NOTE!!! THE STARS FOLLOWING TERMS MEANS THAT THE TERMS AREN'T CONCRETE INFORMATION!!! MEANING YOU SHOULD DOUBLE CHECK THE INFO!
WHAP Unit 1 - Foundations Essential Terms.
WHO - Who led or was present during this term?
WHAT - What is the term about?
WHEN - When was this term prominent in history?
WHERE: Where was this term prominent?
WHY: Why is this term important?
Terms : Hide Images
| 205475768 | Neolithic Revolution | WHO:Mesopotamia, India, North Africa/Nile River Civilization, *Europe, China (Huang He) WHAT:Due to a lack of large food sources and a larger population of humans following the ice age, hunters had to turn to a new food source, agriculture (hunters > farmers). WHEN: 8000 B.C.E. WHERE: Middle East (Iraq), Egypt, India, China (River valleys). WHY: Start of first civilizations and cities. Permanent settlements led to the establishment of government, politics, religion, relationships with others, business (trade), and economy. The ability to go past simple farming led to population growth and encouraged the further study of economic careers (such as pottery and basket weaving). Improvement of technology resulted in the role of women shrinking. | 0 | |
| 205475769 | Bantu Migrations | WHO: Bantu people, Africans WHAT: A people who spread in Africa, resulting in cultural diffusion WHEN: about 1000 B.C.E. WHERE: Africa WHY: The Bantu peoples language, use of iron, practice of agriculture, etc, provided a base for the African people to understand one another. | 1 | |
| 205475770 | Polynesian Migrations | WHO: Polynesians, those of the islands of the Pacific, who became Hawaiians. WHAT: The people of Polynesia migrate onto the Hawaiian islands. WHEN: before 7th century, to 1300s or 1400s WHERE: Polynesia, Hawaii WHY: The people of Polynesia, in war boats, come to Hawaii, and inhabit the islands. With frequent communication between the original and new islands, animals such as the pig, and other cultural pieces were brought to Hawaii. The pigs, however, devastated many original plants. the Hawaiians used such resources to create civilization. | 2 | |
| 205475771 | Bronze Age | WHO: Middle East, (spread throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe). Smiths, Artisans, and farmers specifically. WHAT: The use of metal tools (specifically made of bronze) replaced tools made of wood, bone, and stone. WHEN: 3000 B.C.E. WHERE: Middle East (spread throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe). WHY: The metal bronze is a lot stronger than wood, stone, or bone, so the use of metal farming tool like hoes, metal weaponry, and metal tools for artisans to work with woodwork, for example, all led to faster and more effective work and advancement (in fact we live in the metal ages, with iron). | 3 | |
| 205475772 | Mesopotamia | WHO: Sumerians, Acadians, Babylonians WHAT: The first founded civilization to create many ideas that were used in other civilizations and are still used today. WHEN: 3500 B.C.E. WHERE: Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the middle East (current day Iraq). WHY: First example of urban human civilization. Developed the first form of human writing (cuneiform alphabet by the Sumerians), studied Math and Science (astrology/constellations, numeric systems based on 10, 60, & 360, fertilizer). Many civilizations adopted these ideas. Were polytheistic, and their ideas of the gods' creation of the earth from water and about divine punishment (floods, etc.) helped base the ideas of the old testament and played a role in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (as well as the ideas of hell). Government enforced religion. Had an active army led by a King. Practiced the use of slavery. Invented first form of currency. Hammurabi's Code = law system. | 4 | |
| 205475773 | Nile River Civilization | WHO: Egyptians, along the Nile River. WHAT: Another civilization sprang up from the trade and technological influence of Mesopotamia. WHEN: 3000 B.C.E. WHERE: Egypt (Northern Africa, along the Nile River). WHY: This civilization had more government control in the economy (was somewhat necessary due to Nile Irrigation). Pharaohs, the god-kings of the land, ruled (created their elaborate tombs, the pyramids), and invasions weren't that often, due to environmental protection. Though a weaker alphabet and science study, mathematics (24 hours in a day) were more prominent in Egypt. Had livelier art. | 5 | |
| 205475774 | Nubia | WHO: Nubians/Africans/Christians WHAT: The ancient land of the Kush, WHEN: 4th centery C.E. WHERE: An area right under Egypt (Nile River civilization) WHY: A land of Christian resistance against the spreading Islam world. | 6 | |
| 205475775 | Hammurabi's Code | WHO: Hammurabi (King of Babylon) WHAT: A code that established rules of procedure for courts of law and regulated property rights, family member duties, and set punishments for crimes. WHEN: 1800-1750 B.C.E. (slab in Iran found in 1901) WHERE: Babylon/Mesopotamia/Middle East (slab found in Iran) WHY: Set the code that established rules of procedure for courts of law, regulated property rights, family member duties, and set harsh punishments for many crimes. Regulated a law system in Mesopotamia during the Babylonian rule, which allowed the civilization to advance in order. | 7 | |
| 205475776 | Iron Metallurgy | WHO: Yellow River Civilization, Spread to rest of world WHAT: The use of Iron, after bronze, following the bronze age. WHEN: After the bronze age, around 1000 B.C.E. WHERE: China, spread. WHY: The use of iron rather than bronze. Changes along with religion, art, agriculture, etc. Led to fuedalism, and was another easily available metal source. WEAPONRY. | 8 | |
| 205475777 | Patriarchal Society | WHO: Aristotle, Greeks, Alexander the Great, Hunter-Gatherers, Mesopotamia, Egypt, etc. WHAT: Societies where men have authority over women (as in the father holds control over the women and children). WHEN: Before 10000 BCE with hunter-gatherers, (800 BCE for the Greek Empire, WHERE: Greece, Mesopotamia, Egypt, etc. WHY: This limited the division of power among people as women practically held no power. Under Hammurabi's code, Men had more rights than women, and the same can be said for Aristotle's work (which Alexander the great followed). This idea gave way to dynasties, as this thought included the "first born" importance and father superiority (hence the dynasties passed down power in accordance of such rules). | 9 | |
