World Civ I (Joel Webb):“Assyria and Persia: Early Empires of the Iron Age”

Late Bronze-Age Collapse

Period of widespread societal collapse and turmoil in the Eastern Mediterranean around 1200 BCE, leading to the decline of major civilizations like the Hittites, Mycenaeans, and Egyptians.

Mycenaean Civilization

An ancient civilization in Greece known for its palaces, warrior society, Linear B writing system, and influence on later Greek culture.

Hittites

Ancient Anatolian people known for their advanced chariot warfare and diplomacy, prominent in the late Bronze Age.

Assyria

Ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its military prowess, advanced architecture, and use of terror tactics in warfare.

Aramaeans

Aramaens were ancient Semitic people living in present-day Syria and Mesopotamia. They spoke Aramaic and played a significant role in the history of the Near East.

Sea Peoples

Were a group of maritime raiders who caused chaos in the eastern Mediterranean around 1200 BCE, attacking civilizations like Egypt and Hittite Empire.

Iron-Age

Period characterized by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons, following the Bronze Age, marked by significant advancements in technology and societal structures.

Year-round army

Refers to a military force that is active and operational throughout the entire year, without seasonal breaks or interruptions.

Forced Deportation

Forced removal of a group from their homeland, often against their will.

“Calculated Frightfulness”

Refers to a strategy used during WWI by Germany to instill fear through brutal tactics, such as unrestricted submarine warfare.

Neo-Babylonians

Ancient Mesopotamian empire (626-539 BCE) known for King Nebuchadnezzar II, Ishtar Gate, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Medes

Were an ancient Iranian people who lived in Media and played a significant role in the history of the Near East, known for their military prowess and the conquest of the Assyrian Empire.

Nebuchadnezzar II

• King of Neo-Babylonian Empire

• Rebuilt Babylon, Hanging Gardens

• Conquered Jerusalem, exiled Jews

Cyrus II

Also known as Cyrus the Great, he was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and known for his military conquests and humanitarian policies.

Zoroastrianism

One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia, emphasizing the battle between good and evil forces.

Dualism

A philosophical belief that the mind and body are distinct entities. Dualists argue that mental and physical properties exist separately.

Darius I

Persian king who expanded the empire, built Persepolis, and organized the empire into provinces called satrapies. He also created the Royal Road.

Satrapies

Administrative divisions in the Achaemenid Empire governed by satraps, local rulers appointed by the Persian king to collect taxes and maintain order.

Satrap

A provincial governor in the ancient Persian Empire responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order in their region.

Herodotus

• Known as the "Father of History"

• Greek historian

• Wrote "The Histories"

• Recorded events of the Persian Wars

• Emphasized the importance of research