World History and Religious Traditions

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering terms from the Paleolithic era to major religious traditions and early global trade networks.

Paleolithic era

Other known as 'the old stone age'. Period when humans lived mainly by gathering wild foods, and hunting animals.

pastoral society

A pastoral society was made of groups of people who depended heavily on domesticated animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, etc.

chiefdom

It was an agricultural society organized around inherited positions of power and privilege.

patriarchy

It is a system of male dominance in society.

Hinduism

It is the oldest, largest, and most prominent religious tradition of India.

Upanishads

They were Indian religious writings composed mainly between $800$ and $400$ BC, exploring ideas about ultimate reality.

Siddhartha Gautama

Was an Indian religious teacher who became Buddha, explaining human suffering and teaching people to reach enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism

Early form of Buddhism that made Buddha a wise teacher and emphasized meditation.

Mahayana Buddhism

Later form of Buddhism that developed a more religious understanding of Buddha and emphasized bodhisattvas.

bhakti movement

A Hindu movement that provided a more personal and emotional path toward spiritual fulfillment.

Confucianism

A Chinese tradition based on teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral behavior and respect for elders.

Han dynasty

Ruled China from $206$ BC to $220$ CE; Confucianism became the official ideology of the Chinese state.

Daoism

A Chinese tradition associated especially with Laozi and Zhuangzi, encouraging people to withdraw from unnecessary competition.

Judaism

Religious tradition of ancient Hebrews centered on belief in a single God and special laws.

Jesus of Nazareth

He was a Jewish teacher who taught love, forgiveness, and devotion to God.

Sand Roads

Trade routes that connected North Africa with West Africa across the Sahara desert.

Saint Paul

Early Christian missionary who spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah

Arab merchant from Mecca who Muslims believe received revelations from God.

Quran

Sacred scripture of Islam, believed to contain the words of God revealed to Muhammad.

umma

Community of all Muslims created based on Muhammad's teachings.

ulama

Learned Muslim religious scholars who studied the Quran and religious law.

Sufism

A mystical tradition within Islam that sought a direct and personal experience of God.

Silk Roads

A network of land-based trade routes that connected China, Central Asia, Middle East, and parts of Europe.

Sea Roads

Maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean connecting East Africa, South Asia, Middle East, and China.