| 205475778 | Origins of Writing | WHO: Mesopotamians (Yellow River Civilization, Nile River Valley, Indus River Valley) and Phoenicians. WHAT: The creation of a system of symbols that could record treaties, history, and keep records. WHEN: First in 3500 B.C.E., layer refined in 1300 B.C.E WHERE: Started in Mesopotamia, advanced to Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe WHY: The writing system was the basis of keeping all types of records (political, tax, etc.), history, and creating treaties, in effect creating an orderly society. Really important for trade and religion. | 10 | |
| 205475779 | Hebrews | WHO: Mesopotamians, Hebrews. WHAT: A people who moved from Mesopotamia to Palestine, and finally to Egypt. WHEN: WHERE: Mesopotamia, Palestine, Egypt. WHY: Ideas of Armageddon (flood) and Yahweh, a single divine entity, later taken up by Christianity and Islam. | 11 | |
| 205475780 | Phoenicians | WHO:Phoenicians WHAT: A people who created a simplified alphabet of 22 letters. WHEN: 1300 B.C.E. WHERE: Egypt (Greek, Latin?) WHY: Created a simplified alphabet of 22 letters that was used as the basis of Greek and Latin, as well as improved the Egyptian numbering system and set up colonies on land along the Mediterranean. (Alphabet based on Sumerian). Migration to Eurasia = cultural diffusion (bronze, adopted Mesopotamian culture, alphabet, etc). | 12 | |
| 205475781 | Indus River Civilization | WHO: Indians (the Indus River peoples) WHAT: A civilization sprouted in India along the Indus River, though still mysterious after its destruction. WHEN: 2500 B.C.E. WHERE: In modern day India, along the Indus River WHY: Advanced; had running water in their houses. They had their own alphabet and art, though they had trading contacts with Mesopotamia. After Indo European invasion, their culture was almost completely wiped out, and therefore is mysterious. Is currently an important part of Indian national Identity. An example of how a civilization can be destroyed by outsiders (though not lost). | 13 | |
| 205475782 | Aryans | WHO: Indo-European Nomads (from Asia and Europe) WHAT: Nomadic people who migrated from into India and militarized society. Implemented and influenced many things (caste system, Indian sacred text -Vedas-, and culture, etc). WHEN: Around 1500 B.C.E. WHERE: Eurasia to Asia. WHY: These people are responsible for the social inequality of the caste system, the sacred text of Hinduism, and indirectly influencing Buddhism (Gautama questioning the badness of the HINDU world). | 14 | |
| 205475783 | Vedic Age (AKA Epic Age) | WHO: Aryans, Indians. WHAT: The initial period of Aryan influence over India. WHEN: 1500 B.C.E (to 1000 B.C.E.) WHERE: India (Europe, the Aryans are from there). WHY: As the initial part of the era of Aryan influence of the Indian society, this time period was characterized by epics passing down Indian history in the language of Sanskrit (first was Rag-Veda, depicting Aryan Gods and priests). Helped shape Hinduism. | 15 | |
| 205475784 | Caste System | WHO: Aryans, Indians WHAT:A system that Aryans implemented on the indigenous "inferior" Indian people as a way to for Aryan conquerors to have relationships with the inferior Indians. Thus, they implemented a system where warriors or the governing class (Kshatriyas) and the priestly caste (Brahmins, the top during the Epic age) were at the top of the social pyramid. Next were Vaisyas (traders and farmers) and Sudras (common laborers who worked on large land). The untouchables were confined to the most gruesome job. These castes were known as Jati's, and were hereditary. Marriages between Jati forbidden. Limited economy. WHEN: 1500 B.C.E. (onward) WHERE: India, (Europe?) WHY: Aryan conquerors wanted to implement relations with themselves and the "inferior" Indian people. Brahmin/Priest class becoming the lead caste in the Epic Ages is a symbol of growing religious importance in the society. The separation of castes, as well as heredity of castes, separated the rich from the poor. Could go down the caste system by marrying or doing the work of lower castes. Could go up by the rise of wealth. Promoted relationships between different levels of the caste and looked down on slavery, originally that is. Limited Economy. Promoted inequality of the people. | 16 | |
| 205475785 | Vedas | WHO: Aryans (later adopted by Indians/Hindus) WHAT: The ancient Sanskrit text developed by the Aryans that became the earliest sacred text of Hinduism WHEN: 1500-1200 B.C.E. (technically to 500 B.C.E, yet continuing onward). WHERE: India (technically from Aryans, Eurasian) WHY: The earliest sacred text of Hinduism. Is the main source of information about the Vedic/Epic age. | 17 | |
| 205475786 | Yellow River Civilization | WHO: Chinese, Yellow River Civilization peoples. WHAT: A civilization (developed in isolation) sprang along the Hwang He/Yellow River. Advanced in technology. WHEN: 2000 B.C.E. WHERE: In current-day China, along the Hwang He/Yellow River. WHY: Isolation = proof that mankind does not need to copy itself to grow Though also a mysterious civilization, what is known is that an organized state that regulated irrigation of the flood-prone river valley, with advanced technology and intellectual life, had existed by 2000 B.C.E. However, in the confusion, many fiction (though somewhat factual) stories over the origin of China (based on Kings and P'an Ku, the ancestor of the Chinese) formed. The Chinese had skilled pottery and knew to ride horses (animal domestication), and by 1000 B.C.E, had introduced iron after bronze (which soon was worked with coal). Had a language based on knots in rope, and then scratches in bone. Science/Astronomy was developed, and music was early. Lived modestly in small mud houses. | 18 | |
| 205475787 | Shang Dynasty | WHO: Chinese/ Yellow River Civilization/ Shang kings WHAT: The rule over the Yellow River Civilization by kings known as the Shang. WHEN: 1500 B.C.E. WHERE: China/Yellow River/Hwang He WHY: Responsible for the construction of many tombs and palaces (a difference from the earlier modest mud houses of the original Yellow River civilization). Invasion slowed civilization, but speed went back up. Elaborate and creative art was made with superb metal working skills depicting animals and mythical creatures. Irrigation, dike systems, and millet and wheat cultivation provided the basis for the growth of later dynasties. Due to bad relations with outsider nomads, military and defense technologies were created. Silk manufacturing was prominent (led to Silk Road) | 19 | |
