World History before 1200

AP World History Unit 0

Shang Dynasty - China

First Chinese dynasty - known for first Chinese writing system and bronze metallurgy

Zhou Dynasty - China

Followed the Shang Dynasty - Known for the concept of the Mandate of Heaven and philosophy (including Confucianism and Daoism).

Mandate of Heaven - China

A philosophical doctrine stating that Heaven grants a ruler the divine right to govern based on fairness and virtue.

• If the ruler becomes corrupt, they may be revoked.

Confucianism - China

A philosophical belief system founded by Confucius that focuses on social order, good morals, and respect for family.

• A predictable structure in the social hierarchy in which individuals are assigned a role and must act accordingly to their role (a subject must respect their ruler and similar dynamics, such as parent/child etc).

Qin Dynasty - China

Follows Zhou - The beginning of Imperial China under Qin Shi Huang. During this time period, the emperor initiated the construction of the Great Wall of China.

Han Dynasty - China

Follows Qin Dynasty - Golden age of China in which the Silk Road is established.

Tang Dynasty - China

Follows Han Dynasty - known for diffusion of Buddhism, expansion of trade routes, and cultural flourishing.

Song Dynasty - China

Follows Tang Dynasty - Known for revolutionary innovations such as the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

• Celebrated for achievements in art literature, philosophy, and a cultural renaissance

1. Indus Valley Civilization - India

Developed early urban planning, early writing forms, and drainage systems.

• Mysteriously disappeared after 1300 BCE.

2. Vedic Period - India

During this time, Hinduism was established with the composition of Vedas

• Composition of Vedas - Ancient sacred Hindu texts delivered to India by Indo-Aryans

3. Maurya Empire - India

United as an empire under Chandragupta Maurya. Through Emperor Ashoka the Great*, Buddhism diffused as the empire expanded.

*will be on test

Chandragupta Maurya

Emperor that unified most of India under the Maurya Empire

Ashoka the Great

Emperor of the Maurya Empire that expanded the empire and promoted the spread of Buddhism

4. Gupta Empire - India

Golden age in science, math, literature, and art.

• Math: Concept of zero, decimal system

• Advancements in medicine and astrology

1. Ancient Mesopotamia - Middle East*

Known as the “Cradles of Civilization” - established the first city-states in around 3000 BCE.

• Sumerians developed one of the first writing forms (cuneiform)

• Code of Hammurabi was created

Code of Hammurabi - Middle East*

Established limits for social hierarchies and a fair justice system for law breaking.

• An eye for an eye - Proportional punishment to one’s crimes.

2. Achaemenid Empire - Middle East*

One of the largest empires at the time, spanning from the Indus River Valley to Greece.

• Established the Royal Road

• Efficient administration

• Spread of Zoroastrianism - early monotheistic religion

3. Abbasid Caliphate - Middle East*

Capital located in Baghdad - known for its preservation and enhancements of knowledge from previous civilizations

• Known for the diffusion of Islam beyond the region through trade (contagious diffusion)

Classical Greece - Greece

Known for establishments of early city-states, with Athens and Sparta being the most prominent.

• Athens developed the concept of democracy - a system in which civilians participate in governance.

Greek Philosophers - Greece

Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato were significant figures in developing ideas in ethics, politics, and the nature of reality.

• Advanced the art of tragedy and comedy (remember English I)

Art, Architecture, and More - Greece

The Parthenon in Athens is a prominent Greek structure embodies Greek architectural excellence that influences Western architecture today.

Greek sculpture achieved realism and expression

The Olympics

Roman Republic - Roman Empire

Began as a city-state — developed a complex system of governance with checks and balances of power (the regulation of power).

• Expanded through military conquest and alliances

Roman Empire

Founded under Augustus, marking the beginning of Pax Romana (time of relative peace and prosperity).

• Developed Roman Law, which is the basis of many legal systems today.

• Engineering - Aqueducts, Pantheon, Colosseum

Augustus

Roman emperor that transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire

Cultural Impact - Roman Empire

The Roman Empire absorbed and adapted Greek art, literature, and philosophy.

• Latin, the primary language of Rome, became the basis of modern Romance languages and is still used as the language of scholarship in the Catholic Church.

• Christianity began in the Roman Empire and later influenced Western religion and culture.

1. Egypt - Africa

Established along the Nile River, known for:

• Developing its own writing system (hieroglyphics)

• Architecture (pyramids and temples)

• Advancements in math, medicine, astronomy, and agriculture.

2. Aksum Kingdom - Africa

The Aksum Kingdom, located in the Horn of Africa, adopted Christianity in 4th century BCE, becoming one of the first Christian states in the ancient world.

It was also a dominant trading empire, connecting the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean worlds through trade.

3. Ghana - Africa

Controlled major Sahara trade routes, which propelled the spread of Islam.

Bantu-speaking people - Africa

Known for advancements in agriculture, ironworking, and cultural practices.

• Influenced linguistic and cultural landscape

1. Olmec Civilization - Americas*

Developed their own writing system, established urban centers, and was reputable for monumental stone structures.

• Influenced the Mayans and Aztecs.

*will be on test

2. Mayans - Americas

Developed their own calendar system and hieroglyphics; known for advancements in astonomy and mathematics, developing their own concept of zero.

• Architecture: Complex pyramids, palaces, and ceremonial centers

3. Chavin and Moche- Americas

Known for sophisticated art, metallurgy, and architectural achievements

4. Nazca Civilization

Created Nazca Lines

Nazca Lines - Americas

Large geoglyphs etched into desert depicting animals, plants, and geometric figures.

Mississippian Culture - Americas

Established along the Mississippi River and known for large earthen mounds and complex societal structures.

China Dynasty Acronym (NOT REQUIRED BUT HELPFUL FOR REMEMBERING DYNASTIES)

So - Shang

Zain - Zhou

Quit - Qin

Handling - Han

Table - Tang

Sauce - Song

India Periods Acronym (NOT REQUIRED BUT HELPFUL FOR REMEMBERING)

India’s - Indus Valley Civilization

Very - Vedic Period

Merry - Maurya Empire

Gravy - Gupta Empire

Middle East Acronym (NOT REQUIRED BUT HELPFUL FOR REMEMBERING)

My - Mesopotamia

Arachnid - Achaemenid Empire

Ate Corn - Abbasid Caliphate

Africa Acronym (NOT REQUIRED BUT HELPFUL FOR REMEMBERING)

Easy - Egypt

And - Aksum

Greasy - Ghana

Bacon - Bantu-speaking people