Semester 2 Final Hon. World History

Geographic Features of Ancient Rome

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea, with the Alps as a natural border.

Mythical Founding of Rome

Founded by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, after Romulus defeated Remus.

Transition to Republic

Rome transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 509 BCE after Tarquin the Proud's overthrow.

The Punic Wars

A series of three wars (264 BCE to 146 BCE) between Rome and Carthage, resulting in Roman victory.

Significance of Julius Caesar

His rise as dictator ended the Roman Republic and initiated the Roman Empire under Augustus.

Pax Romana

A 150-year peace during Caesar Augustus's rule marked by expansion and infrastructure development.

Spread of Christianity

Started by Jesus of Nazareth, who preached love and forgiveness and faced persecution before it became the official religion.

Reasons for the Fall of Rome

Economic troubles, overexpansion, reliance on mercenaries, and weak leadership led to its downfall in 476 CE.

Social Structure of Feudal Japan

Emperor revered but without power; real authority with shogun, followed by daimyos and samurai.

Bushido Code

Code of conduct followed by samurai emphasizing honor and loyalty.

Cultural Practices in Feudal Japan

Art forms like Haiku, woodblock printing, and Noh theatre; cuisine heavily included rice and fish.

Islamic Numerical Systems

Adopted Hindu-Arabic numerals, which included the concept of zero.

Literary Contributions of Islam

Notable works include The Arabian Nights; art featured geometric and floral patterns.

Motivations for the Age of Exploration

New trade routes, desire for Asian goods, spread of Christianity, pursuit of wealth.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Established navigation schools in Portugal to promote exploration.

Encomienda System Definition

Spanish system to regulate Native labor with social hierarchy favoring encomenderos.

Notable African Civilizations

Included Nok for iron smelting, Aksum dominating Red Sea trade, and Mali Empire flourishing under Mansa Musa.

Key Philosophers of the Enlightenment

Figures like Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Wollstonecraft shaped modern thought.

Role of Salons in the Enlightenment

Spaces for intellectual discussion and dissemination of Enlightenment ideas.

Migration Theories of Early Civilizations

Suggested migration via the Bering land bridge and coastal routes.

Agricultural Beginnings in the Americas

Farming started by 8000 B.C.E., with maize and beans cultivated by 3000 B.C.E.

Mesoamerican Civilization: Olmec

Known for carved heads and trade from 1500–400 B.C.E.

Mesoamerican Civilization: Maya

Peaked from 325–900 C.E., noted for advancements in mathematics, writing, and calendars.