AP review

What is the Neolithic Revolution?

The shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture, leading to the development of villages and, eventually, civilizations. (c. 10,000 BCE)

What are the characteristics of a civilization?

Urban centers, complex social structures, organized religion, written language, specialized labor, and advanced technology.

What were the major early river valley civilizations?

Mesopotamia (

What is the Neolithic Revolution?

The shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture, leading to the development of villages and, eventually, civilizations. (c. 10,000 BCE)

What are the characteristics of a civilization?

Urban centers, complex social structures, organized religion, written language, specialized labor, and advanced technology.

What were the major early river valley civilizations?

Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), Indus Valley (Indus), and China (Yellow River).

What is cuneiform?

A system of writing developed in Mesopotamia, initially for record-keeping.

What is a dynasty?

A series of rulers from a single family.

What is the Neolithic Revolution?

The shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture, leading to the development of villages and, eventually, civilizations. (c. 10,000 BCE)

What are the characteristics of a civilization?

Urban centers, complex social structures, organized religion, written language, specialized labor, and advanced technology.

Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), Indus Valley (Indus), and

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

The idea that a ruler's power is legitimized by divine approval; used in China to justify the rule of kings and emperors.

What is Hammurabi's Code?

One of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, proclaimed by Hammurabi, a Babylonian king, dealing with criminal and civil matters.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?

An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem that is among the earliest known works of literature.

What were the key innovations of the Phoenicians?

Development of an alphabetic writing system and extensive maritime trade networks.

What role did the Nile River play in the development of Ancient Egypt?

The Nile provided fertile soil through annual flooding, facilitated transportation and communication, and supported agriculture.

What is the Neolithic Revolution?

The shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture, leading to the development of villages and, eventually, civilizations. (c. 10,000 BCE)

What are the characteristics of a civilization?

Urban centers, complex social structures, organized religion, written language, specialized labor, and advanced technology.

What were the major early river valley civilizations?

Mesopotamia (Tigris and Euphrates), Egypt (Nile), Indus Valley (Indus), and China (Yellow River).

What is cuneiform?

A system of writing developed in Mesopotamia, initially for record-keeping.

What is a dynasty?

A series of rulers from a single family.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

The idea that a ruler's power is legitimized by divine approval; used in China to justify the rule of kings and emperors.

What is Hammurabi's Code?

One of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, proclaimed by Hammurabi, a Babylonian king, dealing with criminal and civil matters.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?

An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem that is among the earliest known works of literature.

What were the key innovations of the Phoenicians?

Development of an alphabetic writing system and extensive maritime trade networks.

What role did the Nile River play in the development of Ancient Egypt?

The Nile provided fertile soil through annual flooding, facilitated transportation and communication, and supported agriculture.

What were the main features of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Advanced urban planning, sophisticated water supply and sewage systems, and standardized weights and measures.

What is the significance of the Yellow River (Huang He) in Chinese history?

It is known as the cradle of Chinese civilization and has been crucial for agriculture, but also prone to devastating floods.

What is the concept of 'divine kingship' in ancient civilizations?

The belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from a deity or deities, blending political and religious power.

What is the significance of the Rosetta Stone?

A stone inscription that allowed historians to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs, unlocking a wealth of information about ancient Egyptian civilization.

What is the importance of irrigation in early civilizations?

It allowed for increased agricultural productivity in arid regions, supporting larger populations and the development of cities.

Describe the key aspects of the caste system in ancient India.

A hierarchical social structure divided into four main classes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), with limited social mobility.

What are ziggurats?

Massive, stepped pyramids built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as religious and administrative centers.

What role did trade play in the development of early civilizations?

Facilitated the exchange