| 205475788 | Zhou Dynasty | WHO: Chinese WHAT: The Dynasty after the Shang Dynasty for the Yellow River civilization that ruled a loose coalition of regional lords. WHEN: 1000 B.C.E. WHERE: China, Yellow River WHY: History, by this time, was recorded much smoothly. Due to bad relations with outsider nomads, military and defense technologies were created. Silk manufacturing was prominent (Silk Road) | 20 | |
| 205475789 | Dynastic Cycle *** | WHO: Chinese WHAT: A cycle in which Chinese Dynasties would fall and rise. How it worked goes as following: A Dynasty maintained power when it brought good to the people and provided much (good taxing, trade, improve infrastructure, etc). When the Dynasty went into decline, abused its power, or had a negative message from Gods (natural disaster), they were said to lose the mandate of heaven (favor of gods), and the people would rebel and try to overthrow them. Over time, a new dynasty would gain the "mandate of heaven" and assume control, where the cycle began again. Dynasties were ruled by a family lineage (patriarchal societies) when power was passed to the new generation of the family. WHEN: Actual Dynasties are from 2100 BCE to 1911 CE. WHERE: China WHY: Dynasties ruled China, an enormously strong empire. The Dynastic Cycle demonstrates typical rule of China in terms of beliefs, and shows the practical government. | 21 | |
| 205475790 | Mandate of Heaven | WHO: China, Chinese dynasties WHAT: A political idea that power was granted among the chosen few to rule due to divine entities. WHEN: During Chinese dynasties (2100 BCE to 1911 CE) WHERE: China WHY: The Mandate of heavan determined the dynastical cycle; when the rulers failed to provide wellness to the people, abused their power, or were simply subject to natural disasters, the mandate of heavan of one ruling family line would be lost, and the peasants and citizens would rebel. Another would pick the mandate up, and would rule again. An example of how involved religion was with the government (somewhat a theocracy, in a sense). Antisecular. Defined who ruled. | 22 | |
| 205475791 | Warring States | WHO: Chinese people, Zhou kings WHAT: After the Zhou kings passed on their power to their subordinates, royal courts never gained authority. Thus, regional princes ignored federal government and tried created separate states of power, going to war with each other to become the leaders of the China. Ended the Zhou Dynasty when the last king resigned. WHEN: 475 BCE to about 221 BCE WHERE: China WHY: Ended the Zhou dynasty. In a sense, it is a civil war, except the federal government wasn't a part of the war. Ignored the mandate of heaven (was more political than religious). Legalism was the only way to stop this. | 23 | |
| 205475792 | Olmec | WHO: Olmec people (native Americans in southern Mexico). WHAT: A civilization in southern Mexico that developed its own art, court system, architecture, and overall civilization independently. Had a language and numeric system. WHEN: 1200 BCE to 400 BCE WHERE: Southern Mexico (Mesoamerica) WHY: Known as the first civilization of Mesoamerica, these people were responsible for influencing the Mayan civilization. Developed much like, yet independently, from the East. | 24 | |
| 205475793 | Mayan Empire | WHO: Mayans; native Americans WHAT: A people influenced by the Olmec Empire who developed a complex civilization in America. Developed their own forms of astronomy, Mathematics, etc. Had an agriculture based economy. Had independant city states that were linked by trade. Polytheistic religion. WHEN: 2500 B.C.E. to 900 C.E. WHERE: Southern Mexico to Central America WHY: Had advanced mathematics, astronomy, architecture, trade, and their own polytheistic religion. Had the most advanced writing system in America at the time. | 25 | |
| 205475794 | Teotihuacán | WHO: Native Americans WHAT: A city state that housed up to about 200,000 individuals, had several religious pyramids (importantly temples of sun and moon), was the center of a trade network, and had a detailed religion. Large amounts of religious pyramids suggest, but do not state, a theocracy. WHEN: about 1st century BCE to 8th century C.E. WHERE: America; near current day Mexico city in Northern-central mexico. WHY: As the first metropolis (a large, significant city that is powerful and influential to its neighbors) of Mesoamerica, the powerful city-state was the center of a complex and thriving trade network that went form Mexico to Central America. Important for being the center of religious activities. Agriculture based economy. | 26 | |
| 205475795 | Toltec | WHO: A people of central Mexico (Native Americans) WHAT: A people who irrigated crops, introduced gold and silver working, that depended on conquest. The warring city-states of the Toltec worshiped a violent and blood-thirsty god, however with time the people came to worship god Quetzalcoatl. However, the people who worshiped the war god rebelled and sent the believers of Quetzalcoatl further south. Supposedly declined to the Aztec empire. WHEN: Around 900 CE - 1200 CE WHERE: Mexico (central), and somewhat southern. WHY: The warring city-states of the Toltecs conquered neighboring states and required sacrifices to their violent war god (though they did irrigating for crops, they lacked a trading economy). Due to the exile of those who worshiped the less violent god of Quetzalcoatl, the migrating people influenced the more southern Mayan empire. | 27 | |
| 205475796 | Chavin | WHO: A native people of Southern America WHAT: The first major urban civilization of Southern America. Economically, politically, and religiously dominant in the area. WHEN: 900 BCE-250 BCE WHERE: South America (capital was in the Andes mountains of Peru) WHY: The most influential state of Southern America. Urban, meaning they had architecture, economy, religion, etc. Grew agriculture and herded animals such as llamas. | 28 | |
