Questions and Answers
What are the major political influences of classical empires?
The major political influences of classical empires include having some centralized governments and strong military/army.
What are the cultural characteristics of the classical empires?
The cultural characteristics of the classical empires include valuing education, philosophy and science, and discovering many religions.
How do the river valley civilizations influence the rise of classical civilizations?
The river valley civilizations influenced the rise of classical civilizations by unifying cities and developing new ideas and government.
How did trade influence diffusion amongst civilizations?
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Where were the Greek city-states located?
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Why would the sea have been important to these early city-states (Greece)?
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What factors might have kept the Greek city-states from uniting as a single kingdom?
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How was living in Athens different from living in Sparta?
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What were the values of the Greek style of art?
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What was the Roman Senate?
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What two broad classes were there in Rome?
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What influences did Rome have on modern culture?
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Why was Julius Caesar beloved by many of his people?
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Why was Shi Huangdi important to Chinese history?
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Which social class was mainly responsible for the fall of the Qin Dynasty and why?
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How did the Qin Dynasty influence Liu Bang's rule?
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Describe the structure of Han China's government.
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What problem do you think was most responsible for weakening the Han Dynasty's power?
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Why was corn an important crop to early peoples?
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How did the Olmec's location contribute to the development of their civilization?
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How did Buddhism evolve in India from stressing individual discipline to a mass religion?
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Who are considered the three most important gods in the Hindu pantheon?
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What were Indian influences on astronomy, mathematics, and medicine?
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How did India's location make it advantageous for trading?
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What were the effects of Indian trade?
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John Green states we shouldn't think of the Silk Road as a set of roads, but rather what?
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Who tended to travel the Silk Road?
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What three reasons did the Silk Road impact world history?
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What were some of the negative effects of the Silk Road?
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What is a monarchy?
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What is an aristocracy?
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What is an oligarchy?
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What is a direct democracy?
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What is a polis?
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What is a myth?
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Who is Alexander the Great?
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Who was Darius III?
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What is Athens?
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What is Sparta?
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What is an acropolis?
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What is the Parthenon?
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What were the Punic Wars?
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What is a republic?
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What are Patricians?
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What are Plebeians?
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What is the Coliseum?
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What is the Pax Romana?
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What is filial piety?
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What is Confucianism?
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What is Legalism?
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What is the Civil Service Examination?
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What is Buddhism?
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Who was Caesar Augustus (Octavian)?
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Study Notes
Political Influences of Classical Empires
- Centralized governments were prominent in classical empires.
- Strong military presence played a crucial role in maintaining authority.
Cultural Characteristics of Classical Empires
- Emphasis on education, philosophy, and scientific inquiry.
- Diverse religious beliefs and practices were explored and established.
Influence of River Valley Civilizations
- River valley civilizations facilitated the unification of cities.
- They were instrumental in the development of new ideas and governance.
Trade and Diffusion of Civilizations
- The Silk Road was a major trade route that allowed for cultural exchange.
Greek City-States
- Greek city-states were predominantly located around the Mediterranean Sea.
- Proximity to the sea enabled transportation and trade with other city-states.
Factors Preventing Greek City-State Unity
- Independent monarchies in each city-state resulted in conflicting leadership.
Life in Athens vs. Sparta
- Athenians valued education and free thought, contrasting with Spartan discipline and militarism.
Values in Greek Art
- Greek art celebrated tradition, respect, and the pursuit of perfection.
Roman Senate
- Comprised of legislatures from elite families, wielding significant political power.
Social Structure of Rome
- Two main classes: Patricians (nobility) and Plebeians (commoners).
Roman Cultural Influence
- Contributions to literature, astrology, education, mathematics, arts, science, and governance.
Popularity of Julius Caesar
- Caesar's ability to connect with the populace and his military successes endeared him to many.
Shi Huangdi's Significance
- Unified China as the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, enforcing strong centralized governance.
Peasants and the Qin Dynasty's Fall
- Peasants' dissatisfaction due to heavy taxation and labor demands contributed to the dynasty's collapse.
Liu Bang's Policies
- Continued centralized governance from the Qin Dynasty during his rule.
Structure of Han China's Government
- Characterized by cultural consolidation and technological advancements with a rigid social hierarchy.
Weaknesses of the Han Dynasty
- Social, political, and economic issues were critical in weakening the dynasty's power.
Importance of Corn
- Corn was a vital crop for early peoples due to its nutritional value and adaptability to the climate.
Olmec Civilization Development
- Geographical advantages included fertile soil and resources for trade, like salt and clay for sculpture.
Evolution of Buddhism in India
- Buddhism transitioned from individual discipline to a mass religion with the emergence of Theravada.
Important Hindu Deities
- The primary gods are Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).
Indian Contributions to Knowledge
- Astronomy: Established Earth’s roundness well before Columbus.
- Mathematics: Developed modern numerals, zero, the decimal system, and calculated pi.
- Medicine: Documented numerous diseases and medicinal plants, introduced injections.
India's Trading Advantage
- Strategic location allowed for both maritime and overland trade, enriching culture and economy.
Silk Road Concept
- The Silk Road is better viewed as a network of interconnected trade routes rather than a singular path.
Travelers on the Silk Road
- Nomadic peoples and professional merchants were the primary travelers.
Silk Road's Historical Impact
- Contributed to the establishment of cities by nomads and facilitated movements of goods and ideas.
Negative Aspects of the Silk Road
- Economic disparities, cultural exchanges that led to conflicts, and disease spread were significant downsides.
Forms of Government
- Monarchy: Government led by a single monarch.
- Aristocracy: Power held by the nobility.
- Oligarchy: Control by a small group.
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly influence decision-making.
Concepts in Greek Civilization
- Polis: An independent city-state in ancient Greece.
- Myths: Traditional stories often involving deities or heroes.
Key Historical Figures
- Alexander the Great: King of Macedonia known for his vast conquests.
- Darius III: Last king of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia.
Notable Greek Locations
- Athens: Capital city, known for its cultural achievements.
- Sparta: Ancient city known for its militaristic society.
Greek Architectural Significance
- Acropolis: Fortified area that served as the center of ancient Greek city-states.
- Parthenon: Temple dedicated to Athena in Athens.
Roman Punic Wars
- Series of three wars between Rome and Carthage that shaped the course of Roman expansion.
Roman Government Structure
- Republic: A system where supreme power rests with citizens rather than a monarch.
Coliseum's Role
- Major venue for public spectacles and sporting events in ancient Rome.
Pax Romana
- A prolonged period of peace and stability within the Roman Empire.
Filial Piety
- Confucian value emphasizing respect for parents and ancestors.
Major Philosophies
- Confucianism: Ethical and political philosophy based on teachings of Confucius.
- Legalism: Political philosophy emphasizing strict laws and governance to maintain order.
Civil Service Examination
- Merit-based assessment aimed at ensuring effective public administration.
Buddhism Overview
- A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), focusing on spiritual practice and discipline.
Caesar Augustus
- The first emperor of Rome, who established the foundations of the Roman Empire.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the major political influences and cultural characteristics of classical empires. Study the foundations of governance, military power, and the value placed on education and philosophy in these historical societies.