Social Science 8 Geography and Ancient Civilizations

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers concepts from world geography, including continental traits and definitions, alongside details regarding ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, India, China, and Egypt.

Geography

The study of places, people, and their interactions with the environment, showing how human and natural activities shape each other.

Continental Drift Theory

A theory by Alfred Wegener stating that continents moved over millions of years and were once a supercontinent called Pangea $240$ million years ago.

Physical Geography

A type of geography focusing on natural features such as mountains and rivers.

Human Geography

A type of geography focusing on human culture, population, and tradition.

Western Imperialism

A policy of conquering others either through diplomacy or military force, with the Romans serving as its historical basis.

Bantu Migration

The first migration in Africa where people moved down southeast and introduced farming and the making of tools.

Australasia

A subregion of the Oceania continent that includes Australia and New Zealand.

Tierra Del Fuego

An archipelago in South America known as the "Land of fire."

The Pampas

Giant plains in South America that are considered great for farming and agriculture.

Mesopotamia

An area containing the Tigris-Euphrates river, known as the "Fertile Crescent" or the "Land between $2$ rivers."

Zoroastrianism

The religion of the Persians which believes that there are $2$ forces that rule the world, being good and evil.

Lugal

A Mesopotamian city state leader who was believed to be the representative of the gods in their city.

Cuneiform

One of the earliest writing systems in the world, used by the Sumerians.

Vedas

The oldest documents of India, consisting of a collection of prayers and ritual texts that served as the foundation of their social class.

Dharma

The performance of duties that allows an individual to reincarnate into a better life after they die.

Mandate of Heaven

A cycle of dynasties in Ancient China where the current ruler or dynasty was believed to be chosen by the gods.

Filial Piety

A concept taught by Confucius that emphasizes the importance of respecting elders.

Ka

In Ancient Egypt, the part of the soul that must be lighter than a feather in order to enter paradise or "heaven."

Vizier

An official in the Ancient Egyptian social structure responsible for taxes and food.

Hieroglyphics

An Egyptian writing system using objects and symbols, meaning "Word of the gods."