World History—First Semester

Units 2, 3, and 4

Abraham

A Hebrew patriarch considered the father of the Jewish people and a central figure in Christianity and Islam.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity, believed by followers to be the Son of God and the Savior.

Messiah

A promised savior or liberator of a group of people, specifically in the context of Jewish and Christian beliefs.

Muhammad

The prophet and founder of Islam who Muslims believe received the revelations of the Quran from God.

Prophet

A person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.

Allah

The Arabic word for God, used primarily by followers of Islam.

Sunni

The largest branch of Islam, which believes that the community should choose its own leaders.

Shia

A branch of Islam that believes leadership should stay within the family of the Prophet Muhammad.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in India that emphasizes karma, reincarnation, and various forms of the divine.

Dharma

The religious and moral duties that govern an individual's conduct in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Reincarnation

The belief that after death, a soul is reborn into a new physical body or form.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on ending suffering and reaching enlightenment.

Sidhartha Gautama

The Indian prince who achieved enlightenment and became the founder of Buddhism.

Ashoka

A powerful Indian emperor who converted to Buddhism and helped spread its teachings across Asia.

Enlightenment

A state of perfect spiritual wisdom and peace that is the ultimate goal in Buddhism.

Democracy

A system of government where the power is held by the people, typically through voting and elected officials.

Philosophy

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

Republic

A form of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives rather than a monarch.

Representative

A person chosen or elected to speak and act on behalf of a larger group of people.