FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

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What are the 8 traits of a civilization?

Are there cities and administrative centers?
Is there is a political system based upon a defined territory?
Is there labor specialization? (different jobs)
Are there social classes based upon the accumulation of wealth?
Are there monumental buildings?
Is there a system to keep permanent records?
Does long distance trade take place?
Do science and art exist?
MESOPOTAMIA

What is a city state?

cities that were self governed. At the center of each city-state was a ziggurat temple surrounded by courts and
buildings. The city-state also included the farmland outside of the city. Homes and public buildings were constructed
out of sun-dried mud brick
Name the rivers that run through Mesopotamia
Tigris and Euphrates
Explain 3 disadvantages of the Mesopotamian plain
dry land, hot summers, unpredictable flooding, little rain
Name 3 Gods worshipped in Ancient Mesopotamia
Anu- god of the sky and father of the gods, archetypal king
Enlil- Lord Storm, god of winds and storms
Enki- god of underwater fresh waters
Inanna (Ishtar)- goddess of fertility and love
How did the creation of a surplus of grain give rise to civilization in Mesopotamia?
people could live in cities, work at jobs other than farming which allowed for greater population growth and the ability
to stay in one place and set up cities
What was Hammurabis code and why was it important?
Hammurabi was the king of Babylon and conquered many city-states, building an empire. He provided uniformity
among city states by enacting a code of law. The code of law provided consistent justice and covered many aspects of
daily life.
it was a code of exact revenge aka lex talionis (an eye for an eye)
sumerian law was partly administered by the state but the victim had to bring the criminal to the court. Once the court
made a decision, a court official would sentence the guilty
not everyone was equal under the law
The Epic of Gilgamesh
a story of the priest king of Uruk which was located on the Euphrates river 50 miles northwest of Ur. He is a cruel ruler
that gets a friend named Enkidu, who ends up dying from illness. Gilgamesh goes on a journey to seek immortality.
Cities of Ur and Uruk
Uruk- an ancient city of Sumer and later Babylonia, situated east of the present bed of the Euphrates river. It was
located on the Euphrates river and in southern Mesopotamia.
Ur- located where Tigris and Euphrates run into the Persian gulf. This made it a major trading city.
Ziggurat
a temple that housed a citys patron god or goddess. Only priests were permitted inside the ziggurat and this made
them a powerful member of Sumerian Society. The ziggurat was located in the center of the city and would rise above
other buildings
Cuneiform
the worlds first writing system that meant wedge-shaped. Sumerians wrote on clay tablets that would be dried in the
sun or fired in kilns, making writing permanent. Symbols would be combined to make words
Pictographs
images that stand for ideas or words
Stylus
the tool used by scribes to inscribe cuneiform on clay tablets
Stele
the object upon which all of Hammurabis code was engraved on. It was placed in public for everyone to see
C.E
common era
B.C.E
before common era
EGYPT

What was The Book of the Dead?

The book of the dead was a collection of ancient funerary texts that were also called Book of Coming Forth by Day
How did they mummify people, what were the steps and different jobs involved?.
Who were the Hyksos, Hittites, Phoenicians and Sea Peoples?
The hyksos were a mixed group of Asiatic people from Western Asia who took over the eastern Nile Delta, ending the
Thirteenth Dynasty of Egypt and initiating the Second Intermediate Period. The Phoenicians were a great maritime
people, known for their mighty ships adorned with horses heads in honor of their god of the sea,Yamm, the brother of
Mot, the god of death that lived among the Mediterranean Sea. The Sea Peoples were raiders who traveled on sea and
they sailed around the eastern Mediterranean and invaded Anatolia, Syria, Canaan, Cyprus, and Egypt toward the end
of the Bronze Age.]
What was the Egyptian Social Class Structure?
The structure went from the pharaoh, government officials, priests, scribes, artisans, and lastly peasants and slaves.
Rosetta Stone, who deciphered it?
The Rosetta Stone is a slab of stone that has ancient Egyptian engravings on it including three languages which is
ancient egyptian hieroglyphics, greek writing, and demotic writing. The one who deciphered it was in 1822 is JeanFranois Champollion.
Gods and Goddesses, what were their roles?
The most revered and important gods and goddesses in ancient egypt was Ra, Isis, Osiris, Horus, and Thoth.
Ra: Known as king of the gods and the famous of them all. The sun deity so god of all solar related like sun, light,
warmth, etc
Isis: Mother and goddess of magic and nature. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans and the downtrodden,
but she also listened to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats and rulers
Osiris: The god of the afterlife and the underworld. was merciful to those in the underworld.
Horus: Falcon-headed god. Sky god who has the power of the sun and moon.
Thoth: Baboon-headed god who is to be believed to be the son of Ra. Served as a power in the middle between good
and evil.

The importance of the Nile River and its cataracts

The Nile River was very important because it brought fertilization to ancient egypt and provided them with good soil
and water to plant crops which they ate from. Also, cataracts are shallow lengths of the Nile River, between Aswan and
Khartoum, where the surface of the water is broken by many small boulders and stones protruding out of the river bed.

Upper Egypt v. Lower Egypt, where were they?

