Genesis to Ancient Rome Study Guide

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts from Genesis to Ancient Rome.

What does 'Logos' mean and how does it relate to Christ?

'Logos' means 'Word' or 'Order,' representing Christ as the divine order behind creation.

How did God create the universe?

God created the universe by His Word, establishing order from chaos.

What was the result of Original Sin by Adam and Eve?

Exile from Eden and the need for a Savior (Jesus Christ).

What event followed the corruption of humanity, and who was saved?

God sent the Flood to cleanse the earth, saving Noah, his family, and the animals.

What was God's covenant with Noah?

God promised never to flood the earth again.

What was the purpose of the Tower of Babel?

Descendants of Noah built a tower in Shinar (Babylon) to make a name for themselves.

What did God do to the builders of the Tower of Babel?

God confused their language, causing dispersion and preventing a unified rebellion.

How did early humans live before agriculture?

As nomads, hunting animals and gathering plants.

What was the impact of climate change on early human societies?

Climate change led to longer growing seasons, encouraging farming and pastoralism.

What is slash-and-burn farming?

Clearing fields and fertilizing the soil with ash.

What advancements arose from plant domestication?

Selective breeding of plants like barley and wheat.

What animals were domesticated and for what purposes?

Pigs, goats, cattle, and dogs for food, labor, and protection.

How did agriculture lead to the rise of villages?

Agriculture led to permanent settlements and villages.

What developments occurred within early villages?

Societies developed hierarchical government systems and specialization of labor.

How did irrigation systems contribute to societal development?

Allowed food surpluses, supporting non-farming occupations.

How did multiple villages consolidate into cities?

Enabled centralized government and complex social structures.

How did food surpluses impact job specialization?

Food surpluses and specialization allowed the development of craftsmen and non-agricultural jobs.

Give examples of Complex Institutions.

Government, Religion, and Trade

What was the role of the king and high priests in early civilizations?

Top leaders with political and religious authority.

Who made up the upper class in ancient societies?

Nobles, Landowners, and Military leaders who managed administration, land, and defense.

Who were the Free Citizens of ancient societies?

The Majority population engaged in farming, trade, and crafts.

Who were the Dependent Workers of ancient societies?

Clients and Slaves who provided labor and services.

What defines the Bronze Age?

The widespread use of bronze tools and weapons.

What characterized the Mycenaean civilization?

Palatial civilization with political and economic center in royal palaces.

What script did the Mycenaeans use?

Linear B script

What was Mycenae known for?

Military strength and the Trojan War

What was the basis of the Mycenaean economy?

Olive oil and finished goods like weapons and pottery

What type of government did the Hittite Empire have?

Non-palatial government; power spread through temples and administrative offices

What was the Hittite Empire known for?

Diplomacy and letters (Amarna Tablets)

What language did Assyria use?

Akkadian language, with a distinct Assyrian dialect

What was the religion of Assyria?

Polytheistic religion with Ashur as chief god

What was the Babylonian economy based on?

Agriculture, textiles, timber, and metals

Who held absolute power in New Kingdom Egypt?

The Pharaoh held absolute religious and political power

What was the economy of New Kingdom Egypt based on?

Nile agriculture, gold, spices, linen, and international trade

What were the languages of New Kingdom Egypt?

Ancient Egyptian, written in hieroglyphs (religious) and hieratic (everyday)

What advantages did bronze tools provide?

Enabled the development of better tools, weapons, and architecture.

Explain the Palatial System of Mycenae.

The palace runs the economy and government

How were taxes collected?

In goods or currency, redistributed by palace or temple

How did civilizations use trade for resources?

Civilizations specialized in goods and traded for others

Define Overlord and Vassal.

Overlord: dominant power; Vassal: subordinate state

What tribute sent by vassals?

Tribute sent by vassals in exchange for protection or autonomy

What were the main componets of warfare during the Bronze Age?

Infantry, Archers, and Chariots

What contributed to the Collapse of the Bronze Age?

Earthquakes, Drought, Famine, Resource shortages, Internal rebellions, Migration/invasions, Breakdown of trade, and Political instability

Who were the Sea Peoples?

Migratory groups that attacked coastal civilizations

What is the Systems Collapse Theory?

Centralized societies depended on surplus food to maintain specialization and government. When surpluses failed, the system could no longer function.

