AP World: Chapter 1 Lecture Notes & Pg 2-26

What empire marked the start of the Classical Era and Second-Wave Empires?

The Persian Achaemenid Empire.

Who was the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire?

Cyrus the Great.

What role did satraps serve in the Achaemenid Empire?

They were provincial governors managing local issues and enforcing imperial laws.

What major innovation simplified trade in the Persian Achaemenid Empire?

Common currency (gold coins).

What was the primary capital of the Achaemenid Empire known for its administration?

Persepolis.

What philosophy founded by Confucius emphasized social harmony and filial piety?

Confucianism.

What period followed Alexander the Great's death and was characterized by the spread of Greek culture?

The Hellenistic Era.

What three major conflicts were known as the Punic Wars fought between Rome and which entity?

Carthage.

What significant event did Julius Caesar initiate in Roman history?

He ended the Roman Republic and ruled as emperor.

What is the significance of Ashoka in the Maurya Empire?

He promoted Buddhism and built monasteries and stupas.

What is 'nirvana' in Buddhism?

The ultimate goal of escaping suffering and achieving perfect peace.

Who was the last prophet of Islam?

Muhammad.

What was the primary religious law governing the Islamic community?

Sharia.

What event caused a major civil war in early Islam, resulting in the Sunni-Shia split?

The First Fitna.

What were the large dome-shaped shrines in Buddhism called?

Stupas.

What ancient civilization is known for its early governance and monumental architecture in the form of ziggurats?

Mesopotamia.

What major trade route connected East and West, promoting exchange of goods and culture?

The Silk Road.

What was a key outcome of the Agricultural Revolution?

Surplus food leading to population growth and specialization.

What were the four main social classes in the Hindu caste system known as?

Varnas.

What historical document allowed the freedom of religion in the Roman Empire under Constantine?

The Edict of Milan.

Who founded the Umayyad Caliphate after the First Fitna?

Muawiyah.

Which ancient religion is characterized by the worship of Ahura Mazda?

Zoroastrianism.

What term refers to the spread of Judaism outside of Israel?

Jewish Diaspora.

What is the significance of the term 'paterfamilias' in ancient Rome?

It refers to the male head of the household with absolute authority.

What was the period of Mongol conquests and its impact on interregional connections?

1206–1368 CE, it created the largest land empire and facilitated cultural exchanges.

What is syncretism?

The blending of cultural or religious elements.

What is the central religious text of Islam called?

The Quran.

What major event disrupted societal structures in Europe during the 14th century?

The Black Death (1347–1350 CE).

What did the Agricultural Revolution lead to regarding human societies?

It transformed societies from hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural communities.

What is the term for the exchange of goods and ideas across Asia, Africa, and Europe during the early ages?

Trade networks.

What major philosophies emerged in ancient China besides Legalism?

Confucianism and Daoism.

What was the significance of the Edict of Thessalonica (380 CE)?

Making Nicene Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.

What is 'karma' in Hindu belief?

The sum of a person's actions, determining their fate in future existences.

What did the Gupta Empire contribute to during its Golden Age?

Significant advancements in science, technology, art, and literature.

What marked the transition from the Roman Republic to Empire?

The rise of Julius Caesar as ruler.

What was the societal structure of ancient Rome characterized by economic disparities?

Patricians and Plebeians.

What term describes the ancient Persian religion founded by Zoroaster?

Zoroastrianism.

What major ethnic groups illustrated the diversity and interaction in the world between 1200 and 1450?

Mongols, Muslims, Christians, and various Asian and African societies.

What does 'filial piety' underscore in Confucian teachings?

The importance of respect for one's parents and ancestors.

What did the licensed trade on the Indian Ocean facilitate?

Maritime trade connecting East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and China.

What is the primary principle of Legalism focused on governance?

The belief in strict laws and centralized power.

What was one consequence of the Mongol Empire's reign related to trade?

The facilitation of trade routes connecting different cultures.

What is the primary characteristic of the late Roman Empire in relation to religion?

The transition from polytheism to Christianity as the dominant faith.