WHP 3.4 Trade Networks

cuneiform

A system of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, making it one of the earliest forms of written expression in human history.

elite

A social group that holds a privileged status due to wealth, education, or political power, often influencing decisions and policies in society.

infrastructure

The fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, including transportation, communication systems, and utilities.

matrilineal

A social system in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother rather than the father, often leading to women's central roles in family and societal structures.

smelting

The process of extracting metal from its ore by applying heat and melting, often involving the use of a furnace.

social hierarchy

A system of ranking individuals or groups within a society based on various factors such as wealth, power, or status. It often influences access to resources and opportunities.

society

A structured community of people bound together by shared norms, values, and institutions, which governs behavior and interactions among its members.