| 205475797 | Persian Empire | WHO: Persians, Indo-European people. Cyrus the Great, Darius II WHAT: A people that inhabited the fallen Babylon/Mesopotamian empire. Under Darius the first, the civilization was unified. The empire grew and conquered other regions, but with the conquering, the culture of the conquered was adopted. The conquered regions even had the option of self-rule, so long as they adopted superiority of the Persian government. Minor authorities ruled minor provinces with other agents, acting as the eyes and ears of the king. Had a currency system with coins. Developed a royal road across the empire. Allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem under Cyrus the Great. Under Xerxes the empire lost to the Greeks, and eventually fell to Alexander the Great. WHEN: 500 BCE to 330 BCE WHERE: Middle East. Spread east to India, west to Egypt. Eventually went to conquer Greece with the rise of the power (a threat), but failed. WHY: This empire was responsible most importantly for a few select reasons. First is them allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their homeland and temples (which allowed Judaism to nourish). Next is their loss the Greek, as the Persian empire was the strongest of its time, meaning that the Greeks' victory established Greece as a new, influential power. | 29 | |
| 205475798 | Cyrus the Great | WHO: The ruler of the Persian empire during a certain period of time. WHAT: The ruler of the Persian empire during the time of initial state over Babylon, to its conquering of the east and west. Known for mercy and was responsible for all sorts of growth. WHEN: ruled from 559 BCE - 530 BCE WHERE: Persian Empire; Middle east, Mediterranean West, Indian East. WHY: Known to be merciful, he was regarded as the one to conquer the east and west. Embraced the culture of the conquered, was the one to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem, and expanded Persian religion, culture, and architecture based on the adopted cultures. | 30 | |
| 205475799 | Darius II *** | WHO: A ruler of the Persian empire (King) WHAT: Ruling kind of Persia when it was conquered by Greece. WHEN: ruled from 423 to 405 BCE WHERE: Persia WHY: Was the ruling king of Persia when Alexander the great conquered the empire. | 31 | |
| 205475800 | Zoroastrianism *** | WHO: Persians WHAT: A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Zarathustra, that emphasizes the struggle and existence of good and evil, and the role of individuals choosing which side. WHEN: Sixth century BCE onward WHERE: Persia WHY: A Persian religion that was believed during the time of the Persian empire. Influences the decision of a side; good or evil. Influenced Christianity and Judaism (and Islam?) | 32 | |
| 205475801 | Confucius *** | WHO: A Chinese philosopher, aka Kung Fu Tzu WHAT: A Chinese philosopher whose teachings became the religion Confucianism. Taught the importance and conduct of family, politics, morality, etc. WHEN: Born into the Zhou dynasty, 551-449 B.C.E. WHERE: China WHY: Taught philosophy that later became the religion of Confucianism. His teachings provided conduct of many things and was a basis on which the government ran and people's daily lives. | 33 | |
| 205475802 | Confucianism **** | WHO: Chinese, Confucious WHAT: A religion based on the teachings of Confucius that emphasizes and conducts the way family, politics, and morality should work. Taught ancestral worship. WHEN: 551 BCE onward. WHERE: China WHY: Was a basis on which Chinese daily life and the government worked during the Zhou dynasty. An ongoing religion today, this religion taught. | 34 | |
| 205475803 | Daoism *** | WHO: China, Lauzi/ WHAT: A religion based on the philosophy of Laozi that taught the followers to find their place in nature (doa=the way or path of nature). Taught the concept of yin-yang, the idea that one entity can't exist without its opposite. WHEN: 5th century BCE onward WHERE: China WHY: Though not as important as Confucianism, the concept protected nature and taught the followers to avoid futile struggles, in a sense avoiding rebellion. | 35 | |
| 205475804 | Legalism | WHO: China, Hanfeizi WHAT: A school of philosophy that was used during the Chinese Warring states period and influenced the Qin Dynasty. Told that the only way to gain social harmony was through strict laws and absolute power. Influenced citizens to spy on each other, harsh punishments on the bad-natured, etc. WHEN: Qin Dynasty/Warring States era WHERE: China WHY: Such an idea led to absolute power during the Qin Dynasty (much like North Korea today). This idea was used to reunite the warring states under the Qin dynasty, and was practically how the Qin dynasty was ruled. | 36 | |
| 205475805 | Qin Dynasty | WHO: Chinese, Qin Shi Huandi WHAT: Following the Zhou dynasties decline and the warring states period, the nation was reunified through Legalism under the Qin power. During this time was the Mongolian invasion, so much of the great wall was built (though it was a complete failure). As an autocracy, Qin had absolute power, and established many standards in china (coinage, weight, etc). Through such tyranny Qin had unpopularity, and was overthrown by peasants, leading to the Han dynasty. WHEN: 221 BCE - 204 BCE WHERE: China WHY: Ended the period of Warring States and reunified China. Legalism was used here, and much of the unsuccessful great wall was built. A period of autocracy for China. | 37 | |
| 205475806 | Shi Huangdi | WHO: Qin Shi Huangdi, the leader of the Qin dynasty. WHAT: The person who ruled over the Qin dynasty with autocratic (absolute) rule. WHEN: ruled from 221 BCE to 204 BCE WHERE: China WHY: Using legalism to end the Warring States era, Huangdi united China again under autocratic rule, and set many standards during such time such as coinage (tax), weight, etc. Built much of the great wall under his rule, and his unpopularity led to a peasant family establishing the Han Dynasty. | 38 | |
| 205475807 | Han Dynasty | WHO: Emperor Wuti, Peasant family, Liu Bang WHAT: Founded by Liu Bang, the Han Dynasty followed the Qin dynasty and blended Confucius ideals and legalistic basics into the a combination of their values. "Equivalent to the Roman Empire", the Han dynasty expanded in Asia. Somewhat a bureaucracy (a system in which several non-elect administrators rule). Under Emperor Wuti, the period was at its prime. Afterwards, the use of child rulers was instituted, and powerful landowners often exploited peasants to try to rebel (and though generals were sent to settle with this, they would get power and become warlords). WHEN: 202 BCE onward for over 400 years (around 220 CE) WHERE: China WHY: During the Han dynasty, China prospered through agriculture, art, population growth, etc. During such time, China officially became a Confucian state. This gave the Chinese a sense of unity, and this dynasty was one known to be ruled justly. EXPANDED CHINESE INFLUENCE AND CULTURE to Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Central Asia. | 39 | |
