Classical Empires: Trade, Culture, and Political Systems Review

Silk Road

Trade network connecting China to Europe; spread goods, ideas, and religion.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of ideas, beliefs, and technology between societies.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds that facilitated Indian Ocean trade.

Meritocracy

A system where people earn positions based on ability.

Pax Romana

200-year period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

Patriarchal Society

Society in which men hold most power.

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing social order, respect for elders, and hierarchy.

Buddhism

Religion founded in India teaching the Eightfold Path to end suffering.

Aqueduct

Roman engineering structure used to deliver water to cities.

Roman Republic

Government where citizens elect representatives.

King Ashoka

Mauryan emperor who promoted Buddhism and public welfare.

Ban Zhao

Han Dynasty scholar who wrote about women and Confucian roles.

Julius Caesar

Roman general whose rise led to the end of the Republic.

Augustus

First Roman emperor; began the Pax Romana.

Patricians

Wealthy landowners in Rome with political power.

Plebeians

Ordinary citizens of Rome with limited political power.

Civil Service Exam

Test in Han China to select government officials based on knowledge of Confucian texts.

Chang'an (Xi'an)

Capital of the Han Dynasty and Silk Road terminus.

Samarkand

Major Silk Road trading city in Central Asia.

Calcutta

Important trade city in India.

Mediterranean Sea

Central trade route for Rome.

Himalayan Mountains

Major mountain range separating India and China; limited travel and empire expansion.

Empire

Large political unit controlling multiple territories and peoples.

Republic

Government in which leaders are elected by citizens.

Roman Roads (Viae)

Built mainly for military movement; later supported trade.

Dharma

Moral duty or righteousness, promoted by Ashoka.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods; practiced in Rome and other classical civilizations.

Cultural Diffusion Examples

Spread of Buddhism to China, Roman architecture influence, trade goods like silk and spices.