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AP World History - Period 2 2018 Flashcards

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11234776202Ahura MazdaIn Zoroastrianism, the good god who rules the world.0
11234776203Alexander the GreatAlexander III of Macedon (356-323 B.C.E.), conqueror of the Persian Empire and part of northwest India.1
11234776204AryansIndo-European pastoralists who moved into India about the time of the collapse of the Indus Valley civilization; their role in causing this collapse is still debated by historians.2
11234776205AshokaThe most famous ruler of the Mauryan Empire (r. 268-232 B.C.E.), who converted to Buddhism and tried to rule peacefully and with tolerance.3
11234776206Caesar AugustusThe great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar who emerged as sole ruler of the Roman state at the end of an extended period of civil war (r. 31 B.C.E.-14 C.E.).4
11234776207Cyrus (the Great)Founder of the Persian Empire (r. 557-530 B.C.E.); a ruler noted for his conquests, religious tolerance, and political moderation.5
11234776208Darius IGreat king of Persia (r. 522-486 B.C.E.) following the upheavals after Cyrus's death; completed the establishment of the Persian Empire.6
11234776209Greco-Persian WarsTwo major Persian invasions of Greece, in 490 B.C.E. and 480 B.C.E., in which the Persians were defeated on both land and sea.7
11234776210Gupta EmpireAn empire of India (320-550 C.E.). Known as the Golden Age of India with many achievements.8
11234776211Han dynastyChinese dynasty that restored unity in China softened legalist policies. Begun in 202 B.C. by Liu Bang, the dynasty ruled China for more than 400 years. A Golden Age of China.9
11234776212Hellenistic eraThe period from 323 to 30 B.C.E. in which Greek culture spread widely in Eurasia in the kingdoms ruled by Alexander's political successors.10
11234776213HerodotusGreek historian known as the "father of history" (ca. 484-ca. 425 B.C.E.). His Histories enunciated the Greek view of a fundamental divide between East and West, culminating in the Greco-Persian Wars of 490-480 B.C.E.11
11234776214Mandate of HeavenThe ideological underpinning of Chinese emperors, this was the belief that a ruler held authority by command of divine force as long as he ruled morally and benevolently.12
11234776215Mauryan EmpireA major empire (322-185 B.C.E.) that encompassed most of India. This is the empire of Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism in India.13
11234776216PatriciansWealthy, privileged Romans who dominated early Roman society.14
11234776217Pax RomanaThe "Roman peace," a term typically used to denote the stability and prosperity of the early Roman Empire, especially in the first and second centuries C.E.15
11234776218Peloponnesian WarGreat war between Athens (and allies) and Sparta (and allies), lasting from 431 to 404 B.C.E. The conflict ended in the defeat of Athens and the closing of Athens's Golden Age.16
11234776219PersepolisThe capital and greatest palace-city of the Persian Empire, destroyed by Alexander the Great.17
11234776220Persian EmpireA major empire that expanded from the Iranian plateau to incorporate the Middle East from Egypt to India; flourished from around 550 to 330 B.C.E.18
11234776221PlebiansPoorer, less privileged Romans who gradually won a role in Roman politics.19
11234776222Punic WarsThree major wars between Rome and Carthage in North Africa, fought between 264 and 146 B.C.E., that culminated in Roman victory and control of the western Mediterranean.20
11234776223Qin DynastyA short-lived (221-206 B.C.E.) but highly influential Chinese dynasty that succeeded in reuniting China at the end of the Warring States period.21
11234776224Qin ShihuangdiLiterally "first emperor" (r. 221-210 B.C.E.) forcibly reunited China and established a strong and repressive state. Used Legalism, standardized currency and weights and built the Terra cotta army.22
11234776225WudiHan emperor (r. 141-86 B.C.E.) who began the Chinese civil service system by establishing an academy to train imperial bureaucrats.23
11234776226XiongnuNomadic peoples to the north of the Great Wall of China who were a frequent threat to the stability of the Chinese state.24
11234776227AristotleA Greek polymath philosopher (384-322 B.C.E.); student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great.25
11234776228Bhagavad GitaA great Hindu epic text, part of the much larger Mahabharata, which affirms the performance of caste duties as a path to religious liberation.26
11234776229BrahmanThe "World Soul" or final reality in upanishadic Hindu belief.27
11234776230BrahminsThe priestly caste of India.28
11234776231BuddhismThe cultural/religious tradition first enunciated by Siddhartha Gautama in India.29
11234776232ConfucianismThe Chinese philosophy first enunciated by Confucius, advocating the moral example of superiors as the key element of social order.30
11234776233ConfuciusThe founder of Confucianism (551-479 B.C.E.); an aristocrat of northern China who proved to be the greatest influence on Chinese culture in its history.31
11234776234ConstantineRoman emperor (r. 306-337 C.E.) whose conversion to Christianity paved the way for the triumph of Christianity in Europe.32
11234776235DaoismA Chinese philosophy/popular religion that advocates simplicity and understanding of the world of nature, founded by the legendary figure Laozi.33
11234776236Filial pietyThe honoring of one's ancestors and parents, a key element of Confucianism.34
