Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Middle Ages Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece and Rome, and the Middle Ages.

What is Mesopotamia?

An ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, primarily in modern-day Iraq, and parts of Syria and Turkey.

What is the Fertile Crescent?

A crescent-shaped region in the Middle East known for its rich soil and favorable climate, including Mesopotamia.

How did the fertile crescent help grow civilization?

The Fertile Crescent was crucial for the development of agriculture around 10,000 years ago, allowing people to settle in one place, grow crops, and raise animals, which led to the rise of cities and trade

What are key contributions from Mesopotamia?

Invention of writing (cuneiform), the wheel, and early forms of government and law.

What is polytheism in the context of Mesopotamian religion?

Belief in many gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life and nature.

Name three major deities in Mesopotamia?

Anu, Enlil, and Inanna

What are ziggurats?

Tower-like temples where priests conducted rituals and offered sacrifices. Temples.

What is Zoroastrianism?

Emphasized the struggle between good and evil, and worshiped a single god named Ahura Mazda.

Who was Zoroaster?

The founder and prophet of Zoroastrianism.

What are the key beliefs of Zoroastrianism?

Belief in one God (Ahura Mazda), the struggle between good and evil, a final judgment, and the resurrection of the dead.Key beliefs include dualism, the importance of good thoughts, words, and deeds.

What other religions take after Zoroastrianism?

Several religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have been influenced by Zoroastrian concepts such as dualism, heaven and hell, and the idea of a messiah.

When did the Sumerians emerge and what did they establish?

Around 3500 BCE, establishing independent city-states such as Ur, Uruk, and Eridu.

What writing system did the Sumerians develop?

Cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems.

What were the Sumerians' achievements in mathematics and astronomy?

They used a base-60 number system which is why we have 60 seconds in a minute and 360 degrees in a circle and created a calendar based on lunar cycles.

What was Sumerian religion?

Sumerian religion was polytheistic, worshiping many gods and goddesses associated with natural forces and city-states, with elaborate rituals and ziggurats serving as temples, closely tied to government.

When did the Akkadians emerge and what are they famous for?

Around 2334 BCE, uniting the Sumerian city-states under Sargon of Akkad.

Who united the Sumerian city-states?

Sargon of Akkad. First emperor/empire

Name two Akkadian achievements and a contribution?

-First Empire

-Dominant language

-advancements in art and literature. They created the world's first known epic poem, the "Epic of Gilgamesh," which tells the story of a hero's journey and search for immortality.

What were some of Babylon's achievements?

Babylon became a center for trade and culture, attracting people from various regions. The Babylonians made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, including the development of a 12-month calendar.

When did the Babylonian Empire rise to prominence and what is it best known for?

Around 1792 BCE under King Hammurabi, known for its contributions to law and architecture.

What is the Code of Hammurabi?

One of the oldest sets of written laws, establishing justice and order in society. “an eye for an eye”

What architectural innovations were the Babylonians known for?

The Babylonians were known for their architectural innovations, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

When did the Assyrian Empire rise to power and what was it known for?

Around 900 BCE, known for its military strength and administrative efficiency. Controlled parts of Mesopotamia, Syria and Egypt.

When did the Persian Empire emerge and what were the Persians known for?

Around 550 BCE, known for their tolerance of different cultures and their administrative skills.

Who was Cyrus the Great?

The founder of the Persian Empire, known for his policies of tolerance and respect.

When and where was the Code of Hammurabi created?

Around 1754 BCE in ancient Babylon by King Hammurabi.

What was the main goal of the Code of Hammurabi?

To ensure justice and fairness in society.

What is the principle of 'an eye for an eye'?

The idea that punishments should be equal to the crime committed.

Where did the Minoans live?

Island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.

When did the Minoan civilization thrive?

From approximately 2000 BCE to 1500 BCE.

What architectural achievements did the Minoans create?

Grand palace at Knossos, featuring running water and open-air theaters.

What contact did the Minoans and Mycenaeans have?

Wall art shows interactions between the two. After the Thera eruption, the Mycenaeans took control of Minoan territories.

Where were the Mycenaeans based?

Mainland Greece, specifically at Mycenae.

When did the Mycenaean civilization thrive?

From 1650 BCE to around 1200 BCE.

What were the Mycenaeans known for?

Built fortification walls around important buildings and developed advanced weaponry.

What is the most accepted theory for the Mycenaeans' collapse?

Invasion by the Dorians, a tribe from central Greece with superior weaponry.

What were the causes of the Dark Ages in Greece?

Groups like the Dorians disrupted Mycenaean civilization and trade, earthquakes, and economic decline.

Where was Athens located?

Located in Attica, near the Aegean Sea, ideal for trade and naval power.

What was the role of the Ekklesia (Assembly) in Athens?

Citizens voted on laws and policies.

What was the role of Councils & Magistrates in Athens?

Managed day-to-day governance and enforced laws.

What was the entire culture of Sparta focused on?

Military excellence and discipline.

