Hunter-Gatherers to Neolithic Revolution and the Rise of Civilization

Flashcards covering key concepts from early human society to the rise of civilizations.

Paleolithic

The period from about 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE, characterized by the use of stone tools and a nomadic lifestyle.

Neolithic Revolution

A significant turning point around 10,000 BCE when humans transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.

Chiefdoms

Form of hierarchical political organization in non-industrial societies, typically based on kinship relations and led by chiefs.

Catal Huyuk

One of the first true cities, located in present-day Turkey, known for its unique architecture and peaceful community.

Egalitarian

A characteristic of societies where there are few differences in wealth, status, and power among individuals.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and predominance in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Venus figurines

Prehistoric statuettes of women that emphasize fertility and are believed to represent a mother goddess or female beauty.

Polytheistic

The belief in or worship of more than one god.

Mandate of Heaven

An ancient Chinese philosophical concept that gave emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.

Caste system

A form of social stratification in which people are grouped into a hierarchy based on their occupation and social status.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating not only trade but also cultural exchange.

Feudalism

A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe where land was held in fief and classes were defined by land ownership and lord-vassal relationships.

Mughal Empire

An empire in the Indian subcontinent, known for its cultural achievements and significant influence over the region.

Gunpowder

An explosive substance composed of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, used in firearms and cannons, invented in China.

Industrial Revolution

The transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the U.S. from about 1760 to around 1840, characterized by the use of steam power, the rise of mechanization, and factory-based production.

Urbanization

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often associated with the growth of cities.