| 205475808 | Mauryan Dynasty | WHO: Indians, Chandragupta WHAT: The first dynasty of India as a reaction to Alexander the Greats invasion and colonization of India. WHEN: 332 B.C.E. WHERE: India, along the Ganges River WHY: Unified the subcontinent. Took much culture and governing ideas from Middle East and Greece. Many great figures of India, including Chandragupta and Ashoka, rose in the era. Both figures worked to improve trade and communications (relationships) with other nations. Ashoka, once bloodthirsty, later believed in Dharma (what one does in one life affects another). Thus, he promoted more peace and improved relations with the people of his country, and those of his country and others (expanded trade to Eurasia and Africa). Depended on army power. | 40 | |
| 205475809 | Gupta Dynasty | WHO: The Guptas, India WHAT: Rule of the Gupta kings over India, after a hundred years of political instability following the collapse of the Kushan state, those who invaded and ruled India after the fall of Ashoka's Mauryan kingdom. WHEN: 320 C.E. WHERE: India (Northern) WHY: Rulers preferred to negotiate with local princes and intermarry the families, expanding influence, without fighting. Known to give India its time of most political stability. Claimed they were appointed by the gods, who promoted Hinduism. Taxed heavily (one sixth of agriculture), and let defeated kingdoms be autonomous, so long as they accepted Guptan dominance. BUILT roads, promoted art, education, university, etc. "Golden Age". GAVE POWERFUL RISE TO HINDUISM, ESPECIALLY OVER BUDDHISM. Gave rise to one of the first universities. | 41 | |
| 205475810 | Chandragupta | WHO: Chandragupta WHAT: A soldier who, in response to Alexander the Great's invasion of India and creation of Bactria, seized power along the Ganges River. WHEN: 322 B.C.E. WHERE: India, along the Ganges River WHY: Was the first to react to Alexander the Great's invasion. Was the first of a series of Indian rulers of the Mauryan dynasty to unify much of India. Ruled with autocratic government, relying on the ruler's personal and military power. Grandfather of Ashoka. Worked to improve trade and communication. | 42 | |
| 205475811 | Buddhism | WHO: Gautama, India, Mauryans (Ashoka) WHAT: Gautama, who questioned the bad of the world under Hinduism, tortured his body and searched for an answer, which he, later named the Buddha, or enlightened one, would later preach. Many Hindu ideas. A religion in which peace is promoted. WHEN: 332 B.C.E. WHERE: India. WHY: Another input of Indian life to promote peace. Led to complexity of life. Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, a once murderous king, chose a life of peace after adopting the Buddhist idea of dharma. VERY APPEALING AS IT OFFERED AN ESCAPE FROM THE CASTE SYSTEM. Was opposed by powerful Hindu Brahmins, and later became dominant in S.E. Asia rather than India. | 43 | |
| 205475812 | Hinduism | WHO: Prominently Indians WHAT: A religion that instituted the caste system and was used to govern the lives and the country of India. Strict in India, purpose was to be on with the god, Brahma. WHEN: 320 B.C.E. (Vedic and Epic Ages, around 1500-1000 BCE Vedic, 1000-600 BCE Epic). WHERE: India WHY: This specific religion was used to govern during the Gupta dynasty, as the Guptas claimed they were chosen by the Hindu gods. The caste system was in this religion, which was a major part of Indian life. Pursued Political and economic goals (Artha) and worldly pleasures (Karma). Questioned divinity over rituals. Flexible religion, appealed to many as it could adapt and coexist with other religions. Encouraged hope and well behavior in one's current life. Influenced Gautama to seek Buddhism. Influenced much of Indian culture. Merchants enjoyed a decent caste placement and therefore could trade more easily. | 44 | |
| 205475813 | Alexander the Great | WHO: The ruler of Greece and the Hellenstic Empire. WHAT: Alexander the Great gained power over Greece from his Father, Philip of Macedonia. Alexander led conquests into the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, conquering the states of Persia, India, and Egypt. Eventually he died at 33, practically destroying the Hellenistic Empire. Had teachings from Aristotle. WHEN: Reigned from 336-323 BCE WHERE: Greece, Hellenistic Empire WHY: Was the leader of Greece that conquered much of Asia and the Mediterranean. Due to him, Greek philosophies and culture mixed with the conquered states, creating cultural diffusion. With his death, the Hellenistic Empire lost much strength. | 45 | |
| 205475814 | Mycenaean **** | WHO: Greeks WHAT: As the last phase of the bronze age in greece, The state of Mycenaean Greece was immortalized in Homer's epics about the Trojan war. WHEN: 1400 BCE WHERE: Greece WHY: The last phase of Greece when it was in the Bronze age. Immortalized in Homers epics for the Trojan War. | 46 | |
| 205475815 | Polis | WHO: Greeks WHAT: The Greek term for a city-state (an urban center and the agricultural territory it controls). Such states were typical in Greece in the time. Some oligarchic (council ruling), some democratic (the people ruling), etc. WHEN: 800-400 B.C.E. WHERE: Greece WHY: Typical type of government system in Greece in the time. Athens and Sparta were "Polis's". City-states ruled independantly, yet had strong networks culturally (and through trade). Many times they went to war with each other. Served well for Greece as mountains would have been difficult for a central government. | 47 | |
| 205475816 | Sparta | WHO: Greeks, Spartans. WHAT: One of the two city states/polis's of Greece that lead overall Greece. Sparta was the strong military aristocracy ruling slaves. Sparta and Athens were on good terms and cooperated, building colonies in the Mediterranean. Eventually the two city states broke out into war due to Athenian conquest (the Peloponessian war) with Sparta coming out as victor. In 338 B.C.E., Macedonian kings now ruled the empire. WHEN: 800 B.C.E. WHERE: Greece WHY: Sparta was the state that eventually conquered its opposing state, Athens, becoming the leader of Greece over a period of time. As the military autocracy of Greece, many other Polis's seeked Greek help during times of war (Athenians during the Battle of Marathon). | 48 | |
