Introduction to World History: Ancient to 1500

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the introductory lecture on world history from ancient times to 1500.

Paleolithic Era

Period from about 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BC, characterized by the use of rudimentary stone tools and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Out Migration

The process of human beings moving out of Africa around 100,000 years ago.

Beringia

The land bridge that once connected Asia and North America, facilitating human migration into the Americas.

Gobekli Tepe

An archaeological site in Turkey, dating back to 12,000 BC, featuring large stone structures built by hunter-gatherers.

Civilization

A large group of people living in a relatively confined area, typically marked by urban development, social stratification, and cultural complexity.

Domestication

The process of taming wild plants and animals for human use, primarily associated with agriculture.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A way of life characterized by settled, non-nomadic living, often associated with agriculture.

Neolithic Era

Period marked by the development of agriculture and the making of polished stone tools, beginning around 10,000 BC.

Agriculture

The practice of farming, including the cultivation of soil for growing crops and the rearing of animals for food.

Social Regulation

The establishment of rules and structures within a society to maintain order and address conflicts.

Labor Specialization

The division of tasks in a society, allowing individuals to focus on specific jobs or trades.

Cuneiform

One of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians, that used wedge-shaped symbols.

Ziggurat

Massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as temples for religious practices.

Anthropology

The study of human societies, cultures, and their development.

Archaeology

The study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts.

Homo Sapiens

The species name for modern humans, characterized by advanced cognitive abilities.

Nomadic Lifestyle

A way of life involving constant movement and relocation in search of food and resources.

Hunter-Gatherer

A member of a nomadic group that lives primarily by foraging for food rather than cultivating plants or raising animals.

Meteorology

The science that studies weather and climate patterns, which influenced agricultural practices.

Paleolithic Tools

Stone tools used by early humans during the Paleolithic era, often characterized as rudimentary.

Aesthetic Value

The importance or appeal of something based on its beauty or artistic qualities.

Climate Change

Long-term significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns, impacting agriculture and human societies.

Pastoralists

People who raise livestock and tend to be mobile, moving between pastures.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of individuals in a population, often linked to agricultural advances.

Property Rights

Legal rights to own, use, and manage property, emerging alongside agricultural societies.

Religious Practices

Ceremonies and rituals performed by a society, often linked to agricultural cycles and astronomy.

Sumerians

An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its contributions to writing, architecture, and urban development.

Measuring Stick

A metaphorical or literal reference point against which other things are assessed, often used in discussions of civilization.

Environmental Impact

The effect of human activity on the surrounding environment, particularly regarding agriculture.

Geopolitical Landscape

The political dynamics and territorial arrangements between different societies.

Cultural Identity

The identity of a group based on shared culture, language, traditions, and practices.

Civilizational Collapse

The decline and fall of a civilization, often due to environmental, social, or economic factors.

Dietary Changes

Shifts in the patterns of food consumption as societies transitioned from foraging to agriculture.

Trade Networks

Systems of exchange between societies that support economic interdependence.

Urban Development

The growth and expansion of cities, often as a result of agricultural surplus.

Artistic Expression

The creation of art as a reflection of culture and society, made possible by stable food supplies.

Climate Crisis

Disruption caused by significant changes in climate that lead to environmental challenges.

Political Hierarchy

The organization of authority and power within a society, often determined by social roles and class.

Innovation

The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products that enhance living conditions.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing and blending of cultural elements between societies through interaction.

Hydraulic Society Theory

The idea that societies developed near rivers due to the necessity of irrigation for agriculture.

Surplus Production

The creation of more resources than are immediately necessary, allowing for trade and specialization.

Territorial Defense

Protecting a defined area from external threats, essential in settled agricultural societies.

Knowledge Preservation

The process of maintaining and passing down information across generations, often through writing.

Social Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, power, and status.

Ritual Significance

The importance of certain practices within a culture that reinforce beliefs and values.

Predictive Models

Tools or methods used to forecast future events based on past and present data.

Economic Systems

The organization of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society.

Ceremonial Structures

Buildings or places designated for significant cultural or religious functions.