World Cultures and History Midterm Study Guide

The species known as Homo sapiens sapiens, emerged 200,000 years ago and spread across the globe, replacing Neanderthals.

The transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural existence.

A major discovery that provided warmth, protection, and allowed for cooking and roasting food.

The creation and use of tools made from stone, primarily flint.

The beginning of farming and the cultivation of crops, replacing the nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering.

The development of cities as centers of population and various functions.

Early humans traveled to find food and hunting grounds, typically covering only 2-3 miles per generation.

The spread of Homo sapiens sapiens across the globe, often replacing Neanderthals.

The ability to cook food, which likely improved nutrition for early humans.

The use of metal improved the strength of tools and weapons, giving humans more control over their environment.

The study of past societies through the analysis of artifacts left behind by early humans, such as tools, weapons, and art.

The study of human life and cultures. Anthropologists examine artifacts and fossils to understand the lives and cultures of early humans.

A type of human-like creature that walked upright. Early hominids are believed to have lived around 4 million years ago.

A more advanced hominid with a larger brain than its ancestors, known for possibly using stone tools. (Means "handy human")

An ancient hominid that emerged approximately 1.5 million years ago. They were bipedal, with body proportions similar to modern humans, and are believed to be the first hominids to leave Africa.

A species of hominid that emerged about 250,000 years ago. Known for their larger brain size and their ability to control fire.

A method used to determine the age of artifacts and fossils by analyzing the radioactive decay of carbon-14.

A technique used to date pottery and other materials by analyzing the amount of light they emit after being heated.

A method of studying the remains of early humans, including bones and skin, to understand their diet and activities.

The use of written records and documents to understand the past. This method is used to study history after the invention of writing.

The Phoenician alphabet comprised 22 signs representing speech sounds.

The Greeks, inspired by the Phoenicians, developed their own alphabet using signs.

The Romans adopted and adapted the Greek alphabet, creating the alphabet we use today.

Judaism emerged as the first religion that worshipped only one God, rejecting the worship of multiple gods.

Judaism viewed everyone else as God's servants. They believed in divine punishment for those who disobeyed God.

Judaism's emphasis on one God distinguished it from polytheistic beliefs, leading to cultural separation.

Judaism has had a significant influence on the development of both Christianity and Islam.

The Indus Valley Civilization had over 100 settlements with advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and sanitation facilities.

In the Indus Valley, rulers blended religious and political power, creating a strong link between them.

The Himalayan Mountains, Ganges and Indus Rivers, the Deccan Plateau, coastal plains, and monsoons define India's geography and climate.

A system in which government officials, often monarchs, controlled the distribution of food and resources to the populace. This system provided stability and security for the growing city and its expanding population.

The division of society into different classes based on wealth, status, and power. This often included a ruling elite and a laboring class, sometimes including enslaved individuals.

The development of belief systems, including deities, rituals, and explanations for natural phenomena. This provided meaning and purpose while attempting to influence events through religious practices.

The use of written symbols for record-keeping, communication, and creative expression. This enabled the recording of knowledge, laws, and stories, allowing for the transmission of information across generations.

The expression of artistic ideas through architecture, painting, and sculpture. This reflected the values, beliefs, and skills of the people and served both practical and symbolic purposes.

The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers known for its fertile soil, regular floods, and abundant crops. This area led to the development of the first Mesopotamian civilizations.

A civilization known for its polytheistic religion (multiple gods), theocratic government (ruled by priests), and achievements in agriculture, trade, and industry. They were also skilled in mathematics, astronomy, and writing.

The Nile River was essential for transportation, communication, and agriculture in Ancient Egypt. Its floods provided fertile soil, and the river served as a natural defense against invaders.

Ancient Egyptians practiced polytheism, believing in multiple gods and goddesses. Religion was woven into every aspect of their lives, impacting their social order and daily practices.

Ancient Egyptians excelled in architecture, sculpture, mathematics, and astronomy. Their enduring monuments, like the pyramids and temples, are testaments to their technical ingenuity and artistic prowess.

The use of iron tools significantly improved food production, helping to address a shortage and improve the lives of people in the region.

The Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet, a major step in developing their own written language and culture.

Sparta was a military state focused on strength and control. They ruled their conquered people with a strict, disciplined society.

Sparta's government was an oligarchy, meaning that power was held by a small group of elite citizens, including two kings and a council of elders.

Athens was a city-state known for its democracy and its large slave population. It developed a powerful navy but not a large standing army.

Draco's harsh laws in Athens introduced punishments that included slavery for debt. However, later reforms by Solon ended land debt and freed those enslaved because of it.

Cleisthenes, a reformer in Athens, expanded democracy by allowing the assembly to make new laws after open debate.

Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, including regions like Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. He spread Greek culture and influence throughout these territories.

The Hellenistic Era, which followed Alexander's conquests, was a period of cultural blending between Greek and Eastern cultures.

The Persian War saw a significant disparity in troop numbers, with Persia having over 180,000 soldiers compared to the Greeks' 7,000 plus 300 Spartans.

Alexander the Great's empire fragmented after his death, leading to power struggles among his generals and the emergence of four major Hellenistic kingdoms: Egypt, Syria, Pergamum, and Macedonia.

The Hellenistic kingdoms were ruled by Greek and Macedonian elites, reflecting a preference for these groups over Alexander's vision of inclusion for Persians.

The geographic location of Rome, situated on the Tiber River with access to the sea, provided strategic advantages for trade and defense.

The Latin people, an Indo-European group, settled in Italy around 1500-1000 BC., establishing farming and herding communities on the hills surrounding Rome.

Augustus, also known as Caesar, became dictator of Rome after defeating Pompey in a civil war. His growing power led to his assassination by senators who hoped to restore the Republic.

The First Triumvirate was an alliance between Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar, each wielding significant power and control. The alliance crumbled after Crassus' death, resulting in conflict between Pompey and Caesar, eventually leading to Caesar's rise as dictator.

The First Punic War was a conflict between Rome and Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, over control of the Western Mediterranean. Rome ultimately won, gaining control of Sicily.

Factors contributing to Rome's growth include the influence of Greek and Etruscan cultures, strong leadership, practical laws and physics, and advantageous geography.

The alliance of Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar, known as the First Triumvirate, was a key event in the transition from Rome's Republic to Empire.

The Punic Wars (including the First Punic War) demonstrate Rome's ambition and strength, marking a shift towards its dominance over the Mediterranean region.