AP World History: Classical Empires Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are shamans?

Spiritually adept men and women who communicated with the unseen world.

What does Pax Sinica refer to?

Chinese peace; under the Han Dynasty, China experienced 400 years of prosperity and stability.

What was the Silk Road?

Caravan routes connecting China and the Middle East across Central Asia and Iran.

Who were the White Huns?

Nomadic invaders from Central Asia who invaded India and disrupted Gupta administration. Signup and view all the answers

What are Germanic tribes known for?

Nomadic groups that invaded the Roman Empire from the North and East, causing the fall of Rome. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dhamma?

Universal law; ultimate truth; teachings of the Buddha. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Achaemenid Persian Empire?

Southwest Asia; Empire Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Qin Empire located?

East Asia; Empire Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Han Empire from the Qin Empire?

It was larger than the Qin Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Maurya Empire located?

South Asia; Empire Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Gupta Empire?

South Asia; Empire Signup and view all the answers

What are Phoenicia and its colonies known for?

Mediterranean Region; Key state Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Greek city-states and their colonies?

Mediterranean Region; Key state Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hellenistic Empire known for?

Mediterranean Region; Empire Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Roman Empire located?

Mediterranean Region; Empire Signup and view all the answers

What was the Zhou Dynasty?

(1050 BCE-400 BCE) Longest dynasty in Chinese history Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

Chinese religious and political ideology developed by the Zhou Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Era of Warring States in China?

The period of Chinese history characterized by the breakdown of the central government and feudal war. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Analects?

A record of the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples Signup and view all the answers

What does Confucianism emphasize?

Ethics, education, and statesmanship Signup and view all the answers

What is Legalism?

Chinese philosophy based on the idea that humans are naturally evil Signup and view all the answers

What is Daoism?

Chinese philosophy based on the teachings of Laozi Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement is Shi Huangdi remembered for?

Standardization of laws, currencies, weights, measures, and writing Signup and view all the answers

What is the Han Dynasty known for?

(202 BC - 220 AD) Prosperous time that adopted Confucian principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'scholar-gentry'?

Chinese class created by the linkage of land-holding aristocracy with the office-holding shi Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Examination System in ancient China?

To recruit officials and bureaucrats Signup and view all the answers

What is Chang'an known for?

Ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history Signup and view all the answers

What advancements were made during the Han Dynasty?

Inventions such as paper, sundials, calendars, rudders Signup and view all the answers

What is a eunuch in ancient China?

Castrated males used in royal households Signup and view all the answers

What is sati?

Act of a widow throwing herself on husband's funeral pyre Signup and view all the answers

What are the Silk Roads?

Ancient caravan routes for trade across Central Asia Signup and view all the answers

What is an aristocracy?

A government in which power is held by a hereditary ruling class Signup and view all the answers

What is direct democracy?

A form of government in which citizens rule directly Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the Persian Wars?

Wars between the Persian Empire and Greek city-states Signup and view all the answers

What was Pericles known for?

Athenian statesman during its golden age Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Peloponnesian War?

Sparta won, but Greece was weakened Signup and view all the answers

What is Hellenism?

Blending of Egyptian, Persian, and Greek culture Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Seleucids?

A regional dynasty that followed Alexander's death Signup and view all the answers

What does 'chattel slavery' refer to?

Absolute legal ownership of another person Signup and view all the answers

What is Jainism?

An Indian religion based on the teachings of Mahavira Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Royal Road in the Persian Empire?

A road stretching over 1,600 miles for communication Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of aqueducts in ancient Rome?

Channels built to carry water for long distances Signup and view all the answers

Who was Asoka?

Third ruler of the Mauryan Empire who converted to Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What is Zoroastrianism?

Belief in a day of judgment for individuals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Achaemenid Persian Empire

Located in Southwest Asia; significant ancient empire known for its administration and infrastructure.
Founded by Cyrus the Great, who extended its territory significantly.

Qin Empire

An influential empire situated in East Asia.
Known for legalism and strong centralized rule.

Han Empire

Expanded from the Qin Empire, established a significant cultural and political legacy in East Asia.

Maurya Empire

The first centralized empire in South Asia, noted for its military strength and extensive trade connections.
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya, larger and more prominent than the Gupta Empire.

Gupta Empire

Flourished in South Asia, recognized for advancements in arts and sciences.
Followed the Maurya Empire.

Phoenicia and its Colonies

Key Mediterranean state known for trade and colonization, particularly in lower lands compared to Greece.

Greek City-States

A collection of city-states in the Mediterranean region, significant for cultural and political achievements.

Hellenistic Empire

Resulted from the conquests of Alexander the Great, blending various cultures, particularly Greek, Egyptian, and Persian.

Roman Empire

Dominated the Mediterranean region; known for its extensive infrastructure, legal framework, and spread of Christianity.

Zhou Dynasty

China's longest dynasty (1050 BCE-400 BCE) known for establishing feudal governance and the concept of the Mandate of Heaven.

Mandate of Heaven

Ideology developed by the Zhou, justifying the emperor's authority based on divine right.

Era of Warring States

Period (c. 402-220 BCE) where regional rulers fought for control, leading to the disintegration of the Zhou Dynasty.

Analects

A collection of Confucius's teachings and thoughts, forming a significant part of Chinese culture and philosophy.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing ethics, respect for family, and social harmony; devalues merchants and prioritizes public service.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy asserting that humans are inherently evil, necessitating strict laws and governance.

