Study Guide: Persian Empires, Classical China, and Classical South Asia

Persian Empires

  • Achaemenid Empire:
    • Cyrus the Great: Founder of the Achaemenid Empire.
    • Darius the Great: Built capital at Persepolis, implemented administrative provinces managed by Satraps (Satrapies), constructed the Persian Royal Road, and utilized underground irrigation canals (Qanats).
    • Xerxes: Successor associated with growing tensions.
    • Persian Wars: Conflicts featuring key battles at Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis.
    • Invasion of Alexander of Macedon: Brought an end to the Achaemenid Empire.
  • Seleucid Empire: Established by Seleucus following the conquest of Alexander of Macedon.
  • Parthian Empire: Extended power under Mithradates I; established imperial capital at Ctesiphon.
  • Sasanid Empire: Empire that re-established Persian rule prior to the rise of Islam.

Zoroastrianism

  • Founder: Zarathustra.
  • Deities & Principles: Dualistic cosmology involving supreme deity Ahura Mazda versus adversarial entity Angra Mainyu.
  • Texts: Sacred texts compiled in the Avesta, containing hymns known as the Gathas.
  • Adherents: Modern adherents include the Parsis.

Classical China: Philosophies

  • Confucianism:
    • Kong Fuzi (Confucius): Teachings compiled in the Analects.
    • Ideal Character: Junzi (superior individuals).
    • Core Virtues: Ren (humanity/benevolence), Li (propriety/courtesy), and Xiao (filial piety).
    • Key Promoters: Mencius and Xunzi.
  • Daoism:
    • Founder & Text: Laozi, author of the Daodejing.
    • Core Concept: Wuwei (action through non-action; disengagement from worldly affairs).
  • Legalism:
    • Key Figures: Shang Yang and Han Feizi.
    • Core Concept: Total devotion to state power and strict enforcement of laws.

Classical China: Dynasties

  • Qin Dynasty:
    • Qin Shihuangdi: First emperor who centralized imperial rule, built early sections of The Great Wall of China, and constructed the elaborate Tomb of the First Emperor.
  • Han Dynasty:
    • Liu Bang: Founder of the Han Dynasty.
    • Xiongnu Conflict: Major military conflicts with nomadic Xiongnu under leader Modu.
    • Han Wudi: Vast expansion of imperial territory and establishment of Confucian educational system.
    • Literature & Gender Roles: Classic of Filial Piety; Ban Zhao wrote Lessons for Women.
    • Economy: Supported heavily by sericulture (silk production).
    • Interruption & Collapse: Briefly usurped by Wang Mang; weakened by internal socio-economic crisis including the Yellow Turban uprising, leading to collapse.

Classical South Asia: Empires and Kingdoms

  • Mauryan Dynasty:
    • Chandragupta Maurya: Founder of the empire, guided by advisor Kautalya (author of political treatise Arthashastra).
    • Ashoka: Expanded empire via victory in campaign against Kalinga; governed from capital Pataliputra; issued imperial moral mandates carved on rocks and pillars (Edicts of Ashoka); promoted Buddhism.
    • Collapse: Financial pressure and administrative costs led to collapse.
  • Kingdom of Bactria: Governed with heavy influence of Greek culture.
  • Kushan Empire: Facilitated Eurasian trade networks and cultural transmission.
  • Gupta Empire:
    • Chandra Gupta: Founder of the dynasty; empire fostered scientific and cultural accomplishments.
    • Collapse: Invasions by the White Huns (a.k.a. the Hephthalites) led to collapse.

Classical South Asia: Social Structure

  • Varnas (Social Classes):
    • Brahmins: Priests.
    • Kshatriyas: Warriors and aristocrats.
    • Vaishyas: Peasants and merchants.
    • Shudras: Serfs.
    • Untouchables: Socially isolated group outside the varna system.
  • Jati: Sub-castes based on occupational groups.

Classical South Asia: Religions and Philosophies

  • Charvaka Sect: Materialist philosophical movement.
  • Jainism:
    • Promoter: Vardhamana Mahavira.
    • Core Principle: Ahimsa (strict non-violence to all living creatures).
  • Buddhism:
    • Founder: Siddhartha Gautama.
    • Core Doctrines: Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path, Dharma (teachings), and pursuit of Nirvana.
    • Structures: Stupas (relic shrines).
    • Branches: Theravada Buddhism (traditional) and Mahayana Buddhism (broad appeal; features belief in Bodhisattva figures).
  • Hinduism:
    • Literature: Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita (dialogue between warrior Arjuna and deity Krishna), and Ramayana.
    • Deities: Prominence of Vishnu/Krishna.
    • Four Goals of Life: Dharma (moral duty), Artha (economic prosperity), Kama (sensual pleasure), and Moksha (salvation/liberation).