World History Midterms

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent, crucial for agriculture.

Subcontinent

India is referred to as a subcontinent due to its distinct geographical and cultural characteristics.

Deccan Plateau

A large plateau in south-central India, rich in minerals and supporting diverse ecosystems.

Indus River Valley

One of the world's oldest urban cultures, characterized by advanced city planning and drainage systems.

Harappa

An ancient city in the Indus Valley known for its advanced urban infrastructure.

Filial Piety

A Confucian value emphasizing respect for one's parents and ancestors.

Reincarnation

The belief in rebirth, where one's soul is reborn into a new body.

Karma

The principle of cause and effect where a person's actions influence their future lives.

Dharma

The moral and ethical duties one must follow in life, varying according to one's class and stage of life.

Moksha

The ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence towards all living beings, foundational to both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Eightfold Path

The path leading to the cessation of suffering in Buddhism, consisting of eight practices.

Shi Huangdi

The first emperor of China who unified the country and initiated construction of the Great Wall.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese philosophical concept that legitimizes the rule of a dynasty; indicates that heaven’s approval is essential for a leader’s authority.

Feudalism

A social system prevalent in ancient China wherein nobles received land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Great Wall

A fortification built to protect against invasions, representing the engineering prowess of ancient China.

Silk Road

An ancient trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange.

Fertile Crescent

A region in the Middle East where agriculture and early civilizations flourished due to its rich soils.

City-State

Independent cities that governed themselves and the surrounding territory, prominent in Mesopotamia.

Codify

The process of organizing and writing down laws, exemplified in the Code of Hammurabi.

Hammurabi

The Babylonian king known for creating one of the earliest and most comprehensive legal codes.

Pharaoh

The title given to the rulers of ancient Egypt, considered both a political leader and a divine figure.

Hieroglyphics

The ancient Egyptian writing system using pictorial symbols to convey meaning.

Cuneiform

The early form of writing developed by the Sumerians, characterized by wedge-shaped marks.

Barter Economy

An economic system where goods and services are exchanged directly without the use of currency.

Polytheistic

The belief in many gods, a common characteristic in ancient religions.

Dynastic Cycle

The political theory in Chinese history where dynasties rise and fall in a cyclical pattern.

Ramses II

An Egyptian pharaoh known for his long reign, monumental architecture, and military leadership.

Nebuchadnezzar

A prominent king of Babylon known for his military conquests and the Hanging Gardens.

Cyrus the Great

The founder of the Achaemenid Empire, known for his respect for the cultures and religions of the lands he conquered.

Hellenization

The spread of Greek culture, language, and influence across the Mediterranean following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Socrates

A foundational philosopher known for his Socratic method of questioning to gain insight.

Acropolis

A high city in ancient Athens, which housed significant temples, including the Parthenon.

Trojan War

A legendary conflict between the city of Troy and the Greek states, famously depicted in ancient literature.

Nirvana

The state of ultimate peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Buddhism.

Daoism

A philosophical system emphasizing harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of the universe.