Upper Egypt: (Actually near the bottom of the map): Located near the south and stretched to Syene.
Lower Egypt: (Actually on top of Upper Egypt): the Nile River stretched out with its several branches to form the Nile
Delta and located more to the north. two distinct, highly civilized cultures, Tasian and Badarian, existed in Lower Egypt.
Basically, upper and lower egypt was just ancient Egypt that was divided into two regions.
Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt united around 4000 BCE, which was a development believed by many scholars to signal
the true beginning of Egyptian history.
Memphis
Memphis was the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch which was a subdivision of Lower Egypt.
Thebes
Greek name for a city in Ancient Egypt located 800 km east of the Mediterranean Sea. Architecture reached its zenith
in the ancient capital of Thebes, from where the priesthood virtually ruled the country as a theocracy for the next 450
years
Sphinx
is a mythical creature with, as a minimum, the body of a lion and a human head. In Greek tradition, it has the
haunches of a lion, sometimes with the wings of a great bird, and the face of a human. Egypt created huge lifelike
stone sculptures to place in front of pyramids or the kings palace.
Valley of the Kings
is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed
for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.
Pyramids
Most important and seen sculpture in Egypt. 3D limestone constructed triangular pyramid that had many purposes
such as being used to bury dead people, hold ancient artifacts, place nobles and wealthy people into with their
possessions.
Cartouche
It is a carved tablet or drawing representing a scroll with rolled-up ends, used ornamentally or bearing an inscription.
Papyrus
It is a plant and it is a reed that grows in marshy areas around the Nile river. In ancient Egypt, the wild plant was used
for a variety of uses, and specially cultivated papyrus, grown on plantations, was used to make the writing material.
The inside of the triangular stalk was cut or peeled into long strips.
BELIEF SYSTEMS

For each belief systems, answer the following questions

What is the country of origin?
What is year established?
List the sects/groups that are a part of the belief system.
Who founded the religion?
What is the religious text(s) used for this religion?
What are the major ideals or teachings of the belief system?
Judaism: The country of its origin is North Arabia. Founded in 2000 BCE. Famous groups was the Orthodox and the
Reform. In the Orthodox God gave Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai. Abraham founded Judaism. Religious texts were
the Torah, Tanakh(Hebrew Scripture) and the Talmud. Major Teachings were the Ten Commandments and Judaism was
monotheistic where they believed there was only 1 God and that there was no need for a priest to communicate for a
person and God.
Christianity: Country and its origin was in Judea in 33 CE. Famous groups was Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox,
Protestant, and Anglican. Founder of Christianity was Jesus Christ and the Bible was the only religious text. Also major
teachings were the ten commandments, the resurrection of the Lord, and the Trinity: the father, the spirit, and the son.
Islam: Country and its origin was South Arabia in 7th century CE. Their famous groups and sects were the Sunni and
the Shia. Founder of Islam was Muhammad and the religious text they use is the Quran. Major teachings were the Five
pillars of Islamic faith with includes: faith, prayer, pilgrimage, alms, and fasting. They also teach Allah and the Afterlife.
Zoroastrianism: Country and its origin is Persia in 6th century BCE. NO FAMOUS GROUPS OR SECTS. Zarathustra
founded this religion. Religious texts were the Gathas which were 17 hymns that reflected Zoroasters new teachings
and lay a foundation for ideas about nature and the universe. Major teachings were the Spenta Mainyu(progressive
mentality), Angra Mainyu(destructive mentality).
Hinduism: Country and its origin is in India in 2000 BCE. There were no specific groups or sects of religion, but in
different parts of India people worshipped their own gods. They Aryans that came to India created this religion.
Religious texts were the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and famous epics. Their major teachings was that there is
one god throughout the universe but takes many forms. Dharma=law, samsara=right action, rebirth, karma,
muskha=liberation.
Buddhism: Country and its origin is from India and spread to many parts of Asia, mostly China later on, and occurred
in the 5th century B.C. Siddhartha Guatama founded this religion. Famous groups of religion is the Theravada,
Mahayana, and the Vajrayana. Religious texts used was the Tripitaka, Mahayana Sutras, and the Tibetan Book of the
dead. Famous teachings were the 4 Noble truths, the eightfold path of Buddha, and Dharma, karma, nirvana, and
Darmachakra which was the wheel.
Types of Buddhism:
Confucianism: Founded in China in the 6th century BCE. NO FAMOUS GROUPS OR RELIGIOUS SECTS. Founder of
Confucianism was Kong Qiu(Confucius). Their religious texts were the Analects(Lunyu), 5 classics(Wujing), 4
books(Sishu). Major teachings were the social and political teachings.
Taoism: Founded in China in 475 BCE. NO FAMOUS OR RELIGIOUS GROUPS. Laozi was the one who founded Taoism.
Religious texts were Zhuangzi, Daode Jing, and Yijing. Major teachings were the Dao=first cause of universe, force
flows through all life. Wu wei= Let nature take its course. Nothing is manmade, and peace in nature. Yin and Yang=
balance between good and evil. Yin means feminine, weak, cold and Yang means masculine, light, warm, and strong.
MODERN MIDDLE EAST
End of the Byzantine Empire 1453
On May 29, 1453 CE, Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks and the Byzantine Empire came to an end.
Constantinople was transformed into the Islamic city of Istanbul.
Ottoman Empire 15th Century
Sykes-Picot Agreement 1916
On May 19, 1916, representatives of Great Britain and France secretly reach an accord, known as the Sykes-Picot
agreement, by which most of the Arab lands under the rule of the Ottoman Empire are to be divided into British and
French spheres of influence with the conclusion of World War I.
Balfour Declaration 1917
Created in November of 1917 by the British to make the Jewish communities in America and Britain to think that they
were creating a land dedicated to the Jews. This land was Palestine which for the Arabs didnt think was right as it was
there land.
Armenian Genocide
IN 1915, the Ottoman Empire had planned to rid the land of Armenians. The Ottoman Empire was collapsing and the
Armenians wanted a land of their own and were promised one by the russians so they revolted against the Ottomans
British Mandate in Palestine 1922
UN Partition Plan 1947
The Un partition PLan was the proposal of having the UN decide that ISrael be split into two parts:one Arab, another
Jewish. While Jerusalem becomes an international zone watched over internationally.

