Unit 2 Key Terms: Early Ancient Empires, Greece & Rome, and Rise of Islam

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms across Early Ancient Empires, Greece & Rome, and the Rise of Islam.

tephra

Rock fragments and particles ejected from a volcano that enriches the surrounding soil.

freedman

A person who has been freed from slavery.

plebians

A member of the lower social class.

patricians

An aristocrat or nobleman.

oligarchy

A small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.

democracy

Control of an organization, government, or group by the majority of its members or citizens.

Allah

The term used by Muslims for God. It is the name of God in Arabic.

Islam

Submission to the will of Allah.

Muslim

One who has submitted to Allah.

Hijrah

The migration of Muhammad and a small group of his followers from Mecco to Medina (Yathrib).

Hajj

A sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

Quran

The book that Muslims believe is the direct word of God as revealed to Muhammad. The Islamic book of sacred scriptures.

mosque

An Islamic house of worship.

Caliphate

The period of time when Muslims were ruled by Caliphs.

Caliph

A successor to Muhammad, who was the ruler of the Muslim community.

patriarchal

A society that is dominated by men.

satrap

The name for a governor of a province or region in the Persian empire.

monarchy

A government that is led by a sovereign ruler such as a king or queen (not elected).

empire

An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, usually an emperor or empress.

dynasty

A succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or government.

city state

A state with political and economic control over the surrounding countryside.