World History Flashcards: Civilizations, Empires, and Key Concepts (Period 0 to Early Classical Periods)

Flashcards covering periods, civilizations, key concepts, and influential thinkers/empires mentioned in the notes to help review for the exam.

What time frame does Period 0 cover in the notes?

Approximately 3500 BCE to 1200 CE.

Name the five overarching themes used to study civilizations in these notes.

Theme 1: Interaction between humans and the environment; Theme 2: Development and interaction of cultures; Theme 3: State-building, expansion and conflict; Theme 4: Creation, expansion and interaction of ecosystems; Theme 5: Development and transformation of social structures.

What major change marks the Neolithic Revolution?

Adoption of sedentism and agriculture (permanent farming).

Which river valley civilizations are identified as part of the first wave (and where permanent agriculture started)?

Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), the Nile River Valley (Egypt), the Indus Valley, and the Yellow River (Huang He) in China.

What is meant by the 'Gift of the Nile'?

The Nile’s fertile floods provided rich soil and reliable agriculture for ancient Egypt.

Which two rivers defined Mesopotamia?

The Tigris and Euphrates.

Which ancient civilization is associated with ziggurats and cuneiform?

Mesopotamia (Sumer and related cultures).

What is Hammurabi known for in Mesopotamia?

Establishing one of the world’s earliest written legal codes.

Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh significant?

One of the earliest known works of literature, showing early storytelling and urban life.

Which dynasty is famous for the Terracotta Army and unification efforts in China?

The Qin Dynasty under Shi Huangdi.

What is Legalism?

A philosophy that people are inherently bad and need strict laws and centralized control; associated with Qin governance.

What does the Mandate of Heaven describe in Chinese political thought?

Heaven grants rulers the right to rule; justification for dynastic legitimacy (especially used by the Zhou).

Which dynasty in China is noted for bureaucratic governance and the civil service system, plus advancements like paper?

The Han Dynasty.

What is Daoism, and who is its traditional founder?

A philosophy/religion emphasizing harmony with nature and balance; traditionally attributed to Laozi (Lao Tsu).

What were oracle bones used for in ancient China?

Fortune telling during the Shang Dynasty.

Which Indian empire’s ruler Ashoka promoted Buddhism across the region?

The Mauryan Empire (Ashoka the Great).

Which empire in India contributed to a Golden Age with decimal numeration and Pi?

The Gupta Empire.

Who founded the Shang Dynasty in China?

The Shang Dynasty (first documented Chinese dynasty).

What are the key ideas associated with the Zhou Dynasty’s governance?

Mandate of Heaven and Confucian-influenced social order.

What was the major standardizing achievement of the Qin Dynasty besides the Great Wall?

Standardization of weights, measures, laws, and writing.

Which ancient people are credited with creating the first alphabet?

The Phoenicians.

Which civilization introduced coinage and made trade more convenient?

The Lydians.

What is a notable feature of the Olmec civilization?

Gigantic stone heads; considered one of the earliest Mes American civilizations.

Which early Andean civilization is known for lack of pottery and distinctive farming practices in Norte Chico?

Norte Chico.

Which civilization in Peru unified by a shared religion and built monumental religious centers in the Andean region?

The Chavín.

Which African civilization is associated with Christianity and is one of the oldest Christianized regions in Africa?

Axum (Aksum) in East Africa.

Which African Kushite group interacted with Egypt and is noted for deep influence in the region?

Kushites (Nubia).

Which civilization is famous for colossal stone heads and is located in Central America?

Olmec civilization.

Which ancient Greek city-state is known for its direct democracy and cultural achievements, including philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle?

Athens.

Which Greek city-state was known for its military-oriented society and women’s property rights?

Sparta.

What is the Acropolis in the context of ancient Greece?

A temple on a hill in a city-state dedicated to a sacred god.

What is a key early Greek literary figure linked to Mycenaean culture and the Trojan War?

Homer.

What was the main religious and political shift associated with Zoroastrianism under Persian influence?

Monotheistic-like religious system taught by Zoroaster; unified beliefs within the Persian Empire.

Which empire built roads, repaired infrastructure, and became a major imperial presence on the Iranian plateau under Cyrus and Darius?

The Achaemenid (Persian) Empire.

Which ancient civilization produced the 'Rosetta Stone' to help decipher hieroglyphs?

Ancient Egypt.

Which civilization contributed to the ancient Silk Road economy and Chinese papermaking innovations?

Han Dynasty (China).