Iron, Innovation, and Interaction in Early Civilizations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Iron Age, Bantu migrations, and influences of Central Asian tribes on ancient history.

Iron Age

The period when iron became the dominant material for tools and weapons.

Bantu Migration

The movement of Bantu-speaking people from north-central Africa to other parts of the continent, spreading ironworking technology.

Metallurgy

The study of metals and the process for refining and making things from them.

Vassal

Someone who shows loyalty to another in return for being allowed to occupy land.

Anvil

A piece of iron on which heated metal is beaten into shapes.

Savannah

A large, flat grassland located in a tropical or subtropical region.

Smelting

The process of melting ore in order to get metal from it.

Hierarchical

Describes the formally ranked order of a group.

Steppe

A vast, semi-arid, usually grassy plain.

Xiongnu

A confederation of nomadic tribes from Central Asia known for their raids against northern China.

Scythian

A group of nomadic tribes who settled in parts of Central Asia and were known for their advanced horsemanship.

Ogun

The iron god revered in the Yoruba kingdom, protector of those who worked with iron.