Key Concepts in Ancient Civilizations and Empires

5 Characteristics of a Civilization

Advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, advanced technology.

Hammurabi's Code

One of the earliest written legal codes, established strict laws and punishments in ancient Babylon.

Alexander the Great

Macedonian king who created a vast empire spreading Greek culture across the Middle East and Asia.

Hellenistic Period

Era following Alexander's conquests when Greek culture blended with Egyptian, Persian, and Indian influences.

Han Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for strong government, Confucianism, and major inventions like paper.

Mandate of Heaven

Ancient Chinese belief that heaven granted emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well.

Dynastic Cycle

Pattern of rise, decline, and replacement of Chinese dynasties.

Shi Huangdi (Qin)

First emperor of a unified China, known for Legalism, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army.

Chinese Inventions

Paper, compass, gunpowder, printing.

Silk Roads

Trade routes connecting China, Middle East, and Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.

Gupta Empire

Indian golden age noted for achievements in science, art, and literature.

Caste System

Social hierarchy in Hindu society dividing people into hereditary groups.

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing order, filial piety (respect for parents), and 5 key relationships (ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, older-younger, friend-friend).

Daoism (Taoism)

Philosophy focused on living in harmony with nature and the Dao ('the Way').

Legalism

Chinese philosophy stressing strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order.

Hinduism

Indian religion based on karma (actions), dharma (duty), samsara (rebirth), and moksha (liberation).

Christianity

Monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Judaism

One of the oldest monotheistic religions, foundation for Christianity and Islam.

Islam

Monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad; key elements include Allah (God), the Qur'an (holy book), Five Pillars, Mecca (holy city), Sunni and Shi'a sects.

Julius Caesar

Roman general and dictator whose assassination led to the fall of the Roman Republic.

Pax Romana

"Roman Peace," a period of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern Roman Empire, preserved Roman and Greek culture; capital was Constantinople.

Justinian Code

Compilation of Roman laws under Emperor Justinian, basis for many modern legal systems.

Christian Sects (branches)

Various groups like Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core Islamic practices: Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Monotheism

Belief in one God.

Scientific/Indian Discoveries

Mathematics (zero), astronomy, medicine advances in Indian and Islamic civilizations.

Feudalism

Medieval social system where nobles held land in exchange for military service; peasants worked the land.

Parliament

Representative body in England evolving from advisory councils to law-making.

Magna Carta

1215 document limiting king's power and establishing certain legal rights.

Black Death

14th-century plague that killed millions in Europe.

Hundred Years' War

Long conflict between England and France over territory and the French throne.

Estates-General

French representative assembly with clergy, nobles, and commoners.

Jerusalem

Holy city important in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Crusades

Religious wars to reclaim Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Renaissance Causes and Effects

Causes: Renewed interest in classical knowledge, trade wealth. Effects: Humanism, art, science, and exploration flourished.

Key Renaissance Values

Humanism, secularism, individualism, classical learning.

Protestant Reformation

Movement to reform the Catholic Church, leading to new Christian denominations.

Catholic Reformation

Catholic Church's response to Protestantism, including reforms and the Council of Trent.

Scientific Revolution

Period of major advances in science and the scientific method.

Age of Exploration - Causes & Effects

Causes: Desire for trade routes, wealth, and spreading Christianity. Effects: Colonization, cultural exchange, and global trade networks.

Enlightenment Philosophes

Thinkers like Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau promoting reason, liberty, and equality.

Absolute vs Constitutional Monarchy

Absolute: monarch holds all power. Constitutional: monarch's power limited by law or parliament.

Bastille

Prison stormed in 1789, symbolizing start of French Revolution.

Louis XVI

Last king of France before the revolution.

Committee of Public Safety

Revolutionary government body during the Reign of Terror.

Robespierre

Leader of the Reign of Terror.

Reign of Terror

Period of mass executions during the French Revolution.

Ten Commandments

Moral laws given to Moses, foundational in Judaism and Christianity.

Twelve Tables

Earliest Roman laws publicly displayed.

Reasons for Fall of Rome

Economic troubles, military pressure, political corruption, invasions.

Athens vs Sparta

Athens: democracy, culture, navy. Sparta: military oligarchy, strict discipline.

Mongols

Central Asian nomads who created a vast empire in the 13th century.

Effects of Trade

Cultural diffusion, economic growth, spread of ideas and technology.