Israel Independence 5/14/48

Israel announces freedom and asks for recognition as own nation.
Israeli War for Independence 5/15/48
After Israel had claimed independence, they were attacked by surrounding arab nations (Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi
Arabia and Lebanon).
Suez Canal Crisis
In 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal which resulted in a joint attack from
ISrael, France, and Britain. The nationalization went against the plans of the French and Brits. yet was a legal move on
the Egyptians part. so the french and brits tried to convince israel to help and overthrow Nasser. nasser had
nationalized the canal so that he could control revenue and use it for his modernization plans of building Aswan High
Dam.
6 Day War 1967
A tactical strategy that destroyed most to all of Egypts air support in only three hours. this was called operation
FOCUS and was devised to have superiority in the air during the next 6 days of ground war, gaining the Sinai peninsula
and the Gaza Strip. The IAF (Israeli Air Force) was highly prepared and had a beautiful execution of the operation due
to years of planning and such.
Yom Kippur War 1973
This was an Egyptian military attempt to regain the land the ISraelis took during the Six day war. The plan wasn't so
that the attack be successful or not, but to convince the Israelis that peace was necessary as Egypt was still a force to
be reckoned with.
UN Resolution 242
created after the Six Day War and was unanimously accepted.
it requested the withdrawal of Israel
Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial
integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and
recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force.
Camp David Peace Accords 1978
A signed and agreed peace treaty between Israel (prime minister: Menachem Begin) and Egypt (president: Anwar el
Sadat) under the brokerage of US President Jimmy Carter.
Intifada
regarding two uprisings against the Israelis by the Palestinians.
Oslo Accords 1993
Jordanian-Israeli Peace Agreement 1994
Mustafa Kemal (reforms)
Iranian Revolution
West Bank
Gaza Strip
Occupied Territories
Zionism
Mandate
Partition
PLO
Palestinian organization founded to liberate Palestine
Hamas
a terrorist palestinian organization aimed at freeing Palestine
Al Qaeda
a terrorist organization
MODERN MIDDLE EAST
End of the Byzantine Empire 1453:
-End of Byzantine Empire finally happened in 1453 after an Ottoman army stormed Constantinople
Ottoman Empire 15th Century
Osman I: founder of the empire
-millet system -helped rule the large and diverse population. It helped maintain the vast empire for many years.
-continued to grow but could not keep up with advancements.
-was at war with Europe, disabling them to progress economically & cause revolts.
-Young Turks: enacted by western educated bureaucrats and military officers to fix empire(1890s). Pushed for: freedom
of speech, assembly, and press. They were the problem of nationalism within heterogeneous empire.
-19th century: empire suffered territorial losses from bad wars (ex: war of independence, Serbo-Turkish, Russo-Turkish
wars, and Italo-Turkish war). These set the Ottomans back further and during WWI, it caused them to surrender to
Allies (1918).
Sykes-Picot Agreement 1916
-Britain and France signed a secret agreement which called for the partition of Ottoman Empire lands in the Middle
East after World War I. According to this agreement, Britain would take control of Palestine. During this time, Zionist

leaders lobbied the British to allow for a Jewish state in Palestine. Britain and France agreed to divide up the Arab world
after the war.
Balfour Declaration 1917
-British Promise to the Jews. British committed itself to a Jewish national home in Palestine.
-Arthur James Balfour: His majestys government views with favor of the establishment in Palestine of a national home
for the Jewish people and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object.ppppp
-The British did not consult Palestinian Arabs, who made up almost 85% of population. Thus, the Palestinians opposed
the declaration as a violation of their rights.
-declaration seen as a great diplomatic victory for Zionism and Jewish immigration into Palestine increased.
Armenian Genocide
-Ottomans government systematic extermination of its Armenian subjects inside their homeland which lies in present
day Republic of Turkey
-total number of people killed is between 1 and 1.5 million people
-genocide was carried out during and after World War 1 and implemented two phases: wholesale killing of the male
population and deportation of women and children
British Mandate in Palestine 1922
When the Ottoman Empire fell at the end of the war in 1918, the British officially took control of Palestine as a
mandate (colony).
-Palestinian Arabs were outraged that although they comprised the large majority of the population Britain had not
allowed them to determine how Palestine would be governed. As Jewish immigration continued, Arab-Jewish tensions
rose, and by 1929 riots and attacks had left 133 Jews and 116 Arabs dead.
Arab Riots
-1936-1939 Arab Revolt in Palestine was a national uprising by Palestinian Arabs in mandatory palestine against British
colonial rule, as a demand for independence and opposition to the mass jewish immigration
Peel Commission Partition 1937
-formally known as the Palestinian Royal Commission
-British Royal commision of inquiry headed by Lord Peel appointed in 1963 to investigate the causes of unrest in british
mandate for palestine following the 6 month long arab general strike in mandatory palestine
-1937 commission published report that the mandate had become unworkable and recommended partition
British Whitepaper 1939
Limited Jewish immigration to Palestine to 75,000 over the next 5 years.
Ended Jewish land purchases.
I
ndependence for Palestine within 10 years.
NOT British policy.
Holocaust:
-genocide of the Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, Communists, and the disabled in Nazi occupied Europe
-Jews living in Jerusalem revolted against the Romans, Roman armies sacked Jerusalem (70 AD)
Adolf Hitler dictator of Germany, destroyed oppositions, highly centralized and militarized the government,
aggressive foreign policy
-Hitler believed that the Aryans were his master race (fair skinned, blue eyes, blonde hair)
-Nuremberg Laws: discriminatory laws against the Jews (Star of David, no intermarriage, removed from positions)
-Ghettos were set up in order to confine & segregate the Jews
-Warsaw Ghetto Uprising: largest ghetto where jewish occupants revolted
Aliyah Bet:
illegal Jewish immigration
1945-1947
UN Partition Plan 1947
-proposal developed by the United Nations which recommended a partition with Economic Union of Mandatory
Palestine
-creation of an independent Arab and Jewish states and the Special International Regime for the city of Jerusalem
termination of the Mandate, progressive withdrawal of British armed forces
-plan was accepted by the Jewish public
Israel declares Independence 5/14/48 & Israeli War for Independence 5/15/48
A provisional government in Israel issues the Israeli Declaration of Independence (1948). Israelis defeat the
Palestinians in the Israeli War that follows and establish the state of Israel.
Suez Canal Crisis
-on october 29, 1956, Israeli armed forces pushed into egypt toward the suez canal after egyptian president, Gamal
Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal in July of that same year, initiating the Suez Crisis
-israelis soon were joined by the French and british forces, which nearly brought the Soviet Union into the conflict and
damaged their relationships w the United States
British, French, and Israeli governments withdrew their troops
6 Day War 1967
-Israel launches air strikes against Egypt, beginning the Six-Day War. The war pits Israel against Egypt, Jordan, and
Syria and ends with the Israeli occupation of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank.
Yom Kippur War 1973
-Egypt, led by Anwar Sadat, attacks Israel on October 6, starting the Yom Kippur War.

