Classical Civilizations Part I: Persia/China/India

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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of Wu Wei emphasize in Dao De Jing?

Total control over one's destiny

Actively resisting challenges

Strict adherence to moral laws

Effortless action in alignment with nature (correct)

What is one of the key tenets of Legalism as established by Han Fei?

Governance should be centralized with strict laws (correct)

Education should be prioritized

Promote individual freedoms

Morality should guide the law

Which achievement is associated with the Qin Dynasty under Shi Huangdi?

Construction of extensive irrigation systems

The Great Wall for protection against invasions (correct)

The establishment of democracy

Promotion of Confucian ideals

How did the Silk Road impact the connected empires?

It fostered cultural exchange and trade Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation is credited to the Han Dynasty?

Paper making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

They explain the nature of suffering and the way to overcome it. Signup and view all the answers

What pivotal role did Ashoka play in the Maurya Empire?

He promoted the spread of Buddhism and established peace. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with the Gupta Empire's influence on Indian society?

The introduction of concepts such as zero and advancements in the arts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental principle of Confucianism that emphasizes respect within family structures?

Filial Piety Signup and view all the answers

How did Buddhism fundamentally differ from Hinduism in terms of the self?

Buddhism aims to rid oneself of the concept of self. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'Middle Path' in Buddhism?

A balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a branch of Buddhism?

Jainism Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major contributions of Daoism to Chinese philosophy?

The promotion of harmony with nature. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of Darius I to the Persian Empire?

Implemented a network of roads Signup and view all the answers

Which belief is central to Zoroastrianism?

Dualism of good and evil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms relates to the administrative organization of the Persian Empire?

Satraps Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Moksha' refer to in Hinduism?

The ultimate liberation from the cycle of samsara Signup and view all the answers

Which figure is known as the founder of Buddhism?

Siddhartha Gautama Signup and view all the answers

What role did roads play in the administration of the Persian Empire?

Enhanced trade and communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts describes the moral duties in Hinduism?

Dharma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the influence of Zoroastrianism on monotheistic religions?

It popularized the concept of a single, all-powerful god Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Civilizations Part I (Persia/China/India)

Important Reminders: The study guide is an outline of key topics, people, and events. Everything discussed, noted, read, watched, or done is fair game for assessments
History as a Story: Focus on the motives, decisions, and behaviors of individuals to understand the historical context and make chronology easier to remember.
Geography: Review maps to identify political boundaries of empires and dynasties, along with key physical features.
The Persians:
- Cyrus and Darius I/Xerxes expanded the empire.
- Administration and Organization (Satraps, roads, Capital of Persepolis) were crucial to success.
- Zoroastrianism: a religion with core beliefs of dualism and the prophet Zarathustra.
- The role of the religion in the empire
Classical India:
- Hinduism: one God (Brahman) with various forms (Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva), focusing on the interconnected concepts (caste, dharma, karma, samsara, atman, moksha)
- Buddhism: Key figures like Siddhartha Gautama and their concepts like Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
Confucianism:
- Confucius (circa 550 BCE) and the importance of his teachings.
- The Analects, the Five Relationships, Filial Piety
- Confucian government and civil service exams.
Daoism:
- Lao Tzu (circa 600 BCE) and the significance of the Dao, or “The Way.”
- Wu Wei
Legalism:
- Han Fei and the importance of the strict laws and harsh punishments in their rule, especially in The Qin dynasty.
Empires:
- Maurya (321-185 BCE) and Gupta (320-550 CE) Empires, focusing on their leaders, policies and achievements.
Classical China:
- Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE): Contributions of important emperors, Silk Road trade, social changes, and achievements (e.g., paper, advancements in science).

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Description

Explore the rich histories of Persia, China, and India in this quiz. Focus on key figures like Cyrus and Darius, the significance of Zoroastrianism, and the foundations of Hinduism. Review geography, important events, and cultural connections that shaped these classical civilizations.