History final terms to know

Archaeology

Study of past societies through analysis of what people left behind.

Anthropology

Study of human life and culture.

Hominid

Earliest humanlike creatures that appeared in Africa 4 million years ago.

Homo sapiens

Also known as wise human; mastered fire.

Systematic Agriculture

The keeping of animals and growing food on a regular basis.

Civilization

Complex culture in which large numbers of people who share elements live together.

Cuneiform

System of writing using a reed stylus to make wedge-shaped impressions on clay tablets which were baked and dried in the sun.

Monotheistic

Belief in one god.

Democracy

Government ruled by the people.

Caste

Category that determines a person's work and place in society.

Vedas

Early oral stories.

Legalism

Belief that humans are evil by nature and only made good by strict laws.

Epicureanism

Belief that happiness is the main goal in life; to achieve happiness is freedom.

Stoicism

Belief that happiness is achieved when one gains peace and the will of God.

Ostracism

Banning politicians from the city by popular vote.

Senate

Body of powerful members from Rome.

Quran

Holy book of Islam.

Hijrah

Journey of Muhammad.

Makkah

Land where Muhammad was born.

Shariah

Laws Muhammad's believers follow to regulate their lives.

Bourgeoisie

Middle class (merchants, professionals, etc.).

Bologna

Where the first European university appeared.

Heresy

To be against the church teachings.

Dowry

Gift of money paid at the time of marriage.

Archipelago

A chain of islands.

Shogun

Military director of medieval Japan.

Matrilineal

Lineage through the mother.

Griot

Clan of African storytellers to keep history alive.

Animism

Belief that all natural things (animals) have spirits.

Shia

Muslim group that believes only descendants of Muhammad can be Islamic rulers.

Sunni

Muslim group that accepted any capable ruler to be the Islamic ruler.

Indulgence

A release from punishment for sin or purgatory after death.

Vernacular

Language of everyday speech in a region.