Classical Age Test Vocab

Persian Empire

Large empire in Southwest Asia known for tolerance and strong administration.

Quanats

Underground water system in the Persian empire

Achaemenid Empire

First Persian Empire ruled by kings like Darius and Cyrus.

Satraps

Governors who ruled provinces in the Persian Empire.

Royal Road

Road system that improved communication and trade in Persia.

Zoroastrianism

Persian religion emphasizing good vs evil.

Persepolis

Capital city of the Persian Empire.

Athens

Greek city-state known for democracy.

Polis

Independent Greek city-state.

Democracy

Government where citizens vote directly.

Peloponnesian War

War between Athens and Sparta.

Hellenism

Spread of Greek culture after Alexander the Great.

Philosophy

Study of knowledge, ethics, and existence.

Socrates/Plato

Greek philosophers who shaped Western thought.

Alexander the Great

Conqueror who spread Greek culture across Asia.

Alexandria

City founded by Alexander, center of learning.

Mesoamerica

Region including Olmec and Maya civilizations.

Olmec

Early Mesoamerican civilization.

Mayan Achievements

Writing system, calendar, math advancements.

Ceremonial Centers

Religious and political centers in Mesoamerica.

Qin Dynasty

First Chinese dynasty to unify China.

Qin Shi Huangdi

First emperor of China.

Legalism

Strict laws and harsh punishments philosophy.

Han Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for stability and trade.

Wudi

Han emperor who expanded China.

Confucius

Philosopher who taught order and respect.

Confucian Education

System based on Confucius' teachings.

Filial Piety

Respect for parents and ancestors.

Daoism

Belief in harmony with nature.

Wuwei

Concept of “non-action” in Daoism.

Bureaucracy

System of government officials.

Xiongnu

Nomadic group that threatened China.

Silk Road

Trade network connecting Asia, Europe, Africa.

Mauryan Dynasty

Indian empire under Chandragupta.

Ashoka

Ruler who spread Buddhism.

Gupta Dynasty

Golden age of India (math, science, art).

Hinduism

Indian religion based on dharma and karma.

Buddhism

Religion focused on ending suffering.

Jainism

Religion emphasizing nonviolence.

Ahimsa

Nonviolence principle.

Sanskrit

Classical language of India.

Roman Republic

Government where citizens elect leaders.

Senate

Governing body in Rome.

Patricians/Plebeians

Upper class / lower class citizens.

12 Tables

Written Roman laws.

Julius Caesar

Leader who ended the Republic.

Augustus

First Roman emperor.

Roman Empire

Large empire centered in Rome.

Bread and Circuses

Free food and entertainment to control people.

Christianity

Religion based on teachings of Jesus.

Gospels

Books about Jesus’ life.

Edict of Milan

Law allowing Christianity in Rome.

Constantine

Emperor who supported Christianity.

Nicene Creed

Statement of Christian beliefs.

Theodosian Code

Laws making Christianity official.

Punic Wars

Wars between Rome and Carthage.

Barbarians

Non-Roman peoples outside the empire.

Latin

Language of Rome.

Syncretism

Blending of cultures.

Liu Bang

First emperor of the Han dynasty

Warring period

Time when china had no centralized government. Political unrest and beginning of many belief systems.

The Analects

Sacred text of confucianism

Stone pillars/edicts

Ashokas edicts, spreading good conduct and buddhism

Judiaism

the first monotheistic religion.

Stoicism

Hellenistic philosophy. Focuses on whats in your control

Persian war

Wars between the greek city states and the Achaemenid empire

Popul Vuh

Mayan creation myths.

Stupas

Dome shaped buddhist shrine.

Wang Mang

Temporary leader during the break in the Han dynasty

Pater Familias

“Man of the house” ideology

Andean region

Andes mountains in South America.

White huns

Nomadic people that threatened and greatly weakened the Gupta empire.