?

Population Increase (increase in food = increase in population)

Specialization of labor (more laborers = new jobs to do)

• Social Stratification (some jobs are more important than others)

• Technological Innovations (laborers invent things to improve their work)

Administrative Institutions (governments)

How did agriculture cause communities to form?

Moving away form a nomadic lifestyle created civilizations with their own unique cultures.

Where did foundational civilizations develop during this period?

River Valleys: Mesopotamia (Tigris & Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), India (Indus), China (Yellow & Yangtze)

What does specialization of labor lead to?

• Development of social classes

• Development of technology (tools)

• lead to trade

How were the earliest civilizations administered?

Governments: Usage of legal codes, based on religion (divine connection), kept records (to track population and good) -- ex. cuneiform, hieroglyphics

What was the role of pastoral nomads during and after the Neolithic period?

Dissemination of new technologies, techniques, ideas, and beliefs -- composite bows, iron weapons, chariots, domestication of horses, religious teachings

What were some of the earliest major religious beliefs developed?

Animism, Judaism, Hinduism

What new belief systems emerged during the Classical Era?

Confucianism (China), Buddhism (Indus), Christianity (Europe), Islam (SW Asia/Middle East)

What effect did Hinduism have on the social structure in South Asia?

It reinforced social hierarchies (Caste System)

What did Confucianism seek to promote?

Social harmony (Five relationships)

What was the core belief of Daoism?

Balance between humans and nature

What religion formed out of Judaism?

Christianity

How did Islam spread?

Merchants, missionaries, military expansion, sufis

Which key dynasties arose in East Asia around the time of the Classical Era?

Qin, Han

Which key states arose in the Mediterranean around the time of the Classical Era?

Phoenician city states (Mediterranean rim), Greek city-states (Eastern Europe), Roman Empire (Southern Europe/North Africa), Perisan Empire (SW Asia)

Which key states arose in South Asia around the time of the Classical Era?

Mauryan, Gupta

How did kings maintain rule in ancient civilizations?

Claim to divine connection; legal codes; support of religious entities and the military/aristocracy; record keeping for food and eventually taxes

What techniques of imperial administration were used in the Classical Era?

Use of religion, legalism, centralized government bureaucracies, military power (defensive walls), economic stability through trade (roads)

What role did imperial cities fill prior to and during the Classical Era?

Centers of trade, religious rituals, political administration

What naturally accompanies trade?

Cultural diffusion: transfer of goods, ideas, diseases, and technologies

What caused the decline of the Classical Empires (Rome, Persia, Gupta, Han)?

Decentralization

Internal problems: weak leaders, financial crises, overextension

External problems: Invaders

Environmental Damage: Disease, deforestation, desertification, erosion