CIV FINAL

2nd Wave Civilizations

Civilizations that existed from 500 BCE to 500 CE in Eurasia and North Africa, known for being expansionist, bureaucratic, and the center of trade.

Caste System

A social hierarchy in Ancient India consisting of four main classes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Sudra.

Persian Empire

The first of the second wave civilizations, known for its administrative efficiency and trade that influenced modern societies.

Greek Golden Age

A period of great cultural achievement in Ancient Greece, marked by advancements in art, architecture, and literature.

12 Tables

The earliest attempt by the Romans to create a code of law, inscribed on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman forum.

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese philosophical concept used to justify the rule of the Emperor, asserting their divine right to govern.

Abrahamic Religions

Religions that trace their origins to Abraham, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each with distinct beliefs and texts.

Paleolithic Era

The earliest period of human history, characterized by the development of tools, use of fire, and nomadic lifestyles.

Democracy

A form of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Feudalism

A social structure in medieval Europe characterized by the exchange of land for military service and labor.

Columbian Exchange

The extensive transfer of plants, animals, populations, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World.

Alexander the Great

A military leader known for conquering much of the known world, including Persia and parts of India, spreading Hellenistic culture.

Shihuangdi

The first emperor of China, known for unifying the country and implementing a bureaucratic system, but also for his harsh rule.

The Prophet Muhammad

The final prophet in Islam, known for founding the religion based on revelations he received from God.

Mansa Musa

The king of Mali renowned for his wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and promotion of Islam and education.

Leonardo Da Vinci

An Italian polymath known for his contributions to art, science, and engineering; painter of the Mona Lisa.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian explorer whose voyages led to the European awareness of the American continents.

Ferdinand Magellan

The first explorer to circumnavigate the globe, leading an expedition that proved the world was round.

1st Wave Civilizations

Civilizations established around 3000 BCE, most successful along rivers, leading to urban growth and cultural diffusion.

2nd Wave Civilizations

Classical civilizations from 500 BCE to 500 CE, included diverse empires with expansionist policies, and represented 80% of the global population.

Four Noble Truths

Core teachings of Buddhism: suffering is part of life, it is caused by desire, can be eliminated by overcoming desire, and can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path.

Ancient Greece

Known for its art, architecture, democracy, and philosophers during its golden age.

Ancient Rome

Founded in 735 BC, characterized by laws (The Twelve Tables) and administration by elected officials.

Ancient China

Characterized by centralization, feudalism, the Mandate of Heaven, and significant infrastructure projects.

The Royal Road

An extensive trade route established by the Persian Empire.

Sub Saharan Africa

Region characterized by Bantu movements, agricultural societies, and primarily oral traditions.

Indian Ocean Trade

Trading network that expanded trade in the Indian Ocean, including figures like Vasco de Gama and Zeng He.

The Silk Roads

A network of trade routes facilitating commerce across Asia and Europe.

Middle Ages

Period in Europe marked by the fall of the Roman Empire leading to the Dark Ages; notable cultural exchanges occurred elsewhere.

The Roman Catholic Church

A powerful institution in medieval Europe that influenced political, cultural, and religious life.

Bubonic Plague

A devastating pandemic in the 1300s beginning in northeastern China, leading to significant social and economic changes.

Maya

A civilization (250-900 CE) known for its agriculture, advanced cities, and human sacrifice rituals.

Aztec

A Mesoamerican culture (1428-1521) known for its complex society and pyramids before European arrival.

Incas

A centralized empire in western South America (1230-1500s) known for its stability and less frequent human sacrifices.

Paleolithic era

Earliest period of human history, representing 96% of humanity's existence, distinguished by tool development and use of fire.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is held by the people.

Republic

A system of government in which elected representatives represent the citizens.

Pax Romana

A long period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

Dar al-Islam

The Islamic world where Islamic law and customs are prevalent, expanding under the influence of Muhammad.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, populations, and diseases between the New World and the Old World.

Triangular Trade

The transatlantic trade system that connected Britain, West Africa, and the West Indies.

Indulgences

Payments made to the Pope to reduce punishment for sins, often critiqued during the Reformation.

Cyrus the Great

The first emperor of Persia known for his conquests and tolerance towards the religions of conquered peoples.

Shihuangdi

The first emperor of China known for his harsh rule, standardization policies, and major construction projects.

Julius Caesar

A pivotal figure in Roman history, known for his military prowess and political reforms.

Augustus

The first Roman emperor who established the Pax Romana and glorified Rome.

Jesus Christ

Central figure of Christianity, teaching monotheism and the importance of a personal relationship with God.

The Prophet Muhammad

The final prophet of Islam who founded the religion based on revelations from Allah.

Buddha

Siddartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, recognized as a wise teacher.

Hernan Cortes

Spanish conquistador who led the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Martin Luther

Key figure in the Protestant Reformation who criticized the Catholic Church and wrote the 95 Theses.

Leonardo Da Vinci

A Renaissance artist known for his masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa.

Michaelangelo

An Italian sculptor and painter famous for his work on the Sistine Chapel.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Political philosopher known for writing 'The Prince', emphasizing political effectiveness.

Donatello

An Italian sculptor of the Renaissance known for his distinctive works.

Christopher Columbus

Explorer who sought a route to Asia but instead reached the Americas.

Vasco de Gama

Portuguese explorer who sailed around Africa to reach India.

Ferdinand Magellan

Explorer whose expedition was the first to circumnavigate the globe.