-By October 9, both sides seek aid from their allies: Israel from the United States, and Egypt from the Soviet Union.
Over the next week, both superpowers airlift supplies to the warring Middle Eastern nations and put their own military
forces on alert. Israel gains the advantage, and a cease-fire is reached on October 22.
UN Resolution 242
-was adopted by the UN security council in 1967 after the Six Day war
-resolution was sponsored by the British ambassadors
-the ultimate goal is the achievement of a peaceful and accepted settlement = a negotiated agreement based on the
resolutions principles rather than one imposed upon the parties
Camp David Peace Accords 1978
U.S. President Carter invites Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister to begin Camp David.
-Egypt recognizes Israel as a country.
Israel gives Sinai peninsula back to Egypt.
First agreement between Israel and an Arab Nation
First Intifada 1987
-After years of frustration in their efforts to establish a Palestinian homeland, the Palestinian people engage in a series
of small-scale demonstrations and riots directed against Israelis that become known as the Palestinian Intifada
("shaking off").
Second Intifada 2000
By 2000, peace process has faded.
-2000: Israeli political figure Ariel Sharon visits Temple Mount (Western Wall are and Al Aqsa Mosque area) in
Jerusalem.
-Palestinian violence erupts beginning the Second Intifada.
-Buses, discos, hotels, restaurants, etc in Israel blow up by Palestinian suicide bombers.
-Israel responds militarily
-2000-2008: over 4500 Palestinian killed and over 1000 Israelis killed.
Hamas declares Jihad on Israel 1988
Hamas adopts the Hamas Covenant (1988), stating its goals to foment a jihad, or holy war, against the Israelis and
ensure the Palestinian occupation of territory in and around Jerusalem.
Oslso Accords 1993
-attempt to set up a framework that would hopefully hope lead to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
-first face to face agreement between the government of Israel and the Palestinian Liberal Organization
-Debates and negotiaions about the accord were discussed in Oslso
Jordanian-Israeli Peace Agreement 1994
-On October 26, representatives from both countries sign the Israeli-Jordanian Peace Accord (need more information,
cant find anything rn lol)
Arab Spring
-2011: A year ago, 26 year old Tunisian named Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire. It was an extreme act by a
young man who had reached the end of his tether after being banned from selling fuit to earn a living but it triggered a
remarkable series of events known as Arab Spring.
Gaza Strip
-2005: Israel removed its settlements from the Gaza Strip and gave much control of the area to the Palestinian
government (with exceptions: border, airspace, coastline).
-Later comes under the control of Hamas: a terrorist organization considered by Israel and other countries.
-Hamas and Israel have entered into a cease fire agreement.
Occupied Territories
-Palestinian territories are West bank (east jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip
-Israeli-occupied territories occupied by israel during the six day war from Egypt, Jordan, syria
ANCIENT & MODERN CHINA
What are the basic beliefs of Confucianism and Daoism?
Confucianism- Mandate of Heaven, Code of Ethics, respect your elders, be polite
Daoism- basic unity behind the universe is the Dao; life is to be lived simply
What impact did Confucianism and Legalism have on the early Chinese dynasties?
Confucianism was the state religion for dynasties like the Han. These dynasties were more prosperous because they
didnt rule with an iron fist, and focused on building a better self. Everyone was happy under Confucianism. Legalism
was more effective, especially under the Qin. Tasks were executed efficiently and with an iron fist.
How do the written languages of the Phoenicians and Chinese differ?
Phoenicians had cuneiform, or pictures
Chinese used symbols
How can communism benefit a society?
In theory, communism is built around equality and strong social communities. There are no social classes and
everyone works together. All people contribute equally, making a society seemingly more prosperous.
How can capitalism benefit a society?
Capitalism has economic and political freedom and means of production owned by private parties/firms. Prices can be
determined by the producer. This gives people room to make their own profit and create social classes.

What are the main differences between capitalism and communism?

Communism- totalitarian government, state owned property, no free enterprise, press controlled and owned by the
state
capitalism- democratic government, private property, free enterprise, social classes with rich and poor
What is the one-China policy and what is its connection to Taiwan (Taipei)?
there is one state called China despite the 2 governments that claim to be China. This state includes Taiwan, which
wants to separate and become its own country
What impact are AIDS, drugs, and censorship having on China?
Diseases, drugs, and censorship are factors that blind the citizens of China from thinking on their own. Drugs and
disease weaken the peoples strength and affect the economy. Censorship blinds the citizens from the truth about their
government.
What has China done to manage population growth?
initiated a one child policy to control population growth by decreasing the birth rate. Each family can only have one
child. Those that have more are punished and have a higher tax
What impact have recent economic reforms had on conditions in China?
Economic reforms have allowed China to become a world power in todays trade, and strengthen its industrial
economy. China is now the manufacturing headquarters of the world.
Why is there controversy over Chinas occupation of Tibet?
Tibet is an independent country with its own government and social system. China took over Tibet because the
Himilayas provide extra security and the region serves as a buffer zone between China and India.
Why is there controversy over Chinas prison system?
The prison system believes in reforming criminals. In order to do this, they punish them while also making them do
intensely laborious work that is very controversial
What impact have the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 had on China?
the protests showed the Chinese governments desperate actions to maintain its people and their perspective on their
country. It also inspired the people to rebel against the Communist party and demand freedom
How did the Mandate of Heaven impact a dynasties ability to rule?
The Mandate deemed the ruler fit to rule and checked their power. It made it seem like it was the rulers destiny to rule
Why might a person believe that the Shang Dynasty was more significant than the Zhou Dynasty?
The Shang were the first dynasty to rule China. They had an organized society and were able to keep territory under
their control. The Zhou overthrew the Shang and made many achievements in society and culture. Though they were
important, they built off of the Shang accomplishments.
Why might a person believe that the Qin Dynasty was more significant than the Han Dynasty?
The Qin set the bar for the Han by unifying China and building the Great Wall. The catch was that the dynasty only had
one emperor. The Han had this set up for them when they came into power, which is why the Qin would be more
important. The Han focused on the arts, which isnt as important as what the Qin did for China.

