AP World History: Neolithic Revolution

Neolithic Revolution

A period marked by the transition from nomadic hunter-foraging to settled agriculture and the establishment of complex societies.

Agriculture

The practice of cultivating crops and raising animals for food, which became a cornerstone of Neolithic societies.

Pastoralism

A form of subsistence agriculture focused on the herding and breeding of livestock.

Specialization of labor

The division of work into specific tasks, allowing individuals to focus on particular skills beyond food production.

Surplus of food

An excess of food production that enabled population growth and the development of non-agricultural professions.

Domestication

The process of taming wild animals and cultivating plants for human use, leading to more stable food sources.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical organization of society into classes based on wealth, power, and occupation.

Writing

The development of a system of symbols to record information, marking the transition from prehistory to history.

Sumerians

An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its innovations in writing, government, and urban development.

City-States

Independent cities that functioned as separate political entities, often ruled by priests or kings in Sumer.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods, which was central to Sumerian religion and influenced their cultural practices.

Code of Hammurabi

A set of 282 laws established by King Hammurabi of Babylon, emphasizing justice and the principle that punishment should fit the crime.

Mummification

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving bodies for the afterlife, reflecting their beliefs in life after death.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system of ancient Egypt, using pictorial symbols to convey meaning.

Indus Valley Civilization

An advanced urban culture in South Asia known for its sophisticated city planning and trade networks.

Aryan Migrations

The movement of nomadic pastoralists into India, leading to cultural exchanges and the establishment of new social structures.

Vedas

A collection of ancient sacred texts of the Aryans, containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical ideas.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese political doctrine that justified the rule of the emperor as divinely ordained, with the right to govern contingent on their ability to maintain order and harmony.

Zhou Dynasty

The longest dynasty in Chinese history, known for its feudal system and significant cultural and technological advancements.

Ancestor Veneration

The practice of honoring deceased ancestors, common in Shang China, reflecting beliefs in their influence on the living.