11234776237Greek rationalismA secularizing system of scientific and philosophic thought that developed in classical Greece in the period 600 to 300 B.C.E.; it emphasized the power of education and human reason to understand the world in nonreligious terms.35
11234776238HinduismA word derived from outsiders to describe the vast diversity of indigenous Indian religious traditions.36
11234776239HippocratesA very influential Greek medical theorist (ca. 460-ca. 370 B.C.E.); regarded as the father of medicine.37
11234776240Jesus of NazarethThe prophet/god of Christianity(ca. 4 B.C.E.-ca. 30 C.E.).38
11234776241YahwehA form of the Hebrew name of God used in the Bible. The monotheistic religion developed by the Hebrews, emphasizing a sole personal god with concerns for social justice.39
11234776242KarmaIn Hinduism, the determining factor of the level at which the individual is reincarnated, based on purity of action in the prior existence.40
11234776243LaoziA legendary Chinese philosopher of the sixth century B.C.E.; regarded as the founder of Daoism.41
11234776244LegalismA Chinese philosophy distinguished by an adherence to clear laws with vigorous harsh punishments.42
11234776245MokshaIn Hindu belief, liberation from separate existence and union with Brahman. The ultimate goal of Hindus and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.43
11234776246Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)The Indian prince (ca. 566-ca. 486 B.C.E.) who founded Buddhism.44
11234776247SocratesThe first great Greek philosopher to turn rationalism toward questions of human existence (469-399 B.C.E.).45
11234776248UpanishadsIndian mystical and philosophical works, written between 800 and 400 B.C.E.46
11234776249VedasThe earliest religious texts of India, a collection of ancient poems, hymns, and rituals that were transmitted orally before being written down ca. 600 B.C.E.47
11234776250Warring States PeriodPeriod in China from 403 to 221 B.C.E. that was typified by disorder and political chaos.48
11234776252ZoroastrianismPersian monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra.49
11234776253Caste SystemThe system of social organization in India that has evolved over millennia; it is based on an original division of the populace into four inherited classes, with the addition of thousands of social distinctions based on occupation, which became the main cell of social life in India.50
11234776254DharmaIn Indian belief, performance of the duties appropriate to an individual's caste; good performance will lead to rebirth in a higher caste.51
11234776255KshatriyaThe Indian social class of warriors and rulers.52
11234776256LatifundiaHuge estates operated by slave labor that flourished in parts of the Roman Empire53
11234776257PericlesA prominent and influential statesman of ancient Athens (ca. 495-429 B.C.E.); presided over Athens's Golden Age of Democracy.54
11234776258SudraThe lowest Indian social class of varna; regarded as servants of their social betters; eventually included peasant farmers55
11234776259the "three submissions"In Chinese Confucian thought, the notion that a woman is permanently subordinate to male control: first that of her father, then of her husband, and finally of her son.56
11234776260UntouchablesAn Indian social class that emerged below the Sudras and whose members performed the most unclean and polluting work.57
11234776261VaisyaThe Indian social class that was originally defined as farmers but eventually comprised merchants.58
11234776262Silk RoadTrade route stretching from China into Europe.59
11234776263SyncretismAttempted union or reconciliation of diverse or opposite tenets or practices, especially in philosophy or religion. (ex. Hellenistism)60
11234776264Ancestor VenerationThe custom of worshiping deceased ancestors who are considered still a part of the family and whose spirits are believed to have the power to intervene in the affairs of the living. Practiced in Classical China.61
11234776265Codificationthe action or process of arranging laws, rules or religious beliefs according to a system or plan.62
11234776266Jewish Diasporathe dispersion of Israelites, Judahites and later Jews out of their ancestral homeland (the Land of Israel) and their subsequent settlement in other parts of the globe63
11234776267Monasticisma religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work; typically in a house of worship (ex. Christrianity and Buddhism)64
11234776268ReincarnationThe rebirth of the soul in a new body. A belief of both Hinduism and Buddhism.65
11234776269NirvanaThe goal of the Buddhist path. It is the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism and marks the release from rebirths.66
11234776270Mahayana Buddihismone of the two major traditions of Buddhism, now practiced in a variety of forms especially in China, Tibet, Japan, and Korea. Became more a religion and Buddha became viewed as a god.67
11234776271Theravada BuddhismOne of the two major traditions of Buddhism. It is more similar to the Buddha's origional philosophy and Buddha is seen as a teacher rather than a god. It is practiced mainly in Southeast Asia in places such as Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.68
112347762725 Key RelationshipsRuler to subject, father to son, husband to wife, elder to younger and friend to friend. Confucius believed that if society follows these then it will lead to social harmony and order.69
11234776273Influence of Daoism on Chinese cultureMedical theories and practices, poetry, metallurgy, architecture70
11234776274Reasons why Belief Systems SpreadMissionaries, merchants and trade routes71
