Key Topics in Human Origins, Ancient Civilizations, and World Religions

Where did Homo sapiens originate?

Africa, about 200,000 years ago.

What was the lifestyle of early human societies?

Foraging in small, kin-based, egalitarian groups.

What was the Agricultural Revolution?

Shift from hunting-gathering to farming and herding (~10,000 B.C.E.).

What were the major early agricultural regions?

Mesopotamia, Nile, Indus, China, Mesoamerica, Andes.

What did agricultural surpluses lead to?

Population growth, permanent settlements, job specialization, social stratification.

What is Hammurabi's Code?

A set of Mesopotamian laws, one of the first written codes of law.

What concept justified rule in Zhou China?

The Mandate of Heaven.

What civilization built giant stone heads?

The Olmec of Mesoamerica.

What was the Persian Empire known for?

Tolerance, Royal Road, Zoroastrianism.

What was Athens known for?

Democracy, philosophy, and arts.

What was Sparta known for? Militarism and discipline.

Who spread Buddhism across India?

Ashoka of the Maurya Empire.

Which dynasty established Confucian bureaucracy?

Han Dynasty in China.

What are the Four Noble Truths?

Core teachings of Buddhism about suffering and its end.

What religion emphasized filial piety and order?

Confucianism.

What religion stressed harmony with nature?

Daoism.

What is the sacred text of Islam?

The Qur'an.

What are the Five Pillars?

Core practices of Islam (faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage).

What was Justinian's Code?

Byzantine law code based on Roman traditions.

What system dominated Western Europe after Rome?

Feudalism.

Which Chinese dynasties ruled in the post-classical era?

Tang and Song dynasties.

What innovations came from the Tang/Song?

Printing, gunpowder, compass, bureaucracy.

What trade routes connected Africa to the world?

Trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes.

Which Mesoamerican civilization developed writing and astronomy?

The Maya.