Social Scientists and Ancient Civilizations

People who study the past through written records.

They study the Earth's surface and its impact on humans.

They study human cultures from the past and present.

A firsthand record of a historical event created by someone who witnessed it.

A second-hand record of a historical event created by someone who did not witness it.

The period when humans first learned to farm and domesticate animals.

People who travel from place to place searching for food.

A steady supply of food due to agriculture.

A complex and highly organized society with a government, social classes, job specialization, a food surplus, writing, and religious beliefs.

The period when humans began farming and settled in permanent villages, leading to the development of civilizations.

The fertile land near rivers that allowed early civilizations to thrive due to fertile soil, irrigation, and transportation.

The earliest civilizations developed around 3000 B.C. in fertile river valleys.

Ancient Egyptian writing using picture symbols.

Massive structures built in ancient Egypt to bury pharaohs, kings.

The ancient Mesopotamian writing system using wedge-shaped symbols.

The oldest written set of laws known for its strict punishments, often referred to as "an eye for an eye."

A period in a civilization's history marked by significant progress in art, literature, mathematics, and science.

A civilization that developed advanced features compared to earlier societies.

A system of trade where goods are exchanged without using money, involving direct bartering between individuals.

A type of agriculture where crops are primarily grown to feed the farmer and their family, with little surplus to sell.

A society that worships and believes in multiple gods, often associated with forces of nature.

A city-state in ancient Greece, characterized by its own independent government and territory.

The practice of inheriting one's parents' occupation, typically related to farming or agriculture.

A geographical feature of the Indus River Valley Civilization, which is known for the monsoon winds bringing heavy rain.

A military society where men spent almost all of their lives training for warfare. People in Sparta had very little freedom.

Athens is known for having the first democracy in the world. A democracy is a form of government in which people can vote. Athens had a direct democracy, which means that all citizens (adult males born in Athens) were able to vote on laws.

The people of ancient Greece were polytheistic (believed in many nature gods). The Olympic Games were held every 4 years in Greece to honor their god, Zeus.

A famous leader who conquered Greece, Egypt, Persia (Iran), and part of India. He spread Greek (Hellenic) culture to all of the areas that he conquered.

A successful dynasty (family of rulers) in India that was known for Asoka, a famous ruler who wrote the laws of India on tall rock pillars and promoted Buddhism.

A dynasty that ruled India during its Golden Age, a period of significant advancements in art, literature, math, and science, including the invention of zero and the development of Sanskrit writing.

The social hierarchy of India in which people were born into a social class and remained in that class for the rest of their lives.

The division of society into rigid social classes

This belief system focuses on the inherent evil in people and uses harsh punishments to maintain order and prevent crime.

The leading Chinese philosophy emphasizing social harmony achieved through a hierarchy of relationships with specific roles and obligations. Key concepts include the Five Relationships and Filial Piety.

A philosophy promoting balance and harmony, encouraging people to live in accordance with nature and accept life as it is. It emphasizes inner peace and the pursuit of the "Dao" (the Way).

Developed by Lao Tzu, this philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural order (Tao).

A legal code established in ancient Mesopotamia, renowned for its harsh punishments based on the principle of "an eye for an eye."

A system of direct democracy practiced in ancient Athens, where all male citizens with property participated in governance through voting and public debate.

A collection of written laws used in the Roman Empire, known for favoring the wealthy and establishing a standardized legal system.

The concept in Confucianism that emphasizes honoring and respecting elders, especially parents, with children expected to be loyal and obedient.

A philosophy that emphasizes strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order. It believes that humans are inherently evil and require strict control to prevent chaos.

The system of roads and transportation networks established by the Han Dynasty, which facilitated trade and economic growth, similar to the Roman Empire.

A system of government where officials are selected based on their skills and knowledge, demonstrated by passing rigorous exams. China was the first civilization to implement this system.

A long trade route spanning approximately 4,000 miles from China to the Mediterranean Sea, connecting various civilizations and fostering cultural exchange.

The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between different societies. The Silk Road facilitated cultural diffusion by connecting diverse civilizations.

A vast empire centered on the Italian peninsula that conquered territories surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Western Europe, North Africa, Greece, and Asia Minor, creating a unified political and economic entity.

Rome's extensive network of roads, both on land and sea, facilitated trade and economic growth by connecting different parts of their empire and promoting the exchange of goods and services.