Ancient Ruling Structures and Historical Sources

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to ancient ruling systems and historical sources as discussed in the lecture notes.

Historical sources

Various records—such as inscriptions—that provide information about the past.

Inscriptions

Stone or metal engravings that record events or details about ancient governance.

General public (ancient)

The majority of ordinary people whose daily lives are often under-represented in historical records.

Statesmanship

The methods and principles used in ruling or governing a country.

Government

The collective term for the legislature, executive, and judiciary that rule a country.

Legislature

The institution responsible for making laws; performed by the king’s court in ancient times and by parliament today.

Executive

The branch of government that enforces or implements laws, managed by government officers.

Judiciary

The branch of government that interprets laws and administers justice.

King’s court

The royal assembly in ancient times that served the legislative function of making laws.

Parliament

A modern legislative body that makes laws, analogous to the king’s court in ancient governance.