Part 1: Human Development to c. 600 B.C.E. The First Migrations Modern humans first appeared in East Africa between 200,000 B.C.E. and 100,000 B.C.

Homo sapiens

Modern humans that appeared in East Africa between 200,000 B.C.E. and 100,000 B.C.E.

Animism

Religious belief attributing spiritual power to natural features like mountains, rivers, and animals.

Agricultural Revolution

Transition to crop cultivation and animal domestication around 8000 B.C.E.

Cuneiform

Writing system developed in ancient Mesopotamia.

Hinduism

Religion derived from Aryan migrations; teaches reincarnation and reinforces the caste system.

Zoroastrianism

Monotheistic Persian religion focusing on free will and the struggle between good and evil.

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama; teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to reach nirvana.

Mandate of Heaven

Justification for imperial rule in China; signals of divine displeasure could lead to loss of authority.

Filial piety

A virtue in Confucianism emphasizing respect for one's parents and ancestors.

Twelve Tables

Early codification of Roman law that underpinned the republic's legal principles.

Silk Roads

Trade routes that expanded overland and facilitated trade between East and West.

Teotihuacan

Major multicultural city in Mexico known for its grid layouts and monumental architecture.

Social Stratification

The emergence of rigid wealth-based social classes, often seen in early civilizations.