Daoism

Philosophy advocating for a life in harmony with nature, promoting simplicity and spontaneity.

Qin Dynasty

Notable for unifying China and initiating the construction of the Great Wall; ruled using legalistic principles.

Shi Huangdi

First emperor of China, recognized for ruthless expansion and standardization of various systems across the empire.

Han Dynasty

Renowned for its advancements in technology, culture, and governance, transitioning from harsh Qin policies to Confucianism.

Han Wudi

Most significant emperor of the Han, expanded China's territory and culture, enhancing the civil service system.

Scholar-Gentry

A ruling class in China formed from the intermarriage of landholding aristocracy and government officials.

Examination System

Implemented by the Han to recruit officials based on merit, available to most males, fostering a bureaucratic class.

Chang'an

Ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties, significant for trade and culture; home to the Terra Cotta Warriors.

Paper

Invented during the Han Dynasty, representing a major technological advancement for communication and record-keeping.

Eunuchs

Castrated males used in imperial households, later becoming influential political figures during the Han Dynasty.

Concubine

A secondary wife with lower social status, often found in polygamous households.

Yellow Turbans

Daoist revolt in 184 CE that promised a new age through divine intervention but highlighted social unrest in Han China.

Silk Roads

Extensive trade routes connecting East and West, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange.

Aristocracy

A form of governance where power is held by hereditary ruling classes.

Democracy

Political system allowing eligible citizens to participate in governance, either directly or indirectly.

Oligarchy

Government controlled by a small elite group rather than by a broader population.

Direct Democracy

Citizens directly participate in decision-making, contrasting with representative systems.

Indirect Democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Athens

Key city-state in ancient Greece known for its democratic government and cultural achievements.

Sparta

Militaristic city-state that prioritized discipline and military prowess over artistic pursuits.

Persian Wars

Series of conflicts in the 5th century BCE between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, shaping Greek identity.

Pericles

Prominent Athenian leader during its golden age, known for advancing democracy and arts.

Peloponnesian War

Conflict between Athens and Sparta (431-404 BCE) that weakened Greece.

Alexander the Great

Conqueror who spread Greek culture across a vast territory from Asia Minor to the Indus Valley.

Cosmopolitan

Cultural blending represented in societies, transcending local traditions.

Hellenism/Hellenistic Period

Cultural integration following Alexander's conquests, combining elements of Greek, Egyptian, and Persian cultures.

Seleucids, Antigonids, Ptolemies

Successor states following Alexander's empire, each governing diverse regions in the Middle East.

Aryans

Nomadic group that migrated into northern India around 1500 BCE, influencing the subcontinent's culture.

Caste System

Hierarchical social classification system in Hindu society.

Brahmins

Highest social class within the Hindu caste system, comprising priests and scholars.

Untouchables

Lowest social class in India, performing work considered impure or unclean.

Sati

A ritual where a widow would self-immolate on her husband's funeral pyre.

Dharma

Refers to the moral and religious duties an individual must follow in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Karma

Belief that good or bad actions influence one's future reincarnations.

Reincarnation

Process of being reborn into new lives until achieving enlightenment.

Chandragupta Maurya

Founder of the Mauryan Empire, known for unifying Indian territories.

Roman Republic

Period (509-27 BCE) marked by governance through the Senate and popular assemblies.

Roman Empire

Extended from 27 BCE to 476 CE, known for its territorial conquests and influential cultural legacy.

Augustus Caesar

First Roman emperor (27 BCE), credited with establishing Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability.

Pax Romana

200-year era of prosperity during which arts, architecture, and culture flourished in the Roman Empire.

Christianity

Monotheistic faith based on Jesus's teachings, becoming central to Roman and later Byzantine culture.

Constantine

Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople, a major cultural center.

Byzantium/Constantinople

Eastern Roman Empire, known for its cultural achievements and eventual transformation into the Byzantine Empire.

Huns

Nomadic group that invaded European territories, influencing the migration patterns of other tribes.

Attila the Hun

Leader of the Hunnic Empire, known for expanding territory and posing threats to Rome.

Germanic Peoples

Groups that interacted with Rome and contributed to its decline through invasions.

Goths

Germanic tribes that sacked Rome, leading to the western Roman Empire's collapse.

Animism

The belief in spiritual essence in natural objects, prevalent in various indigenous religions.

Persepolis

Ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, showcasing impressive architectural achievements.

Royar Road

Major communication and trade route in the Persian Empire, enhancing administration and commerce.

Jainism

Religion founded by Mahavira emphasizing non-violence and the sanctity of all life.

Chattel Slavery

A form of slavery where individuals are seen as property, with no personal rights.

Hellenism

Cultural movement blending Greek ideals with those of conquered societies.

Shamans

Spiritual leaders believed to communicate with spirits or the unseen world.

Pax Sinica

Period of stability and prosperity in China during the Han Dynasty.

White Huns

Nomadic group that invaded northern India, contributing to the decline of the Gupta Empire.

Dhamma

Buddhist concept referring to the universal laws governing moral and ethical conduct.

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Test your knowledge of the major classical empires with these flashcards. Each card highlights key empires like the Achaemenid Persian, Qin, Han, Maurya, and Gupta. Perfect for AP World History students looking to reinforce their understanding of ancient civilizations.