Comparing Empires: Roman and Chinese

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts regarding the rise, governance, culture, and collapse of the Roman and Chinese empires as described in the lecture notes.

Roman Empire

A vast empire that dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, characterized by a transition from a city-state to a republic and then to an imperial rule.

Punic Wars

A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 to 146 b.c.e., which expanded Roman power in the Mediterranean.

Twelve Tables

The earliest attempt by the Romans to create a code of law, which protected plebeians from abuse and established legal rights.

Patricians

The wealthy class in ancient Rome who held most political power, particularly during the Republic.

Plebeians

The common people of ancient Rome, who gained political rights and representation through various reforms.

Augustus

The first Roman emperor, originally named Octavian, who established the principles of imperial rule after the fall of the Republic.

Shihuangdi

The first emperor of China who unified the country in the 3rd century b.c.e. and established the Qin dynasty.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese philosophical concept that legitimizes the ruler's authority based on their moral governance and the blessings of Heaven.

Xiongnu

A confederation of nomadic tribes from Central Asia that posed a threat to ancient Chinese empires.

Trung Trac

A Vietnamese heroine who led a rebellion against Chinese occupation in the 1st century c.e. along with her sister Trung Nhi.

pax Romana

A long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire lasting about 200 years, beginning with Augustus.

Legalism

A strict philosophical approach used in ancient China emphasizing legal control, punishment, and central authority during the Qin dynasty.

Confucianism

A philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius, which emphasizes morality, proper behavior, and social harmony, adopted by the Han dynasty.

Carthage

An ancient city-state located in North Africa that was a significant rival to Rome during the Punic Wars.

Boudica

Queen of the Iceni tribe in Britain who led a major uprising against Roman rule in 60-61 c.e.

Dynasty

A series of rulers from the same family lineage, significant in both Roman and Chinese histories for establishing imperial rule.

Roman Citizenship

Legal status granted to individuals in the Roman Empire, offering privileges and protections, largely political and economic in nature.

Cultural Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices or language of another culture, significant in the expansion of empires.