Pre-Classical Era AP World History Review

Nile River

• Longest river in the world, crucial for irrigation in Egypt.
• Forms the heart of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Egypt

• Unified under a pharaoh, offers strong natural defenses.
• Engaged in trade with neighboring nations.

Coercion and Consent

• Forces like religion used to ensure obedience to rulers.
• Exemplified by pharaohs and the Mandate of Heaven.

Social Stratification

• Hierarchical structure distinguishing wealth and societal roles.

Indus River Valley

• Located in modern-day Pakistan, features fertile land and natural defenses.

Aryans

• Indo-European nomadic tribe that introduced Hinduism to the Indus Valley.

Dravidians

• Indigenous people of the Indus River Valley.

Vedic Age

• Period marked by interaction between Aryans and Dravidians.
• Significant for sharing and producing the Vedas, including the Rig Veda.

Upanishads

• Philosophical texts that unify and outline Hindu beliefs.

Class Division - Caste System

• Society divided into four main classes: Priests, Warriors, Merchants, and Laborers.

Dharma

• Concept representing the ethical duty of each caste.
• Good performance yields positive karma and affects reincarnation.

Cremation

• Hindu practice believed to enhance the process of reincarnation.

Sanskrit

• Sacred language of Hinduism, used in Vedic texts.

Pre-Classical Era

• Spanning from 10,000 BCE to 500 BCE, marks early civilization development.

Agricultural Revolution

• Transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

Results of the Agricultural Revolution

• Led to food surpluses, specialized labor, social stratification, and population increases.

Mesopotamia

• Known as "the land between the rivers"—Tigris and Euphrates.

Sumerians

• Early civilization that developed cuneiform writing, astronomical knowledge, and polytheistic beliefs around 3500 BCE.

Patriarchy

• Male dominance prevalent in early civilizations, shaping societal structures.

Babylonians

• Became dominant in Mesopotamia following the brief rule of the Akkadians.

Hammurabi and his Code of Law

• Babylonian king known for establishing legal codes focused on property rights and social order, favoring patriarchal norms.

Hieroglyphics

• Ancient Egyptian writing system, not as complex as cuneiform.

Harappa

• Advanced civilization in the Indus River Valley noted for its sophisticated urban planning and sanitation.

Mahabharata and Ramayana

• Epic literary works from the Vedic Age, significant to Hindu culture and philosophy.

Middle Kingdom

• Term for China, located between the Huanghe and Yangtze Rivers, contributing to its cultural identity.

Shang Dynasty

• Noted for advancements in silk manufacturing and bronze casting.

Zhou Dynasty

• Larger empire that contributed to political unity and stability, flourishing from around 1029 BCE.

Feudalism

• Hierarchical system granting nobles control over land while providing for serfs or lower classes.

Mandate of Heaven

• Concept used by the Zhou dynasty claiming divine right of emperors, justified removal through divine displeasure.

Takeaways from Egypt

• Achieved governance through coercion and a productive agricultural system.

Takeaways from Mesopotamia

• Polytheism and legal structures like Hammurabi's Code aimed at promoting equality among citizens.

Takeaways from India

• Cultural diffusion leading to the establishment of Hinduism as a major world religion.

Takeaways from China

• Stability maintained through feudalism and coercive strategies like the Mandate of Heaven.

Takeaways from the Agricultural Revolution

• Marked a significant shift in human activity, enhancing societal complexity and trade opportunities.

Prepare for your AP World History exam with this review quiz focusing on the Pre-Classical Era. Explore key concepts like the Nile River and the role of Egypt in ancient civilization. Test your knowledge on important terms and definitions that shaped early human history.