| 205475817 | Athens | WHO: Greeks, Athenians, Themistocles, Pericles WHAT: One of the two city states/polis's of Greece that lead overall Greece. Athens was the artistic and intellectual leadership state, that used slaves. Sparta and Athens were on good terms and cooperated, building colonies in the Mediterranean. With Athens power, The Persian empire invaded Greece and fought at the battle of Marathon, and lost (again at the battle of Salamis), establishing Greece as the strongest power in the world. Under Pericles' guidance, the state was powerful, yet constant urging from the democracy to conquest further led to war with Sparta in the Peloponessian war with Sparta coming out as victor. In 338 B.C.E., Macedonian kings now ruled the empire. WHEN: 800 B.C.E. WHERE: Greece WHY: This state was what gave Greece its fame after defeating the Persian Empire. Known as the Polis for intellectuals, this state was the first to have a democracy. | 49 | |
| 205475818 | Persian War | WHO: Greeks (Mainly Athenians and Spartans) against the Persians, King Darius, King Xerxes, Themistocles. WHAT: Two wars that was fought between the Greek polis's and the Persians. Basically, it started due to Athenian support of the state of Ionia, a state under Persian rule. The first was of the Battle of Marathon between the Athenians and the Persians, that resulted in a Greek victory. The second was of the battles of Thermopylae (Spartans vs Persians, Persian victory) and Salamis (Athenians vs Persians; Themistocles announced surrender, and retaliated with a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Persians; Athenian victory). WHEN: 490 BCE WHERE: Greece WHY: The Persian War ultimately ended by Athens coming out as the strongest city state, the Persian Empire now weakened and second to Greece, and the Delian league (a unification of the Greek city states with Athens as the leader, fighting against Persia in case they came back). This, overall, made Greece the Strongest power in the world at its time. | 50 | |
| 205475819 | Peloponnesian War | WHO: Greeks (Spartans and Athenians) WHAT: A long, drawn out war between the Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens. Athens' imperialism (conquest) and arrogance led to Spartan retaliation, and though the Athenians had a strong Navy, the Spartans prevailed due to Athenian errors and financing from the Persians. Athens was hence ruled by Sparta WHEN: 431 BCE - 404 BCE WHERE: Greece (Athens/Sparta). Had naval battles WHY: The war between the two city-states positioned one of the two (Spartans) in power over the large empire. The fact that Persians financed the Spartans to defeat Athens could largely be due to the loss the Persians were dealt at the Battle of Marathon (and eventually the loss at the Battle of Salamis in which Themistocles deceived King Xerxes of Persia to gain a victory) suggests that the Persians wanted revenge on Athens. The War, lasting so long, produced incredibly wide-spread poverty over Greece as well as inducing constant civil war. Known to end the golden age of Greece. | 51 | |
| 205475820 | Hellenistic Empire | WHO: The Greek; Alexander the Great; (conquered empires such as Egypt, India, and Persia) WHAT: After the Peloponnesian War, kings forom Macedonia conquered the cities and the empire. Phillip of Macedonia won the battle, and this son, Alexander the Great, led conquests. Alexander of Macedonia. Conquered states such as Egypt, Persia, and India. Practically ended with the death of Alexander. WHEN: 323 BCE -146 BCE WHERE: Greece, Persia, India, Egypt (Practically Mediterranean and south-west Asia) WHY: The influence that Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle had over Alexander of Macedonia eventually led to their philosophies being passed on to the conquered states (influence). Other things such as the Olympics were also influenced and art. Expanded trade and science in conquered nations. | 52 | |
| 205475821 | Greek Philosophy-Socrates, Plato, Aristotle | WHO: Greeks, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle WHAT: Philosophy taught by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: -SOCRATES: question conventional wisdom, with a base of humans improving the soul. -PLATO: (student of Socrates) Human reasoning could approach an understanding of the absolutely true, good, and beautiful. -ARISTOTLE: (taught Alexander the Great) The importance of balancing human behavior against political life and religion. WHEN: Socrates: 469 BCE. Plato: 428 BCE. Aristotle: 384 BCE WHERE: Greece WHY: The teachings of these three philosophers were great advancements in human thinking, especially int he Greek society. Though the Greeks had their own religion, these forms of thinking carved political figures, such as Alexander the great. | 53 | |
| 205475822 | Hellenistic Philosophies ***** | WHO: Greeks WHAT: Philosophies (Cynicism/the motivation of selfishness, Skepticism/Doubt, Epicureanism/the goal of hapiness, and Stoicism/indifference of pleasure and pain) that attracted the better educated. WHEN: 3rd Century CE WHERE: Greece WHY: A set of philosophies that shaped the Hellensitic Empire's way of thinking, among what was already made. | 54 | |
| 205475823 | Roman Republic | WHO: Romans WHAT: An empire, starting out as a monarchy that got ran out by aristocrats, who conquered the rest of Italy, and later the Romans. With a strong military, the state was a hiearchy (though there was a growing lower class). Had a pait of councils, a military and a civil one. Lower class Plebians elected Tribunes, those who criticized unjust laws. When in chaos, a dictator was appointed, and in peace, a republic was maintained. Following the Punic Wars Rome gained much of Europe and northern Africa, WHEN: 509 B.C.E. WHERE: Italy to Europe to the western part of Central Asia. WHY: This state was able to conquer the Greeks, the strongest empire of the day. As the new strongest empire, they implemented much of Greek culture into their own. | 55 | |
| 205475824 | Punic Wars | WHO: Romans, Carthage people, general Hannibal WHAT: Any of three wars between Rome and Carthage. Resulted in the destruction of Carthage and the Roman gain of Spain, Africa, Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, etc. WHEN: 264 BCE - 146 BCE WHERE: Northern Africa/The city of Carthage WHY: Rome expands in size by defeating the Carthage people. | 56 | |