11234776275AnimismThe ancient religious belief that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. All things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems,—considered alive with spiritual presence.72
11234776276PhoeniciansOne of the earliest trading empires in world history that dominated the Mediterranean region; created the world's first known alphabet system that was later adapted by the Greeks.73
11234776277Mayaa Mesoamerican civilization (Mexico) noted for its hieroglyphic script—the only known fully developed writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas—as well as for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system.74
11234776278TeotihuacanLocated in the Basin of Central Mexico, was the largest and most revered city in the history of Mesoamerica, and it flourished in a Golden Age during the Classic Period of the first millennium CE. Dominated by two gigantic pyramids and a huge sacred avenue, the city, its architecture, art, and religion would influence all subsequent Mesoamerican cultures, and it remains today the most visited ancient site in Mexico.75
11234776279Methods of Orginization and Legitimicy of Classical Empires and their Rulersadministrateve institutions (centralized governments, bureaucracies, legal systems), claiming divine rule (ex. Mandate of Heaven), promoted trade, projected military power over other lands using new technologies and techniques (standard currencies, diplomacies), building fortifications, defensive walls, roads, using new groups of military officers and soldiers from the conquered populations76
11234776280Role of Imperial CitiesServed as centers of trade, public performances of religious rituals, and political administration for states and empires77
11234776281Merchants in ChinaPlaced at the bottom of the social pyramid in China because they were viewed as greedy and selfish78
11234776282Patriarchya system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it79
11234776283Reasons for the Collapse of Classical EmpiresExcessive mobilization of resources, overexpansion, erosion of political institutions, social class tensions, spread of disease, security issues along borders, invasions80
11234776284Trade Routes of the Classical EraEurasian Silk Roads, Trans-Saharan caravan routes, Inidan Ocean sea lanes, Mediterranean sea lanes81
11234776285New Technologies of the Classical EraYoke, saddal, stirrup82
11234776286Domesticated pack animals used on Classical Trade RoutesHorse, camel, llama83
11234776287Monsoonsa seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia, blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (wet), or from the northeast between October and April (dry)84
11234776288Qanat Systeman ancient system of underground tunnels that supply mountain water to dry lower places in the Middle East. First used in the Persian Empire.85
11234776289Missionarya person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity or Buddhism in a foreign land86
11234776290city-statea city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state with its own leader; ex. Greece (polis)87
11234776291Bodhisattva(in Mahayana Buddhism) a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings88
11234776292Classical Era600 BCE to 600 CE; characterized by the emergence of empires such as Persia, Rome, Han, the codification of world belief systems and trade routes of Afro-Eurasia89
11234776293Roman RepublicThe era of ancient Roman civilization beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom, traditionally dated to 509 BC, and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire. It was during this period that Rome's government was headed by two consuls, elected annually by the citizens and advised by a senate composed of appointed magistrates.90
11234776294Universal ReligionsRefers to a religion believing their laws are binding for everyone. A religion that can spread to other lands and cultures and actively seeks converts (i.e. Christianity and Buddhism) Can be directly contrasted to ethnic religions, which are, limited by ethnic or national scope (i.e. Judaism, Zoroastrianism)91
11234834552Wari and Tiwanakustates that flourished between 400 and 1000 C.E. in the highlands of modern Bolivia and Peru. At their height they possessed urban capitals with populations in the tens of thousands and productive agricultural systems.92
11234838466Moche CivilizationSouth American civilization which rose to power following the collapse of the Chavin in the Andes93
11234842513Chavinthe first major South American civilization, which flourished in the highlands of what is now Peru from about 900 to 200 B.C.94
11234851939BantuA major African language family. Collective name of a large group of sub-Saharan African languages and of the peoples speaking these languages. Famous for migrations throughout central and southern Africa.95
11234851940PolynesiansInhabitants of the Pacific Islands that lie within a triangle formed by Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island96
11238367898Yin and YangIn Daoist belief, complementary factors that help to maintain the equilibrium of the world. One is associated with masculine, light, and active qualities while the other with feminine, dark, and passive qualities.97
11238386222Wang MangA Han court official who usurped the throne and ruled from 8 C.E. to 23 C.E.; noted for his reform movement that included the breakup of large estates.98
11238392144Athenian DemocracyA radical form of direct democracy in which much of the free male population of Athens had the franchise and officeholders were chosen by lot.99

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