Who was the conflict in the Trojan War between?

Agamemnon of Mycenae and Troy

What power vacuum was created after the collapse of major powers?

Israelites were able to enter Canaan

What resulted from the Interconnectedness of societies failed together?

The Iron Age

Where is Mesopotamia?

Land between rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, birthplace of cities, writing, and law.

What made agriculture possible in Egypt?

Nile River

What was Canaan's significance?

Between Egypt and Mesopotamia – major trade and war route.

Who were the Minoans and Mycenaeans?

Early maritime civilizations; Minoans were peaceful, Mycenaeans more warlike.

What are the key cultural developments from this period?

Bronze tools & weapons, Writing: Cuneiform and hieroglyphs, Religion was Polytheistic

What was the role of Moses?

Moses leads Israelites out of Egypt.

What basis of Hebrew religious and civil law was given at Mt. Sinai?

Ten Commandments

Who led the Israelites into Canaan?

Joshua

Who were the Judges?

Temporary leaders chosen by God.

Who was Samuel?

Last judge, warns against kings

Who were the key kings of the united Israel?

David and Solomon

What sins did David commit?

Sins but repents

What characterized Solomon's reign?

Builds the Temple in Jerusalem, becomes corrupt due to foreign wives and idol worship.

Who lead the north kingdom, Israel?

Jeroboam, falls into idolatry.

Who conquered Israel?

Assyria

Who conquered Judah?

Babylon

Who defeated Assyria?

The Babylonians led by Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II

Who conquered Babylon?

Persia under Cyrus the Great

What is Cyrus the Great remembered for?

Cyrus frees the Jews and allows them to return to Jerusalem & known for tolerance and efficient rule.

What were the major periods of greek history?

Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic

Define the Greek Polis

City-state with elements of self-government

What values were promoted in Greek society during the period?

Civic Engagement, Social Order, Military & Moral Virtues, Arete, and Religious Observance

What was significant about Draco?

Harsh laws, Laws written down, Introduced the Council of 400

What changes did Solon make?

Reformed laws to empower commoners, Eliminated debt slavery, Expanded Council of 400’s participation

What was Pisistratus contribution to the polis?

Became tyrant through manipulation, Enforced Solon’s laws despite Solon’s objections

Name some pre-Socratic Philosophers?

Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Heraclitus

What actions did Cleisthenes take?

Overthrew Hippias with Spartan help, Established democracy with random selection for Boule, Foundation laid by Solon and sustained by Pisistratus

What started the Persian Wars?

Ionian Revolt

What wars did Athens and Sparta fight?

Peloponnesian War

Why was Socrates put on trial?

Accused of impiety and corrupting the youth

What did Philip II do for Greece?

Unified Greece after Battle of Chaeronea

What area did Alexander the Great conquer?

Persia and reached India

What happened to Alexander the Great's empire after he died?

Split into multiple kingdoms

How did Alexander the Great spread Greek culture?

Spread Greek culture, language, and thought (Hellenization)

List some early tribes of Italy.

Etruscans, Sabines, Latins, Greeks

What story explains the mythical founding of Rome?

Romulus and Remus

Who was the last king of Rome?

Tarquin the Proud (Superbus)

What family formed the Republic?

Lucius Junius Brutus led revolt, established the Roman Republic

List the roles of the Roman Republic?

Senate, Counsels, Tribune of the Plebeians, Twelve Tables

What was the result of the Punic Wars?

Rome wins

What problems did the post-war Romans endure?

Latifundia, Ager Publicus, Mos Maiorum

How did the Gracchi brothers die?

Murdered/Killed in political violence

What reforms did Gaius Marius bring to Rome?

Military reformer, opened military to the poor, created professional army

How did Julius Caesar rise to power?

Populist leader, First Triumvirate, Conquered Gaul, Crossed Rubicon, Became Dictator for Life

How did Julius Caesar die?

Assassinated by Brutus and Cassius in 44 BC

How did Octavian rise to power?

Julius Caesar’s adopted heir, Defeated Brutus & Cassius, Defeated Antony & Cleopatra, Became first Roman Emperor

What was the Pax Romana?

Peaceful period across the empire

How did Christianity spread so fast during the period of Rome?

Greek language, Roman roads

Who legalized Christianity?

Constantine

When did the Western Roman Empire fall?

476 AD