Buddhism- philosophy created by Siddhartha Guatema that teaches ways to reach Nirvana
Taiwan - currently independent country off coast of China which is in conflict with the mainland over over reunification
Xinjiang- mountainous region east of China
Yellow Sea- part of East China that separates China from the Korean Peninsula
Confucianism- Chinese philosophy established by Confucius which influenced many factors of life in Ancient China
Manchu - individual of Manchuria which was the last dynasty of China
Huang He- aka Yellow River. major river in northern China where the first Chinese civilization was said to originate
Xizang- aka Tibet, a region located in the Himalayan region of Asia. China seized control and uses it as a military base
Mao Zedong- Chinese revolutionary that lead the uprising of the communist party
Daoism- Chinese philosophy that focuses on being selfless and passive in order to create harmony in ones life
Grand Canal- largest man made river in China that travels from Beijing to Tianjin and connects the Yangtze to the
Yellow River
Silk Road- a trade route series connecting the Mediterranean and Asia, created in the Han dynasty under Wudi
was an example of the modern day phenomenon globalization
ideograms- symbols that carry the ideas of certain groups of people
Mandarin- a language spoken in China
Beijing- capital of China that is a popular city for economic and political events in Chinas history.
Tibet- **refer to Xizang**
Communes- groups of people that share the same property and ideals in a community
Oracle Bones - ritualistic practices where Chinese priests predicted the future of an event thru the cracks in burnt
bones during the Shang Dynasty
Communism- govt system with equal society, drawbacks to the citizens personal wealth and rights
Hong Kong- capitalist city in China
Himalayas- mountains that stretch between India and China
Mandate of Heaven- an idea created by the Zhou that guarantees a leaders power thru their virtue and destiny and
checks their power
Legalism- Chinese philosophy with realistic views of society in order to create organized laws and government systems

Shi Huangdi and his Terra Cotta soldiers- emperor of the Qin that had a huge tomb built with thousands of terra cotta
statues of warriors
Silk RoadGlobalization- oh.
Impact of Northern Peoples- the Mongols invaded China and made an empire that had a lasting impact on Asia and
even Europe
Confucianism v Legalism
Religious Freedom
Taiwan- currently independent country off the coast of China which is in conflict with the mainland over reunification
Peoples Republic Of China vs. Republic of China- ROC in China and POC in Taiwan
One Child Policy- only one child per family
State Sponsored Churches- The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association abbreviated CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, is an
association of people, established in 1957 by the People's Republic of China's Religious Affairs Bureau to exercise state
supervision over mainland China's Catholics
Tiananmen Square- protests of 1989, where student-led popular demonstrations in Beijing received broad support from
city residents, exposing deep splits within Chinas political leadership
Censorship and the internet- China controls the internet by filtering searches and monitoring individuals browsing
history. More extensive than any country in the world.
Yellow River- ***refer to Huang He***
Two State Theory- Taiwan and China
GREECE
Polis
a large city or a body of citizens
symbolized self governance under a selected king
The main city or town served as a central meeting point for social, political, and religious events. The meeting point
was usually an acropolis
Athens
A Greek city-state that founded democracy
first a monarchy, then an oligarchy with Areopagus council and six arching.
Draco started a government with civil rights.
Solon then reformed government, eliminated slavery debt, and gave rights of a jury. He divided people into 4 classes
with archonship in the top 3 of them. He also made the council of 400, and was considered the starter of democracy.
Although, Solons reforms didnt give land to peasants, so aristocrats still held all the good land, thus the aristocrats
were still in power. This resulted in many tyrants
Later, a man named Cleisthenes made the council of 500, with 50 people elected from each of 10 tribes.
Ephialtes limited the Areopagus (oligarchy).
A leader named Pericles created and expanded a greater Athenian empire.
Women and slaves had very little rights and only men over 18 were considered citizens. Education began at age 7 and
was taught by a mother or slave. Boys began military at age 21. Soldiers were known in Athens as Hoplites.Trade
helped Athens economy strive. Slaves typically worked on farms and in mines.
In the First Battle of Chaeronea, the Macedonian army with Alexander the Great took over Athens
Sparta
Military was Spartans biggest achievement; Boys began training at age 7; began military at 20 and retired at 60
oligarchy government: 2 kings who led army campaigns, council of elders ( 28 retired men), the assembly,
magistrates
Spartan women had many rights, including education and exercise. When their husbands went to war, they had the
authority of the house
Spartans were not allowed to travel abroad.
they conquered their neighbors Messenia even; made the Messenians there serfs, and the Messenians were forced to
work the land for the Spartan's benefit; aka helot
Spartans were discouraged from arts, literature, and philosophy because it distracted them from staying focussed with
military
Persia
Country in conflict with Asia Minor
Greece aided Asia= Darius of Persia became furious= Persian Wars
Darius I attacked Greece for helping, but Greece won
his son, Xerxes, avenged his father's loss at the Battle of Marathon at the Battle of Thermopylae, but lost at the Battle
of Salamis
Battle of Marathon: : the Persians station their army on the plain of Marathon, 26 miles out of Athens. The Athenians
defeated the Persians, even though they were outnumbered. It was a minor defeat to the persians, but the Athenians
proved the Persians could be beaten, and took pride in the victory. The battle preserved Athenian freedom
Battle of Thermopylae: Xerxes planned to invade Greece, so some Greek states allied their militia with Sparta for
defense. The Athenians followed a new plan by Themistocles to build a navy. The persians sent 150,000 troops, about
700 naval ships, and hundreds of supply ships for troop's food on the way to greece. Under the leadership of Sparta,