| 205475825 | Roman Empire | WHO: Romans, Augustus Caesar WHAT: An empire led by Augustus Caesar following the Roman Republic's assasination of Julius Caesar. Was the major power of its time, and had strong connections. In 195 CE the empire was split into two: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern/Byzantine Empire. WHEN: 27 BCE WHERE: Rome; Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia. WHY: The Roman Empire led to the creation of the Byzantine and Western Roman Empires. As the Roman empire conquered many lands, they influenced the language, religion, philosophy, and overall culture of the conquered areas. As a resolve to reunite the two halves of the Roman empire, Constantine, in 313 CE, adopted Christianity. Overall, the Roman empire was the end of the Roman power. | 57 | |
| 205475826 | Julius Caesar | WHO: Roman general/ruler of Rome WHAT: Once the Roman Republic became too unstable, two generals fought for power, and the winner, Julius Caesar, gained it. Through a series of conquests, he mainly installed Cleopatra as queen of Egypt, and was appointed Dictator for life. He was the last leader of the Rome Republic, who adopted Octavian (Augustus) Caesar, and would be executed. WHEN: 45 BCE - 27 BCE (rule) WHERE: Rome; Europe/Northern Africa WHY: As the last leader of the Roman Republic, Julius appointed Cleopatra as queen of Egypt, and expanded Rome. In spite of his victories, his followers feared him becoming corrupt, and unknowingly assassinated the innocent man. His adopted son, Octavian/Augustus, would become the leader of the Empire of Rome. | 58 | |
| 205475827 | Augustus Caesar | WHO: Roman ruler, adoptive son Julius Caesar WHAT: The adopted son of Julius Caesar, he overcame rivalries following the death of Caesar and became the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Under his power, he rebuilt Rome, instituted art, had trade with Africa for a food supply for his people. He also was autocratic and implemented tax collectors WHEN: 27 BCE WHERE: Rome/Europe and Northern Africa WHY: The first emperor of the Roman Empire who rebuilt Rome, instituted Art, and fed his people with food traded from Africa. Was autocratic, but was a good start for the Roman Empire. Discouraged typical crimes (especially adultery, a reason why he exiled his daughter). | 59 | |
| 205475828 | Roman expansion | WHO: Romans WHAT: The Expansion of the Roman power from a small city in Italy to the entire Italian peninsula, to, following the Punic Wars, Much of Europe, Africa, and Mesopotamia. Eventualy the Roman Empire split into two, the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Byzantine Empire. Pressure from the East made the Roman Empire build walls for protection, but in the fifth century CE the western half colpases (and in the 15th century CE so did the East). WHEN: Fourth century BCE to 5th Century CE (up to 15th Centurty CE for eastern half). WHERE: Rome, Italy, Europe, Northern Africa, Mesopotamia. WHY: The overall story of the Roman empire. How the roman empire grew, gained power, what lands it influenced culturally, and how it eventually was divided. Also gave rise to new powers that defeated it in the end. | 60 | |
| 205475829 | Roman Roads | WHO: Romans WHAT: Roads built by Rome (stone). Allowed for better transportation across the republic and empire. WHEN: 500 BCE onward WHERE: Rome/Roman territory (Europe) WHY: The Roman roads were very important in terms of Roman transportation across the territory of the state. Through this, better military, communication, and trade transportation was introduced. A lot like the Persian road system during the Persian empire. | 61 | |
| 205475830 | Roman Law | WHO: Romans WHAT: A law system based on the philosophy that a natural law system should be implemented than a man-made one. In other words, it stressed the importance of things given by the gods, such as equality, and the innocense of a man until proven guilty. Basically meant no one man was above the law. The laws were inscribed on Twelve bronze tablets in 451 BCE and spread throughout the republic. WHEN: 451 BCE onward WHERE: Roman Republic/Territory WHY: A law system like Hammurabi code. Implemented that the law system was always just and held no one person above it. However, unlike the Hammurabi law code system, there was no patriarchal society mentioned, meaning that women weren't lacking any rights that mean had (mostly). | 62 | |
| 205475831 | Latifunda | WHO: Romans WHAT: Pieces of property owned by rich landowners that worked slaves. Work was basically agriculture meant for export. WHEN: 2nd century BCE WHERE: Roman Republic/Territory. WHY: A system of Latifundas basically were fast, cheap labor to create crops for export. Basically very good for trade, and accounted for Roman income and expansion. | 63 | |
| 205475832 | Trade in the Mediterranean **** | WHO: Romans WHAT: Trade between the states that bordered the Mediterranean (and those of the silk road that had to go from their own state to reach the Mediterranean states). WHEN: 509 BCE onward WHERE: Mediterranean WHY: Trade within the Mediterranean, was a focal point of economy; those of the silk road would travel to countries close to the Mediterranean, so they could do trade with the states along this sea (though they weren't the only ones who the travelers traded with). Important in terms of economic growth and cultural diffusion. | 64 | |
| 205475833 | Jesus | WHO: A Jew born in the Roman Empire WHAT: A Jewish nomad (in a sense) who traveled for three years in Roman territory teaching the ideas of peace, the dangers of attatchement to material wealth, the distinguishment between Samaritans, Jews, and Gentiles. His teachings opposed Judaism (esp. since at some point he was called "king of the Jews"). During his travels, he was said to preform miracles. He was executed by the Romans, but according to the Christian faith, he came back to give his final teachings. WHEN: 7 BCE - 36 CE WHERE: Roman Empire, traveled within the Roman territory of the time (Europe, Jerusalem/Mideast, etc. WHY: Due to his actions (miracles, etc.) and teachings, especially due to his ressurection (causing him to be called the son of God) he was the basis for Christianity, a religion in which many were prosecuted, and many more ruled by. | 65 | |
