Classical Civilizations Study Set

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the major classical civilizations including Rome, Greece, India, China, and the Maya during the period $$600\,BCE-600\,CE$$.

Roman Republic

A representative government established in Rome which featured the Twelve Tables as its earliest code of law.

Twelve Tables

The earliest attempt of a code of law in Rome that established the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and was displayed for all to see.

Pax Romana

Meaning "Roman Peace," this was a $200$-year Golden Age of the Roman Empire between $27\,CE-476\,CE$ characterized by extensive trade and achievements in art, literature, and science.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes that connected the Roman Empire to Han China.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion rooted in Judaism and based on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah; its sacred text is the Bible.

Ten Commandments

The code of conduct followed in Christianity.

Asoka

A Buddhist King of the Maurya Dynasty in India known for his kind treatment of people and animals and for promoting Buddhism via missionaries.

Pillars of Ashoka

Stone structures carved with proclamations reflecting Buddhist teachings, dispersed throughout North India.

Gupta Dynasty

The dynasty associated with the Golden Age of India, featuring achievements like the invention of zero in mathematics and Sanskrit writing.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama "Buddha" that teaches reincarnation, karma, and the pursuit of Nirvana.

Eightfold Path

A guide for behavior in Buddhism that people follow to end suffering and desire.

Nirvana

The goal of Buddhism, which is the ending of the cycle of rebirth and death.

Polis

The Greek word for a city-state, which developed as small, independent settlements due to mountainous topography.

Direct Democracy

A system of government where citizens hold legislative, judicial, and executive power based on majority rule.

Hellenistic Culture

A blend of Greek (Hellenic) culture with Persian, Egyptian, and Indian influences, spread by Alexander the Great.

The Maya

A civilization in the lowland region of Mesoamerica that developed a calendar, writing, and invented the use of zero in math.

Golden Age

A period of great achievements in art, literature, math, and science.

Qin Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that adopted Legalism, built the first Great Wall, and standardized the written language.

Legalism

A philosophy based on the idea that humans are evil and require harsh punishments to prevent crime and maintain social order.

Han Dynasty

The Golden Age of China which lasted $400$ years and utilized the Civil Service Exam and the Silk Road.

Confucianism

A major philosophy of China centered on the Five Relationships and Filial Piety to maintain social order.

Filial Piety

The Confucian idea that people must honor and respect the elders of their family, specifically children being loyal and obedient to parents.

Five Relationships

The Confucian idea that every person has specific roles and obligations, such as ruler to subject or father to son.

Daoism

A philosophy founded by Laozi that emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Civil Service Exam

A meritocracy-based system used by the Han Dynasty to select government officials based on qualification rather than status.

Bureaucracy

Government administered by many officials, administrators, and petty officials.