Upshar Readings 2

What is Zoroastrianism centered around?

The belief in Ahura Mazda as the supreme being representing goodness, light, and truth, and Ahriman as the opposite representing darkness and evil.

Who is Ahura Mazda?

The wise lord in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing goodness, light, and truth.

What does Ahriman represent in Zoroastrianism?

Darkness and evil, opposing Ahura Mazda.

What is the significance of free will in Zoroastrianism?

Men and women are expected to avoid sin and abide by divine laws, impacting the cosmic struggle.

What does Zoroastrianism teach about judgment?

There is a future judgment day where all people are consigned to heaven or hell based on their choices.

Who was King Darius in relation to Zoroastrianism?

He was considered the earthly viceroy of Ahura Mazda and a model for his people.

What was the Agricultural Revolution?

A key precondition for civilization allowing food acquisition with greater efficiency, leading to larger populations.

What did the Agricultural Revolution enable in early civilizations?

Food surplus which allowed for specialized occupations and the development of trade.

What is urbanization in the context of civilization?

The development of cities characterized by specialized vocations, advances in arts and technology, and complex political institutions.

What role does writing play in defining civilization?

Some historians argue that a culture must have a system of writing to be considered civilized.

How did Philip reform the army?

He made it a fully professional army with elite units, increased its size, and introduced advanced weaponry and tactics.

Describe Olympias's background.

She was a semibarbaric Epirote and a devotee of Dionysus, known for her wild nature and sensitivity to slights.

What relationship did Olympias have with Alexander?

She had much closer ties to Alexander than Philip and influenced his view of himself as a hero.

Who founded Stoicism?

Zeno of Citium.

What is the central tenet of Stoicism regarding goodness?

Goodness is based on knowledge, and the wise person is truly virtuous.

What does Epicureanism teach about pleasure?

Pleasure is the only good in life, defined as tranquility and the absence of pain or stress.

What was Cato's reason for opposing luxuries for women?

He believed women should remain under the authority of male guardians to avoid chaos.

Why did Lucius Valerius support luxuries for women?

He argued that women had historically contributed to Rome and should enjoy the fruits of peace.

What reforms did emperor Han Kao-tsu bring about?

He moderated the Ch'in penal code, lifted restrictions on intellectual activities, and significantly lowered taxes.

Who was Chang Ch'ien?

A courtier sent by Emperor Wu to seek an alliance with the Yueh-chih against the Hsiung-nu.

What was the significance of Chang Ch'ien's travels?

His journeys opened China to new peoples, cultures, and trade avenues.

What characterized the Han government civil service?

It was based on education and merit rather than hereditary nobility.

What was the purpose of the national university established in 124 B.C.E.?

To prepare young men for civil service, focusing on Confucian classics.

What were the four reasons for the success of Christianity?

Simple, equalitarian, hope of a better life, and satisfaction of the need to belong.

Who was Charlemagne?

The Emperor of Rome crowned by the pope, known for supporting the Christian church.

How did Charlemagne assist the Christian church?

He restored the pope's power, founded bishoprics, defended theology, and promoted education.

What did Daniel do in defiance of King Darius?

He continued to pray to God despite a decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king.

What was the main point of Herodotus's writings about Cambyses?

It showed the absolute power of the Persian kings through the royal judges' rulings.

What did Cicero advise his brother about running for consulship?

To use oratory skills to gain support and visibility throughout Italy.

How did Plutarch describe Cleopatra's influence on Antony?

She captivated him with her charm, intelligence, and political shrewdness.

What actions did Paul take upon arriving in Ephesus?

He baptized disciples, taught in the synagogue, and performed miracles.

What does Tacitus describe in his account of Nero's persecution?

Nero blamed Christians for the fire of Rome, leading to their brutal execution.

What were the accusations against Christians according to Minucius Felix?

They included ritual cannibalism and secret immoral practices, stemming from misunderstandings.

What was the purpose of the ‘Certificate of Sacrifice’ under Emperor Decius?

To certify that citizens had sacrificed to pagan gods to avoid persecution.

What do the feudal oaths illustrate?

The reciprocal obligations of loyalty and protection between lord and vassal.

How was the Hsiung-nu connected to the Yueh-chih?

The Hsiung-nu defeated the Yueh-chih, causing them to flee and impacting their movements.

What was the primary role of the civil service in the Han Dynasty?

To administer the government based on merit and education, rather than birth.