Questions and Answers
What is a classical civilization?
What were the contributions of the Maurya Empire?
Bureaucracy and centralized government
Define bureaucracy.
A system that runs a government
What is a centralized government?
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List some contributions of the Han Dynasty.
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What is the Great Wall of China?
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What was the purpose of the Silk Road?
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What is a civil service system?
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What is the Dynasty System?
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Explain the Mandate of Heaven.
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What are city-states?
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What were Greece's two main city-states?
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What type of government did Athens have?
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Describe the society of Athens.
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What type of government did Sparta have?
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Describe Sparta's society.
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Who was Alexander the Great?
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What is Hellenistic Culture?
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List some contributions of Greece.
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What is Greek architecture known for?
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Define philosophy.
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Who were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle?
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What is democracy?
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Describe Rome's geographical location.
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What does 'Caesar' refer to?
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What is a republic?
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What was the development path of the Roman Empire?
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What is Pax Romana?
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List some contributions of the Roman Empire.
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How did Roman architecture differ from Greek architecture?
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What are aqueducts?
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What are Roman Laws?
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What was the language of the Roman Empire?
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How do classical empires fall apart?
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How are contemporary democratic governments rooted in classical civilizations?
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Study Notes
Classical Civilization
- Highly organized societies forming the foundation of modern civilizations.
Contributions of the Maurya Empire
- Established a bureaucracy and a centralized government for effective governance.
Bureaucracy
- A system designed to administer and run government operations.
Centralized Government
- Jurisdiction concentrated in one location, directing laws and policies from that center.
Contributions of the Han Dynasty
- Innovations included paper, wheelbarrows, rudders, acupuncture, the Great Wall of China, silk production, and a civil service system.
Great Wall of China
- Constructed by the Han Dynasty primarily to defend against northern invasions.
Silk Road
- Trade route established for silk commerce, connecting China to the Middle East.
Civil Service System
- Required candidates to pass examinations based on Confucian teachings to secure government positions.
Dynasty System
- Series of ruling families in China, each claiming the Mandate of Heaven to justify their rule.
Mandate of Heaven
- A divine right belief where ruling families are believed to be granted authority by the gods.
City-States
- Greece was divided into city-states due to its mountainous geography; each city-state consisted of an urban center and surrounding territory.
Greece's Two Main City-States
- Athens, known for its focus on education and culture.
- Sparta, recognized for its militaristic society and governance.
Athens Government Type
- Practiced direct democracy, allowing male citizens to vote on issues directly.
Athens Society
- Emphasized education, cultural growth, and fostering good relationships with other city-states.
Sparta's Type of Government
- Operated under a monarchy with two kings governing together.
Sparta's Society
- Militaristic and warrior-focused, leading to poor trade relations and a challenging lifestyle.
Alexander the Great
- Conquered vast territories including Egypt, Persia, and India, significantly influencing world history.
Hellenistic Culture
- A cultural blend resulting from Alexander’s conquests, merging Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian influences.
Contributions of Greece
- Notable advancements in architecture, philosophy, and the establishment of democratic ideals.
Greek Architecture
- Characterized as "classical," featuring columns, straight lines, and geometric shapes.
Philosophy
- Exploration of fundamental and significant ideas about existence and morality.
Great Greek Philosophers
- Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped Western philosophical thought.
Democracy in Greece
- A system where citizens actively participated in decision-making, originated in Athens.
Rome's Geographical Significance
- Positioned around the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating connections between Europe and the Middle East.
The Term "Caesar"
- Title used for rulers in Rome, indicating imperial authority.
Roman Republic
- Government form where citizens elected representatives to make policy decisions.
Development of the Roman Empire
- Transitioned from a monarchy to a republic and ultimately became an empire dominated by Caesars.
Pax Romana
- Era of peace brought about by Augustus Caesar, lasting for approximately 200 years, marking a "Golden Age."
Contributions of the Roman Empire
- Influential in literature, engineering, architecture (including aqueducts), lawmaking, and the Latin language.
Roman Architecture
- Heavily influenced by Greek style, with the addition of arches and domes.
Aqueducts in Rome
- Ingenious structures designed to transport fresh water from distant sources to urban areas.
Roman Laws
- The Twelve Tables established foundational legal principles, later influencing modern legal systems.
Latin Language
- Used across the Roman Empire, facilitating communication and cultural exchange.
Factors Leading to the Fall of Classical Empires
- Corruption, inability to manage large territories, foreign invasions, and excessive taxation contributed to decline.
Contemporary Democratic Governments
- Influenced by classical civilizations: Maurya's centralized governance, Han's civil service, Greece's democracy, and Rome's legal system and republic framework.
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Description
Explore key concepts and contributions of classical civilizations through this set of flashcards. Learn about the Maurya Empire and the significance of bureaucracy in government systems. Perfect for students studying ancient history and its impact on modern societies.