Period 0 Foundational & Classical Period Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms from the Foundational Period (to 600 BCE) and the Classical Period (600 BCE - 600 CE), including major ideas, empires, writing systems, religions, political structures, and notable terms mentioned in the notes.

When did the Neolithic Revolution begin and what did it lead to?

Beginning about 10,000 years ago; led to the development of new and more complex economic and social systems.

What two activities began to transform human societies during the Foundational Period?

Agriculture and pastoralism.

What provided a bond among people and an ethical code in early civilizations?

Codifications and developments of existing religious traditions.

Name some ways culture unified states during the Foundational Period.

Laws, language, literature, religion, myths, and monumental art.

What emerged and spread during the Foundational Period, often asserting universal truths?

New belief systems and cultural traditions.

How did belief systems affect gender roles during the Foundational Period?

They affected gender roles.

Which tradition encouraged monastic life in the period notes?

Buddhism.

Which tradition emphasized filial piety?

Confucianism.

What is Filial Piety?

Respect for one's parents and ancestors (Confucian concept).

What is Hammurabi’s Code?

A famous code of laws from Mesopotamia.

What is Cuneiform?

An early writing system used in Mesopotamia.

What does the term Bronze Age signify?

A period characterized by the widespread use of bronze.

What does the Neolithic Revolution refer to?

The transition to agriculture and settled life.

What is Monotheism?

Belief in a single god.

What is Polytheism?

Belief in many gods.

What does Patriarchal mean?

A social system where men hold primary power.

What is a Theocracy?

A system of government ruled by religious leaders.

What is a Civilization?

A society with cities, governments, social hierarchies, labor specialization, writing.

What are River Valley Civilizations?

Early civilizations located along major rivers.

What is Caste?

Rigid social stratification in some societies, notably India.

What is Mandate of Heaven?

Chinese belief that rulers’ legitimacy came from Heaven.

What is Filial Piety? (repeated for emphasis)

Respect for parents and ancestors in Confucian thought.

What is a Dynasty?

A sequence of rulers from the same family.

What is Primogeniture?

Right of the first-born son to inherit the estate.

What is Feudalism?

A system where land is held in exchange for military service.

Name an early writing system from Mesopotamia.

Cuneiform.

Name a major ancient trade network referenced in the notes.

The Silk Road (and ancient trade networks).

Which empires are mentioned as having development and decline in the Classical Period?

Roman, Han, Persian, Mauryan, and Gupta empires.

What is an Aqueduct?

A structure to transport water, notably used by the Romans.

What were the Punic Wars?

A series of wars between Rome and Carthage.

What does Direct Democracy mean?

Citizens directly participate in decision-making.

What is a Republic?

A system where citizens elect representatives.

Name a major dynastic sequence in Chinese history listed in the notes.

Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han.

What does the term ‘Bantu Migration’ refer to?

The large-scale movement of Bantu-speaking peoples across Africa.