the greeks tried to hold off the coming of the Persians at the pass of Thermopylae. A greek traitor told the Persians
how to take a mountain path to outsmart the greek army. All greeks died at the battle. (all greek soldgers). Athenians
abandoned their city and the Persians sacked it and burned it to the ground.
Battle of Salamis: The Greek fleet remained on the shore near the island of Salamis while Athens was destroyed. The
Greeks then challenged the Persians to war at Salamis. The army managed to outsmart the persians despite their
lesser numbers, and crushed the Persians in defeat.
Pericles
Ruler of Athens in Athenian Golden Age that enforced democracy and expanded empire
made an assembly of male citizens over 18 to govern and make decisions
gave lower class more rights such as being able to be a public officer
created temples, statues, architecture, art, and philosophy
Delian League
Athens alliance that said all Greek city-states will come together to fight Persia
Peloponnesian War
A long war between Athens, Sparta, and its allies= weakened all city-states
occured because Sparta was fearful of Athens expanding
first there was Peace of Nicias treaty that lasted from 421- 415
Athens won the Battle of Cyzicus and the Battle of Arginusae
Lysander of Sparta crushed the Athenians at the Battle of Aegospotami= Athenians surrendered
Hellenism
a period where Greece prospered with Alexander the Great, who spread Greek culture
Greece transformed from localized city-states to open city-states
languages, arts, etc. were adopted
Democracy
government style founded in Athens
gave (lower class) citizens more equality
Cleisthenes created the foundation and Pericles expanded it, giving citizens more power
Greek Mythology (Gods & Goddesses)
Myths were very popular to tell stories and teach lessons of life
Minotaur- myth of a half bull half human, born from Queen Pasiphe and a bull sent by Zeus; put in a labyrinth, where
he attacked anyone sent in; the son of Aegus, Theseus, killed him
Olympians were the gods that ruled everything atop Mount Olympus
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Alexander the Great
Macedonian prince
had a love for Greece, influenced by teacher Aristotle, who taught Alexander his love for Greek gods, language, arts,
etc.
conquered much of the Mediterranean and taught them of the Greek culture
his army consisted of Greeks and Macedonians
he invaded the Persian empire and through the Indus Valley, Egypt, Asia, and Asia Minor
spread Hellenism
Socrates
Philosopher that influenced Western philosophers and taught Plato
was a hoplite in Peloponnesian War= very brave
his philosophy developed based off his capability to ignore bad weather , tiredness, etc.
known as the wisest man in Greece
interested in human life, and gained knowledge to effect the righteousness and intellect of Athenians
believed in cross elimination
believed that all souls are good and reveal your true self
believed virtue and knowledge were the same and couldnt be taught
didnt believe in gods, so his ideas were hated and hard for others to believe
an unquestioned life is a life not worth living
died by drinking hemlock
Plato
philosopher that formed an idea of reality, the nature of moral government, and made a huge organization for learning
after Socrates death, Plato turned from democracy to lead a philosophical path
he established the Academy to create rulers who would make all Athenians fair
wrote a series of 30 dialogues
in one dialogue, he explained the idea of good was in everything and could be proven with math(Euclidea)
believed human knowledge should be perfected
believed heaven souls rotated in spheres
wrote the Apology, which was a recreation of Socrates's speech where he explains he is wise in knowing that he knows
nothing
Aristotle
teacher of Alexander the Great and founder of the Peripatetic school of thought
was an empirical thinker, but he incorporated science as well; many of his theories were rejected
Plato taught him at the Academy about the divine essence

Aristotle believed in using prior knowledge whereas Plato believed in knowledge of truth of reason
Allegory of the Cave
an allegory of philosopher Platos
explains how prisoners were tied to a wall in a cave and could only see reflections from a fire on the wall
these prisoners represented people who didnt learn the Theory of Forms
these people learn the Theory of Forms by learning some things are grasped without being seen
City-states
a self governed, large city
Sophists
philosophers that claimed they knew the answer to everything, known by Plato and Aristotle
they influenced the nature of language and culture
they questioned existence which made people dislike them
Epicureans
created by Epicurus, who believed the main reason for philosophy was to make a happy life for yourself
believed sadness was caused by not getting what you want: if you dont want anything, you wont suffer
they believed peoples soul died, so death wasnt feared
Stoics
group of philosophers in Hellenistic period
founded by Zeno, who thought peacefulness needs moderateness: people shouldnt do too much or little
believed you should be happy with what you have
ROME
10 reasons why Rome fell
the empire became too big to control
the change of religion and cultural diversity
the foreign attacks
the lack of speed the army had to respond to attacks
the corruption of some of the emperors
the splitting of the empire into Western and Eastern halves. The Western empire relied on the east, and fell when it
was attacked
The gap in poor vs. rich
The Etruscans
people from northern Italy- had ruled with 7 kings and the last three were Etruscan. They influenced Rome:
religion
roads and shops
arches, grid cities
alphabet
Romulus and Remus
Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, who were sons of Rhea Silvia. They were has into a river and
rescued by a she-wolf, then a shepherd found and raised them. They vowed to build a city for the shepherd. Romulus
killed Remus in a dispute over city boundaries, hence the name Rome.
Patricians
aristocratic class, claimed to be the descendants of original senators; could be consuls, magistrates and senators;
could make legal contracts, could marry
Plebeians
non-Patrician, poor, were landowners, farmers, merchants, artisans, and could vote
Senators
head of administrative council, proposed legislation, passed decrees, advised magistrates, determined foreign policy,
managed finances, and managed provincial administration
Who could vote and hold office?
Patricians
Tribunes
an elected official of the plebeian assembly that protected the plebeians and could veto laws
Carthage
a city in north Africa with an empire that rivaled the Roman Empire and eventually was taken over by Rome
Punic Wars
Romans sent an army to Sicily to intervene with the local dispute- Carthaginians considered this an invasion of
territory
in 241 Carthage gave up all rights to Sicily due to Roman dominance and naval strength
Hannibal began the Second War when he retaliated against Roman attempts to get Spain to invade Carthage
he led an army of 30-40k men and 6k horses/elephants across the Alps and defeated Rome because Rome thought
they would attack from the sea
Rome invaded Carthage and beat Hannibal. A peace treaty was signed in 201 and Carthage lost Spain
50 years later, Rome went to war and destroyed Carthage in 146, naming the territory Africa
Hannibal

