Unit 4: Review Sheet 3 - The Early Zhou Empire in East Asia & Iron Age Africa

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Early Zhou Empire's politics, society, culture, and advancements in East Asia, as well as the emergence and impact of the Iron Age in Africa.

Three Original Dynasties

The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, which preceded the rise of the Zhou house to power during a golden age of prosperity.

King Wu

Zhou ruler ($1049-1043\text{ BCE}$) who challenged and defeated the Shang in battle in $1045\text{ BCE}$ using dagger axes, bronze armor, and war chariots to secure more resources.

Huaxia

A term meaning "Chinese" used by the Zhou to describe their subjects to distinguish them from uncivilized outsiders.

Zhongguo

A term meaning the "Middle Kingdom," used to refer to the unified realm of the Zhou.

Early Zhou Dynasty

The period from $1045\text{ BCE}$ to $771\text{ BCE}$ where the realm consisted of over $70$ small states and power was passed down through male ancestors.

King Mu

Zhou ruler ($956-918\text{ BCE}$) whose governance reforms restored confidence in the Zhou dynasty after King Zhao was killed in a military defeat, which had led people to question the dynasty's Mandate of Heaven.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese political doctrine stating that heaven imposes a mandate on an exemplary ruler to provide good governance and uphold principles of harmony and honor; failure to do so results in losing the mandate.

Major Zhou Advancements

Key technological and military innovations under the Zhou, specifically the iron plow, irrigation, and cavalry.

Zhou Commoner Social Hierarchy

The internal social ranking among commoners, ordered from farmers at the top, followed by artisans, servants, and individuals with no fixed occupation.

Fall of the Western Capital

The collapse that occurred in $771\text{ BCE}$ when northern steppe invaders forced the Zhou to flee their western capital following declines throughout the 9th and 8th centuries BCE.

Iron Age in Central Africa

A period beginning around the 2nd millennium BCE where iron was extracted from soil deposits, processed in clay furnaces, used as currency and tools, and spurred a transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture.

Nok Terracotta

Intricately detailed terracotta statues produced in Nigeria during the 1st millennium BCE during the African Iron Age.

Bantu Farmers

Iron Age agriculturalists who came to dominate Southern Africa over an agricultural Iron Age spanning more than $1000$ years.