| 205475834 | Christianity | WHO: Christians, Middle Easterners, Asians, People of the Mediterranean, Roman Empire, Spread to most of the world eventually. WHAT: A religion based on the teachings of Jesus (as well as adaptations of Jewish teachings, which is what Jesus taught anyways) that was used to prosecute many and to rule over specific nations. WHEN: Started in the first century CE WHERE: Middle East, More of Asia and Mediterranean, Europe, spread. WHY: As a religion that taught the teachings of someone to be called "the son of God", the religion spread rapidly. Within the fourth century CE, the religion had spread to the Roman empire, becoming the dominant religion. This religion was used to persecute people during the execution of the followers of Jesus by the Romans, and also united people and was a way not only of life, but of ruling, especially in Europe. | 66 | |
| 205475835 | Constantine | WHO: A Roman emperor WHAT: A Roman emperor who tried to unite his split up empire (had split up into Western Roman Empire and Easter Byzantine Empire) through the use of Christianity, legalizing it in the Roman territory. (NOTE, THE FOLLOWING MANY NOT BE RELIABLE INFORMATION: Apparently, Constantine had a vision of a cross after asking divine help for a battle his army was to face. After winning, he declared Christianity as a Rome-approved religion, yet this method doesn't state how he tried to use Christianity to unify his nation). WHEN: 312 CE - 337 CE WHERE: Roman Empire/Territory WHY: Through his work, Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire, the strongest empire of the time. This led to spread of Christianity and the roots of which that later empires would actually use to rule (the Pope). | 67 | |
| 205475836 | Diocletian | WHO: Roman Emperor WHAT: A strong Roman emperor who had to deal with several problems (military, inflation, government finance, etc). Seeing the Roman empire as too vast, he decided split the Empire into two halves: West and East (Byzantine, which Diocletian was Augustus of, and another co-emperor was the Augustus of the west). He tried to fight inflation with taxing, maintain an imperial currency and a government budget, etc. He led the last Roman persecution of the Christian (which resulted with Christianity still being the dominant religion). Upon his retirement, WHEN: 284 C.E WHERE: Roman Empire/territory (eventually to Eastern Roman Empire/Byzantine) WHY: Under his rule, the final persecution of the Christians was led, but failed as Christianity was still dominant. He was also responsible for the separation of the Roman empire into two states (though he did try to deal with other issues and thought this idea best). With his retirement, civil war broke out. | 68 | |
| 205475837 | Silk Road | WHO: Chinese and Romans primarily (included Egyptions, Mesopotamians, Persians, Indians, etc). WHAT: A series of trade routes that connected China with Asia and the Mediterranean, via land and sea. VERY important in terms of developement as it was responsible for the growth of great civilizations from the stated nations. Silk Road named possible from the SIlk that China exculisively made, which as so valuable at the time, as it was the only one of its kind, which Romans frequently sought. WHEN: WHERE: China, to Asia, to Mediterranean (including Roman Empire). WHY: The silk road was a vast trade route responsible for the growth of several nations. However, not only was this system good for economically, the merchants of these routes were responsible for cultural diffusion, as well as overall communication. | 69 | |
| 205475838 | Fall of Roman Empire | WHO: Romans, the Huns, Visigoth, Germanic tribes, etc. WHAT: Due to pirates (Attila and the Huns, Visigoth, etc) The trade routes of Rome were attacked and cut off. Gold and silver was spent so much by the wealthy on foreign product, that along with the stated piracy, inflation occurred in Rome as the coins were made with less silver. Loyalty was lost in the military, patriotism was lost, nobles and residents of Rome abandoned administering cities to Rural areas to grow food, etc. All the wile Germanic invaders and the Huns invaded the Roman empire, eventually ending with barbarians ruling the Roman empire and Germans ruling the west by adopting much of the Roman culture. WHEN: 476 CE (actual fall). WHERE: Roman Empire/territory WHY: The steady loss of wealth for the Roman empire causing it to fall was big. The Roman empire, a strong, influential power for hundreds of years, was now gone. This led to rule by other nations and gave way to other cultures (as Germans adopted Roman culture, etc). | 70 | |
| 205475839 | Germanic Invaders | WHO: Germans WHAT: Invaders who, (along with the Huns, Visigoths, Franks, Angles, Sacons, allemanni, vandals, etc.) overthrew Roman rule by destroying their finances via their trade networks. Eventually, after the fall of Rome, these people ruled the West of Europe, but still adopted Roman culture. Their migration to the Roman empire was due to the Huns. WHEN: 476 CE WHERE: Europe/Roman territory. WHY: These people are some of those responsible for the fall of the Roman Empire, an influential and powerful empire that ruled for many centuries. Eventually gained control of Western Europe and adopted Roman culture. | 71 | |
| 205475840 | Huns | WHO: Central Asian people (who spoke Turkish), Atilla the Hun, Huns. WHAT: A nomadic people who, under Atilla, the warrior-king of the Huns, led conquests that forced Germanic tribes to migrate into the Roman empire. It was due to him (and in part the Germans) who destroyed the Roman empire. Quickly displeasure with Atilla's death in the fifth century. WHEN: 4th and 5th centuries CE. WHERE: Central Asia. Into Roman territory in Europe. WHY: It was due to Atilla that the Germanic tribes were forced into Roman territory, and due to both of these people, the Roman empire was destroyed financially. Germans eventually took over the roll of the Romans by adopting their culture. Basically responsible for the downfall of one of the most powerful empires in history. | 72 | |
| 205475841 | Early Byzantine Empire **** | WHO: Romans (eastern) WHAT: The Empire of Eastern Rome after Rome was split into east and west by Diocletian. WHEN: 285 CE -1461 CE WHERE: Rome/Europe (eastern Roman territory). WHY: The half of Rome ruled by Diocletian after the split up of Rome. Led to civil war with the west, along with other conflicts. | 73 |