the Carthaginian general that successfully attacked Rome in the second Punic War, but was defeated when Rome
attacked Carthage. He nearly defeated Rome.
From Republic to Empire
The Roman Republic fell because of the gap between rich and poor, and a new rise in power. When Julius Caesar
declared himself dictator for life, he was killed. Rome went into chaos and different generals fought for power. The
fighting ceased when Juliuss nephew Octavian Caesar rose to power. He didnt want the same fate as his uncle, so he
gradually concentrated power into his hands and became the first emperor. He let the Senate stay and made many
reforms:
created an army of 150k with legions of 5000
Roman citizens could be legionaries and subject people could serve under them
made Praetorian Guards which were personal guards and had about 9000 of them
standardized taxation
made states first police and firefighters
promoted literature
Julius Caesar
He was a popular general with a large army. The Senate ordered him to stay away from Rome and if he brought his
army across the Rubicon River, he would make a fatal mistake. Instead he crossed Rubicon and ended up coming to
power in Rome and being part of the first triumvirate.
1st triumvirate: Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Marcus Crassus
in 47 BC he seized power and became dictator. He declared himself dictator for life and because of this was killed in 44
BC
gave land to the poor
military campaigns and public works projects
increased senate to 900 members
increased Roman citizenship
Cincinnatus
a Roman aristocrat and statesman whose service as consul in 460 BC and dictator in 458 BC and 439 BC made him a
model of civic virtue.
Octavian or Augustus
***refer to From Republic to Empire
Bath to North Africa
the length of the Roman Empire. It encompassed the Mediterranean Sea which got the nickname of Roman Lake
Hadrians Wall
a wall built along the English border of the Roman Empire to increase security and prevent invasions
Pax Romana
a period of peace that lasted for 200 years and began with the rule of Octavian Caesar and ended with Nero and was a
time when the empire was in peace and there was little to no conflict. Trade was prosperous
Vespasian
emperor that restored Rome after Nero, put down revolts in Gaul and Judea, began the Flavian Line, began
construction of the Colosseum, and rotated the army in provinces to prevent mutiny and kept them far from homeland
The 5 good emperors
Nerva (96-98)
introduced the practice of naming successor after death
Trajan (98-117)
eased taxes, provided public service to the poor, conquered Dacia, Trajans column depicts military victories
Hadrian (117-138)
strengthened borders of Britain, Hadrians wall, fought Jewish revolts, Jews forced out of Palestine and sold into
slavery, encouraged non-Jews to settle in Palestine
Antonius Pius (138-161)
introduced laws that required humane treatment of slaves & introduced innocent until proven guilty
Marcus Aurelius (161-180)
philosopher emperor, writes the Meditations, Stoic, wages war in Germania and successfully brings barbarian groups
under Roman control
reintroduces the idea of co-emperor, makes brother co-emperor then his son Commodus whose 17
Family Life in Rome
lived together, fathers ruled, women ran businesses and managed estates, ancestor worship
Slavery in Rome
of Roman population, slaves in city had easier lives, slaves were chained in fields, Spartacus revolted in 73 BC, and
it was the largest slave revolt
Pompeii
a village that was a vacation spot for the rich and emperors, was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted
Circus Maximus
an ancient Rome chariot racing stadium
THE MIDDLE AGES

How did the fall of Rome lead to the feudal system?

The society (after the Roman empire had fallen) was very disorganized and out of order
Feudalism eventually provided the power structure of medieval society and restored this loss of order
Feudal System
political, economic, social system centered around loyalty and military service
describes the relationship between the lord and the vassal (allegiance between lord and vassal)
lord would grant the vassal land in return for military service
Three Orders of Feudal System: in order of rank - those who fought, those who prayed (clergy and monastic
organizations), and those who worked (the peasant farmers-made up vast majority of the population)
Tithes
tax collected by the Catholic Church where the citizens would pay the church one-tenth of their earnings/income each
year
tithe means one-tenth
Doomsday Book
survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror
book includes the land ruled by William
describes the aristocracy/social hierarchy of England during his rule
it was created as a payment for Williams mercenary army- who asked him for a description of England to reveal
Englands economic and war resources
the survey informed the king with details of land ownership, taxes, military service, or rent that was owed to William
significant example of the development of the english monarchy
Great Domesday- contains info about most of Englands counties
latin text is written in two columns and one scribe completed it
the information is in groups based on county
Little Domesday- contains info about the East Anglian counties (Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk)
the latin text is written across the page and 6 scribes completed Little Domesday in 9-12 weeks
the info is in groups by county
the survey is associated with doomsday -- the biblical day of judgement
Cruck Houses
where the peasants lived
made of: wooden frame covered with plaster (wattle and daub- wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung, & straw)
The Oath of Fealty
the oath of faithfulness and loyalty made by the vassal
the vassal promised not to harm his lord or damage the property
oath was an action of paying respect to the lord
Manoralism
element of feudal society
money-based market economy
describes how land is distributed throughout the economy (from lord to vassal) and who benefitted/profited from it
Code of Chivalry
vow to knighthood
knight was to be respectful and loyal to God and His church
the knights were to protect the weak and defenseless
from William the Conquerors The Song of Roland
Bathing
people of the MIddle Ages thought it was important to keep the body clean
warm baths were thought to aid to ones health
cold baths were thought to lead to weakness of the heart
Pages-Squires-Knights
Pages- started training for knighthood at the age of 7
learned from the squires
Squires- teachers of the pages/ were taught by the knights
Knights- special warriors
brave in battle (soldiers)
teachers of squires
usually came from noble families
Monks and Nuns
Monks lived in monasteries (the head of the monastery was the Abbot)
monks could not own property
lived very quiet and peaceful lives
Nuns lived in nunneries (they were pretty much the woman version of the monk)
vowed lives of chastity and respect
if the plague infected these isolated groups, it usually wiped out the entire monastery/nunnery due to the close-knit
group/ seclusion from society
Peasants
lived in Cruck Houses

