Greek Mythology and Early Theatre

The Egyptian god of the underworld, originally the god of vegetation and the mythological first king. He was betrayed and murdered by his brother Set (h), who tricked him into a coffin and dismembered him. His wife, Isis, searched for his body parts and resurrected him as the ruler of the afterlife, where he judges the souls of the deceased.

The ancient Egyptian belief that after death, individuals journey to the afterlife and become farmers for eternity. Their heart is weighed against a feather representing truth and justice to determine their fate.

A group of people who originated in West Africa and migrated across the Pacific Coast. They are known for their Bantu languages (over 500), their oral traditions, and their significant impact on Sub-Saharan Africa. They were skilled traders and lived in tribal communities.

The language in which the Rig Vedas, sacred Hindu texts, were written. It is considered an ancient language and is closely related to other Indo-European languages.

An ancient civilization that flourished in the Indus Valley. This civilization is known for its advanced urban planning, water management systems, and agricultural surplus. They had a sophisticated social structure with specialized labor, trade, and religious practices.

The ancient Egyptian belief that the Nile River's annual flooding was essential for agriculture, providing fertile soil and prosperity for the civilization. Similar to the Indus River, the Nile's flooding was a cyclical event that sustained life and supported their agricultural economy.

A series of interconnected language groups from the Niger-Congo family, spoken by a vast population in Sub-Saharan Africa. These languages are characterized by their shared grammatical structures and vocabulary.

The ancient Egyptian practice of judging a deceased person's soul based on their actions during their lifetime. Their heart is weighed against a feather of truth, symbolizing justice and righteousness.

The Qin Dynasty's founding emperor, known for unifying China through centralizing power and enforcing legalism.

A philosophy emphasizing harmony with the universe and natural order, often represented by the concept of Yin and Yang.

The principle of 'non-action' within Daoism, meaning acting in accordance with the natural flow of the universe.

Centralized power in ancient China by abolishing feudalism and establishing direct control over regions.

An important aspect of Confucianism emphasizing kindness, benevolence, and a strong sense of humanity.

A Confucian value emphasizing proper behavior and social etiquette, including respect for elders and superiors.

A cornerstone of Confucianism highlighting the importance of family and filial piety, including respect and care for parents.

The emphasis on family in Chinese society, particularly the duties and obligations of children to their parents.

The ancient Greek belief that the universe began with Uranus, the personification of the sky, and Gaia, the personification of the Earth. Their union led to the birth of the Titans, powerful beings who eventually dethroned Uranus.

The ancient Greek concept of excellence, striving for moral and physical perfection, and contributing to the good of the community.

The ancient Greek idea of excessive pride or ambition that leads to downfall, often brought about by the gods as punishment.

The deepest, darkest, and most dreadful region in Greek mythology, a place where the Titans and other monstrous beings were imprisoned by Zeus. It is often seen as a representation of hell or the underworld.

In Greek mythology, Cronus, the youngest of the Titans, overthrew his father Uranus and ruled the Olympian gods. He devoured his children, fearing they would overthrow him just as he did to his father.

A type of ancient Greek play that focused on serious themes, often with tragic outcomes, and featured grand characters, beautiful language, and complex plots.

A chorus was a group of singers and dancers who commented on the action, provided background information, and expressed the audience's emotions.

Masks were essential tools in Greek theater, helping actors quickly switch roles and embody characters.

Plays were considered a civic duty in ancient Athens, and attending them was encouraged as a way to understand their society and values.

Plays in ancient Athens often explored deep questions about morality, society, and the role of citizens.

Greek god of the sea, married to a sea nymph, has a palace underwater, and possibly fathered horses.

Greek god of fire and smithing, was physically thrown off Mount Olympus by his mother Hera.

Greek god of the Underworld, one of the Big Three gods.

Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest.

Greek goddess of the hearth, home, and family.

Greek goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth, married to Zeus and is also his sister, known for jealousy and anger.

Greek god of the sky, lightning, thunder, and storms, the king of all gods, married to Hera.

All of the Greek gods who reside on Mount Olympus, including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Ares, Hermes, and Dionysus.

The Library of Alexandria was a massive collection of scrolls and manuscripts from across the ancient world, making it a hub for scholars and knowledge.

The Pharos Lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, guiding sailors through the treacherous waters surrounding Alexandria.

The Patricians were the elite ruling class in ancient Rome, determined by birth and holding significant political power through voting for the consuls.

The Plebeians were the common people of Rome, lacking political power and often facing social and economic inequality.

The Senate in Rome was an advisory body composed of Patricians. It had the power to advise the consuls, ratify decisions, and eventually control the election of senators.

The Tribunes were officials elected by the Plebeians to represent their interests within the Roman government. They could intervene in political matters and veto unfair laws.

The Twelve Tables were Rome's first written set of laws, inspired by Greek legal codes. They provided the framework for Roman legal system and social organization.

The Roman Republic replaced the Etruscan monarchy. It established a system where consuls, advised by the Senate, wielded civil and military power. This system ensured power wasn't held by a single ruler.

The Punic Wars were a series of three major conflicts between Rome and Carthage fought for control of the Mediterranean region. Rome ultimately triumphed, becoming the dominant power in the western Mediterranean.

Pax Romana, meaning "Roman Peace," was a period of relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire lasting several centuries. It facilitated trade and cultural exchange across a vast area.