Ancient Warfare: Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Persian, and Roman Military History

What period did Chinese warfare occur from 500 to 200 B.C. involve?

Seven Chinese kingdoms were constantly fighting.

What significant weapon did the Chinese invent during this period?

The crossbow, a ranged weapon that fires bolts and requires little training.

Who is Sun Tzu and what is his famous work?

Sun Tzu is a military strategist known for writing 'The Art of War,' which influenced Asian armies for centuries.

What kingdom is the name 'China' derived from?

The Qin kingdom in western China.

Who was Shi Huangdi?

The king of the Qin who became the first emperor of China and created a powerful central government.

What is the Terra-Cotta Army?

Thousands of statues of Chinese soldiers buried in the tomb of the first emperor to protect him in the afterlife.

What is the significance of the Khopesh in Egyptian warfare?

A bronze weapon shaped like a question mark, associated with King Tut.

What role did chariots play in Egyptian warfare?

Chariots were platforms with wheels attached to horses, used for steering and archery.

Who were the Hittites?

An ancient group from modern-day Turkey, known as the main enemies of Egypt.

What was the significance of Ramses II in Egyptian history?

He was the greatest warrior pharaoh who conquered surrounding areas and lived to around 90 years old.

What was the Battle of Qadesh?

One of the first recorded battles in history between the Egyptians and the Hittites, resulting in a draw.

Who were the Sea Peoples?

Tribes that attacked during the late Bronze Age, weakened Egypt, and were defeated by Ramses III.

What was Cyrus's early life like?

He was smuggled out of the palace after his grandfather ordered his death and raised in the countryside.

What tactics did Cyrus use in battle?

He placed camels in front of his army to confuse enemy horses, causing them to panic.

What were the Immortals in Persian warfare?

Elite troops of Persia, always numbering 10,000, who were replaced whenever a soldier died.

What was the role of the polis in Greek warfare?

A Greek city-state that raised its own army, typically composed of citizen soldiers.

What is a Hoplite?

The heavily armored Greek infantry soldier who used spears.

What is the Phalanx formation?

An infantry formation using hoplites, densely packed and linking shields for defense.

What was Sparta known for?

Being the most famous Greek polis with a military-focused society and rigorous training for boys.

What initiated the First Persian War?

The revolt of Ionia against Persian control, leading Athens to send aid.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Marathon?

The Greeks defeated the Persians, causing them to retreat.

Who was Xerxes?

The son of Darius who sought revenge for the Battle of Marathon by invading Greece.

What happened at Thermopylae?

King Leonidas led 300 Spartans to hold a mountain pass against the Persian army.

What was the significance of the naval battle at Salamis?

Athens set a trap and destroyed the Persian navy, forcing them to leave Greece.

What was the Delian League?

An alliance between Athens and other city-states for mutual defense.

What was the outcome of the war between Sparta and Athens?

Sparta was able to defeat Athens, leading to weakness in both city-states.

What kingdom is located in northern Greece and shares a similar culture with the Greeks?

Macedonia

Who was the King of Macedonia known for improving his kingdom's army?

Philip II

What was the name of the long spear used by Philip's soldiers?

Sarissa, which was around 20 feet long.

Who was Alexander's mother and what did she believe about him?

Olympias; she believed her son would be a great man.

What significant action did Philip II take regarding Greece?

He took over all of Greece and forced the Greek cities to sign an alliance.

What happened to Philip II shortly after he divorced Olympias?

He was stabbed to death by his own bodyguard.

What did Alexander do after becoming king following his father's death?

He decided to attack the Persian Empire.

How did Alexander compare himself to Achilles?

He visited Achilles' tomb and took armor from it, identifying with Achilles' personality.

What was the first battle between Alexander and the Persians called?

The battle at the Granicus River.

Who saved Alexander during a battle against the Persians?

Cleitus, the commander of the cavalry.

What city did Alexander besiege for months located in Lebanon?

Tyre

What major city did Alexander build in Egypt that became a significant port?

Alexandria, which had the largest library in the world.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Guagamela?

Alexander won the battle, causing the Persian king to flee.

What was the founding legend of Rome involving Romulus and Remus?

Romulus killed his brother Remus and founded the city.

What type of government did Rome have?

Rome was a republic run by elected officials, with the Senate as the main governing body.

Who were the Patricians in Roman society?

The elite Romans who made the most important decisions.

What was the most popular sport in ancient Rome?

Gladiatorial games, originally held to honor the dead.

What was the Latin word for sword?

Gladius