Unit 1 Vocab

City StateA city and its surrounding lands functioning as an independent political unit.
CivilizationThe stage of human social and cultural development that is considered most advanced.
Context/ ConnectionThe social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental situations that influence the events or trends we see happen during that time.
DomesticationTaming of animals for human use.
IrrigationA system of moving water from streams and rivers to planted fields.  A planned system to redirect water for agricultural purposes. P. 22
Legal CodeA written collection of expectations and punishments for failing to meet those expectations; Hammurabi’s code punished people based on the gender and social class of the victim and perpetrator.
MonarchyA form of government with a monarch at the head, such as a king or queen.
MonotheismThe belief in one God.
Moral code (code of behavior)Code regulating the social and religious behavior of a group of people.  The 10 Commandments are often considered a moral code or code of behavior.  They emphasize relationships rather than punishment.
Narrative/text/storyThe practice of writing history in a story-based form, may be primary sources, which present direct, firsthand knowledge.
Neolithic RevolutionThe major change in human life caused by the beginnings of farming- that is, by peoples shift from hunting and gathering to farming.
NomadA member of a group that has no permanent home, wandering from place to place in search of food and water.
Paleolithic AgeA prehistoric period that lasted from about 2,5000,000 to 8000 BC, during which people made use of crude stone tools and weapons- also called the stoneace.
PatriarchalRelating to a social system in which the father is head of the family.
PolytheismThe belief in multiple gods.
TheocracyA system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.