Chapters 12-13 Vocabulary - social studies

artifact

An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest, often discovered in archaeological digs.

hunter-gatherer

A member of a nomadic group that relies on hunting animals and gathering plants for subsistence.

nomadic

Relating to a lifestyle characterized by constant movement from one place to another.

domesticate

To train or adapt wild plants or animals for human use, typically for food, labor, or companionship.

agricultural revolution

The significant transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural (farming) communities, marked by the domestication of plants and animals.

surplus

An excess of goods or resources produced beyond what is immediately needed, often leading to trade and storage.

barter

The exchange of goods or services directly for other goods or services without using money.

civilization

A complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, culture, and centralized governance, often arising from agricultural surpluses.

Fertile Crescent

A historical region in the Middle East known for its rich soil and the birthplace of early agricultural societies. It spans from the eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan.

silt

Fine particles of soil or rock that are fertile and beneficial for agriculture, often deposited by rivers.

irrigation

The method of supplying water to crops through channels, ditches, or piping systems to enhance agricultural production.

city-states (Egyptian)

polytheism

The belief in or worship of multiple gods, often integral to many ancient cultures, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies.