Classical Vocab

Zoroastrianism

Monotheistic religion that emerged during the Persian Empire and promoted morality and the struggle of good versus evil.

Persian Empire

Empire that emerged in Southwest Asia (Middle East) during the Classical era, established by Cyrus the Great. It covered most of the ancient world (spanning 3 continents- Asia, Europe, and Africa), and was made up of the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanids.

Royal Road

A highway reorganized and rebuilt by the Persian king Darius the Great. He built the road to facilitate rapid communication throughout his exceptionally large empire.

Alexander the Great

Conquered the Persian empire and advanced its borders to India. He combined Greek and Persian culture and influence.

Satraps

The governor of a province in the Persian Empire, often a relative of the king. He was responsible for protection of the province and for forwarding tribute (taxes) to the central government.

Hellenism

Culture derived from the Greek civilization and the spreading of that culture throughout the Mediterranean world. It was a blend of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian ideas as a result of Alexander the Great's extensive empire.

Aristotle

Greek philosopher who taught that knowledge was based upon observation of phenomena in the material world. He was also a mentor of Alexander the Great.

Athens

Powerful city-state in Greece that was a leader in the arts, sciences, philosophy, democracy, and architecture.

Sparta

Greek city-state that was ruled by an oligarchy, focused on military, used slaves for agriculture, and discouraged the arts.

Socrates

Athenian philosopher who shifted the emphasis of philosophical discussion to ethics and human behavior. He influenced Plato as well as developed the Socratic method.

Empiricism

The theory that all knowledge originates in experience; the practice of relying on direct observation of events and experience to determine reality.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of foreign beliefs with indigenous beliefs to create a newly formed culture or religion of its own.

Phoenicia

Civilization of independent city-states along the Mediterranean Sea who were known for maritime trade and commerce due to their efforts in shipbuilding. Inventors of the 1st alphabet.

Caravanserai

A roadside Inn along frequently traveled trade routes (Silk Road, Royal Road) with a large courtyard that provided accommodations for trade caravans. It allowed travelers to rest and recover as well as commerce and information to flow amongst merchants from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Roman Republic

The period from 507 to 31bce, during which Rome was largely governed by the aristocratic Roman Senate; citizens voted representatives into power.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage (Phoenician colony in North Africa) over dominance of the Mediterranean. Carthage's General Hannibal was ultimately unable to stop the Romans, who then conquered Greece, and North Africa, including Egypt.

Plebeians

Ordinary Roman citizens

Patricians

The wealthy class in Roman society; landowners

Julius Caesar

Roman General responsible for the conquest of Gaul (modern day France); he returned with his army to Rome and overthrew the Republic. He was assassinated in 44bce by conservative Senators.

Roman Empire

An empire established by Augustus Caesar (Octavian) in 27bce; At its peak it included lands in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Pax Romana

Meaning "Roman Peace"; was a sense of stability and prosperity that Roman rule brought to the lands of the Roman empire in the 1-2 centuries. It allowed people and traded goods to move safely along Roman roads and seas, which facilitated the spread of culture and ideas.

Christianity

Religion emerging from Southwest Asia (Middle East) in the 1st century ce, holding Jesus to be the son of God who sacrificed himself on behalf of mankind. It is a monotheistic extension of Judaism.

Maurya Empire

Classical civilization in India; unified South Asia under one government and expanded their territory under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya.

Gupta Empire

Indian Empire that ruled through a central government. Considered the "Golden Age of India" due to advancements in education, healthcare, trade, and numbers.

Hinduism

A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms. It is the world's oldest religion.

Brahmin

The highest of the varnas or caste groups; the priests

Rig Veda

The first Vedas scripture; it lays out the principles for thought and development in India.

Upanishads

A major book in Hinduism that explains the Hindu idea of the divine force informing the whole universe.

Brahma

A Hindu god considered the creator of the world.

Caste System

A rigid social class hierarchy system in India with four distinct groups or varnas. This social structure was not only enforced by the government, but also the Hindu religion.

Samasara

In Hinduism and Buddhism; the endless cycle of birth and suffering and death and rebirth.

Karma

A person's deed and actions; the moral law of cause and effect of actions; it determines the nature of one's rebirth.

Dharma

In Hinduism, the duties and obligations of each caste.

Jati

A Hindu caste or distinctive social group or sub caste.

Sati

An Indian ritual by which a widow threw herself on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband to join him in death, showing her devotion.

Laws of Manu

A set of laws relating to the caste system and Hindu beliefs. It formalized the long-held Hindu traditions.

Ashoka

Ruled the Maurya Empire who supported Buddhism and ruled the Empire at its height by building roads and irrigation systems to increase trade; his death sent the empire into decline.

Reincarnation

The belief that in individual soul is reborn in a different form after death.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama in India; its philosophy is based on the teaching of the Buddha and holding that a state of enlightenment can be attained by suppressing worldly desire.

Four Nobel Truths

As taught by the Buddha, the four basic beliefs that form the foundation of Buddhism; All life is suffering, desire is the cause of suffering, removing desire removes suffering, and this can be done through the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the basic rules of behavior and belief leading to an end of suffering. Right views, intentions, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Siddhartha Gautama

The Buddha; an Indian prince who renounced his wealth and social position after becoming enlightened he stated the principles of Buddhism.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the release from pain and suffering achieved after enlightenment.

Daoism

Founded by Laozi, originating in China emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao or "the way", natural order of the universe.

Qin Dynasty

Chinese dynasty that ended the Warring States Period, and reunified China under one rule. Lasting only 14 years, the Qin dynasty laid the foundation of centralized rule in China and used Legalist policies to gain control.

Confucianism

The system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.

Analects

Confucius's teachings written by his disciples.

Filial Piety

In China, having the upmost respect for your parents as well as other superiors and political authorities.

Shi Huangdi

The 1st Emperor of China who united China under the Qin dynasty. He built roads and began the construction of the Great Wall of China. He believed in Legalism (strict laws) and was anti-Confucius.

Han Dynasty

Imperial dynasty that overthrew the Qin dynasty and ruled China from 206bce to 221ce. The Han expanded its boundaries, established a central government, created the civil service exam, and increased the popularity of the Silk Road.

Civil Service Exam

Exams that Chinese bureaucrats (government officials) needed to pass in order to serve the government. Based on Confucian teachings and established during the Han dynasty.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

The largest sea trading area in the world until the 1400's. It connected Southeast Asia and China to Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It was used to trade common goods, such as spices, but eventually helped spread major world religions such as Islam.

Silk Road

An interconnected series of trade routes through various regions of the Asian continent, mainly connecting China to the Mediterranean. Connecting civilizations such as China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India, as well as Rome, and was used to exchange luxury goods.

Moche

Prominent civilization in modern-day Peru around 600ce before the rise of the Incan empire. Depended on trade and agriculture.

Mayan

Major civilization in Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. Influenced by the Olmec, they established independent city-states, believed in multiple gods, and invented a calendar.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which a small number of upper-class citizens make the decisions for everyone.

Theocracy

A government thought to be guided by divine power and controlled by religious leaders.

Democracy

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them.

Aristocracy

A form of government in which power is held by the nobility. Often referred to as the traditional elite or "the best" people, and it is usually hereditary.