What was the Dual Kingship in Sparta?

Two kings sharing military and religious duties.

What was the army, armor, strategy, naval skills, and territory of the Persian Empire?

Army: ~300,000 men from across the empire; Light armor (cloth, leather, wicker shields); Relied on bows, axes, swords, light infantry; Strategy: overwhelm with numbers; Weak naval skills; Far from home, long supply lines

What was the army, armor, strategy, naval skills, and territory of the Greek City-States?

Army grew from 10,000 (Marathon) to 100,000 (Plataea); Heavy armor: bronze helmets, body armor, large shields; Specialized in phalanx formation, long spears, short swords; Strategy: defensive formations, superior tactics; Expert sailors, controlled narrow seas; Fighting on home territory, geographic advantage

What was the Ionian Revolt?

Greek Ionians rebelled against Persian control in Asia Minor, sparking the Persian desire for revenge on mainland Greece.

What happened at the Battle of Marathon?

Athens fought alone, and Miltiades used a surprise downhill charge & flanking tactic, resulting in a Greek victory.

What happened at the Battle of Thermopylae?

King Leonidas & 300 Spartans defended the narrow Thermopylae pass, buying time for Greek defenses, with the Persians eventually advancing.

What happened at the Battle of Salamis?

Themistocles lured the Persian fleet into narrow straits, and Greek triremes devastated the Persian navy, delaying further invasions.

Why did Greece win the Persian Wars?

Superior tactics & formations, heavy armor & weapons, geographic advantage, and naval superiority.

When did Alexander the Great rule and what did he conquer?

Ruled from 334–323 BCE; conquered lands across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Who was Alexander the Great's father?

Philip II of Macedonia, who improved the phalanx formation and hired Aristotle as Alexander’s tutor.

What happened at the Temple of Amun at Siwa Oasis?

Alexander visited the Temple of Amun at Siwa Oasis and was called “Son of God,” believing he was the son of Zeus/Amun-Ra.

What happened after the Battle of the Hydaspes?

After winning, Alexander let Porus continue ruling his territory.

What Hellenistic Kingdoms formed after Alexander’s death?

After Alexander's death, the empire was divided into Antigonid (Macedonia/Greece), Ptolemaic (Egypt), and Seleucid (Asia).

Who was a citizen in the Roman Republic?

Free Roman men.

What was the social structure of Rome?

Patricians, Plebeians, Freedmen, and Slaves.

Who was the head of the family in Roman society?

The father (pater familias).

What did the Senate control in the Roman Republic?

Controlled laws, finances, and foreign policy.

Why were the Twelve Tables created?

Plebeians demanded written laws so that everyone knew the rules and punishments.

What were the important parts of the Twelve Tables?

All citizens must follow the law equally, contracts and promises must be honored, and property rights are protected.

What caused the Punic Wars?

Competition over trade routes and land in the Mediterranean.

What was formed in 60–53 BCE in Rome?

The First Triumvirate, consisting of Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar.

Who were the Second Triumvirate?

Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus.

Where did the origins of Christianity come from?

Christianity began in the 1st century CE in Judea, based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

What occurred in 313 CE with Constantine and the Edict of Milan?

Christianity was made legal across the Roman Empire.

What happened in 380 CE?

Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

What are the seven main reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire?

Empire size, military problems, corrupt leadership, invasions from the outside, and economic problems.

What types of entertainment were present in Rome?

Gladiator battles, staged naval battles, and chariot races.

What was the Roman government’s “Bread and Circuses”?

Provided free food and entertainment to distract and pacify the population.

What system rose after the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

Feudalism.

What new invasions worsened instability following the end of the Roman Empire?

Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims.

What caused the delcine of Feudalism?

Military Changes, Black Death, and Growth of Towns and Trade.

What is the Magna Carta?

Known as the 'Great Charter,' it limited the power of the king and established that everyone must obey the law.

Why was the Magna Carta created?

King John was ruling unfairly, raising taxes without permission and punishing people without fair trials.

What key ideas do the Magna Carta include?

Rule of Law, Limited Government, and Individual Rights.

In modern-day, what has the Magna Carta inspired?

Rule of Law, Limited Government, Individual Rights

What is a fief?

A grant of land.

What is a tithe?

A church tax (10%).

What was the Black Death?

A deadly plague that reshaped Europe.

What is The Epic of Gilgamesh?

A Mesopotamian poem and among the earliest known works of literature.

Who was Gilgamesh?

Gilgamesh was a demigod and king of Uruk, a major city-state in Mesopotamia.

What is Gilgamesh's quest?

Gilgamesh seeks immortality after the death of his friend Enkidu.

Who was Enkidu?

Enkidu was created by the gods to balance Gilgamesh's immense power.

What are the key themes of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

The story explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the quest for meaning.

Who was Utnapishtim?

Utnapishtim is a character in the Epic of Gilgamesh who survived a great flood sent by the gods.

Why did the gods send a flood in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

The gods sent the flood because they were annoyed by the noise of humans.