had to pay the annual tithe to the king

sometimes owned their own land
mostly uneducated
peasants shared the laboring class of the Feudal System
Serfs
bound to the land of their noble
also uneducated
normally owed their lord periods of work with a set amount of labor or produce
most serfs had little to no rights though the lords usually ensured proper protection and food for the serfs on their land
also called a villein during the creation of the Domesday Book
Thor
Norse mythology thunder god (god of thunder)
represented strength and pride
was the most popular Norse god of the Viking period and was a sky god (like Zeus)
attributes also included power and destructiveness-- he was seen more as a protector than a destroyer
his battles told through mythology most likely represent mountain thunderstorms- exerting power over the natural
world
Mjollnir was Thors hammer- represented the force of the lightning bolt (he wore magic gloves that allowed him to hold
the hammer)
he also wore a belt around his waist, which doubled his power and strength
in some myths, Thor is portrayed as the god of fertility-- his hammer resembled the electrifying strike that energized
and fertilized the earth
he sometimes wore a crown with a flame or star at each point, making it look like a halo of fire
The role of the King
controlled laws and people that lived around him
breaking the kings rules/laws could be punishable by death
allowed peasants to live on his land but they had to barter or pay taxes to the king
Vassals
part of the Feudal System- backbone of medieval society was the allegiance between the lord and the vassal
Lords granted land to the vassals who payed the lord through military service
A vassal usually had enough land to support himself, his family, and his servants
vassals sometimes housed the lord and the lords advisors, joined the lord in travel, gave gifts when congratulating the
lord (special occasions, and possibly contributed money for ransom to prisoners of war
Doctors
had little knowledge of many diseases during the medieval era due to lack of technology
most were unaware of the causes of the plague and how it spread so rapidly
doctors were sometimes accused of not fulfilling their duties as caregivers when they stopped treating and aiding to
the sick in an attempt to protect themselves from the deathly plague
Ladies
women were inferior to men in the household
the Lady was the Lords wife
their job was to take care of the manor, run the house, and aid to the children
they had no rights
Loyalty
the feudal system was based on loyalty. Each rank of society were to be loyal to the rank above them
ex) a knight was to remain loyal to their lord and a lord loyal to his king

Feifs
land given to the lords by the kings
the lords would repay the king with military aid
Churches
Roman Catholic Church gained popularity after Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne (At St. Peters Basilica)
churches were built in Gothic architecture
they had high towers, stained glass, and flying buttresses
under Charlemagne, (the Frank Empire), churches had become the advisors of justice, security, and wealth of the
community
churches became the center of the law system (Canon Law) when most of the judicial power was in their hands
canon law created a system that revolved around living a moral-based life and to not break any sins (this would be
committing a crime)
Canon means law or rule -- The law system gave the church more power and influence over Europe
Nobles
the king granted control of territory/land to the nobles -- the nobles gave military aid to repay the king-- the nobles
then allowed commoners to work on the land and offered protection for these commoners
also, the catholic church offered prayers for nobles and commoners in exchange for protection/ material support

The Plague

about of Europe was killed by the plague

also called The Black Death
created many internal problems and controversy among the citizens in countries that were affected
3 different types of plague that circulated throughout EuropeBubonic plague- infection of lymphatic system; took about 2-7 days to die; mortality rate was between 50%-90%
xPneumonic plague- infection of the respiratory system; usually less than 2 days to die; mortality rate almost 100%
Septicemic plague- least common form of plague- infection of the circulatory system; usually less than 1 day to die;
mortality rate was nearly 100%
the plague is caused by Yersinia Pestis (bacterium that typically lives in the bloodstreams of rodents etc.)
some areas had been so heavily hit with the infection that all people abandoned the region
some people resulted to living in the moment as they did not know when they were to die
many assumed the plague was Gods punishment for humanitys evil
a group in Germany called the flagellants would roam the streets torturing/abusing themselves as they tried to own up
to their sins in asking God for forgiveness
also, Jews were persecuted because they were also seen as a possible reason for the Black Death and its cause of
suffering
ECONOMICALLY- the black death caused prices to drop (the demand for goods dropped rapidly with the large decrease
in population) -- then the prices rose due to the lack of commoners to work on the land; it became more difficult to
keep the land if there was no mass production that would fund the lands needs
The Great Fire of London
the fire was started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and lasted for 4 days
it did not quite reach the the aristocratic district of town (the upper class)
fire-fighting tools had not been brought in time to salvage the city in time
the fire was stopped by the dying down of the east winds and the Tower of London troops (garrison) used gunpowder
as firebreaks to keep the fire from spreading eastward
St. Thomas Aquinas
tried to compare the relationship of religion with science
was in school to become the Abbot of monastery of Monte cassino but met more thinkers of thought in college and
soon dropped out to pursue a different career
Johann Gutenberg
introduced printing to medieval Europe (he invented the mechanical movable type printer, which eventually caused
the Printing Revolution)
his inventions regarding printing laid the foundation for the modern knowledge-based economy
his inventions also had an influence on the reformation and the renaissance