World History Quiz: Philosophy and Civilizations

River Valley Civilizations

• Early humans migrated out of Africa.
• Animism was a common belief system, focusing on spirits and forces in nature.
• The Neolithic Revolution marked the transition to settled farming, resulting in permanent settlements to the domestication of animals.
• Rivers were crucial for early civilizations—providing a reliable water source and transportation routes.
• The 5 characteristics of civilization are government, cities, social structure, record-keeping (writing), and art/technology.
• Mesopotamia boasts ziggurats, clay tablets with cuneiform script, and Hammurabi's Code.
• The Abbasids were located in the Fertile Crescent.
• Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods.
• The Rosetta Stone is a key artifact for understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Early Man

• Many scientists believe in the "out of Africa" theory, suggesting Homo sapiens originated and spread from Africa.
• Early humans likely practiced animism, the belief that spirits inhabit natural objects, animals, and forces.

The Neolithic Revolution

• Humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural societies.
• Farming, permanent settlements, and domestication of animals were key components.
• This shift dramatically altered human life, often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution.

River Valleys

• Rivers provided a reliable water source and transportation.

5 Characteristics of Civilization

• Government: Organized systems to rule and manage the community.
• Cities: Large, dense populations, often centers of trade and specialized labor.
• Social Structure: Hierarchies of social classes.
• Record Keeping/Writing: Systems for preserving and exchanging information.
• Art and Technology: Creative endeavors and advancements in practical tools or knowledge.

Which River Valley Civilization?

• Ziggurats, hardened clay tablets with cuneiform, and Hammurabi's Code are all characteristic features of Mesopotamia.

R.V.C. (River Valley Civilizations)

• Evidence of sophisticated city planning, exemplified in the meticulously planned layouts of Indus cities like Mohenjo-Daro, indicates a well-organized government.
• Indus cities showcased planned layouts, including wide streets and standardized bricks.

Reincarnation

• Reincarnation is a core belief in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Buddhism

• The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism describe suffering, its cause, cessation, and the path to cessation.
• These truths are as follows; 1. All people suffer and know sorrow. 2. Desires cause suffering, 3. End suffering by eliminating desires, 4. Eliminate desire following the Eightfold Path.

Caste System

• The primary difference between the caste system and the Han social structure lies in the leadership. The Han placed bureaucrats, rather than priests, at the top of their social hierarchy.
• The caste system, in contrast, is characterized by a rigid social hierarchy with limited social mobility.

The Gupta Dynasty

• The Gupta Dynasty contributed significantly to advancements in mathematics (numerals, zero, decimal system), Sanskrit language (classical Indian language and liturgical language of Hinduism), and medicine (herbal remedies, surgeries, and smallpox vaccinations).

Confucianism

• Confucianism emphasizes social order and effective governance.

The Qin Dynasty

• Zheng, proclaiming himself Shi Huangdi ("First Emperor"), unified China in 221 BCE.
• The Qin Dynasty implemented Legalism, characterized by strict laws, rewards, punishments, and absolute rule.

The Mandate of Heaven

• The Mandate of Heaven concept justified rebellion when rulers were seen as losing the Mandate.
• It differs from other governing systems by postulating that rulers are chosen by divine right.

The Silk Road

• The Silk Road was an ancient trade route connecting Europe, India, and Asia.

Caste System (continued)

• The caste system lacked social mobility. People were born into their social class (caste) and remained in it for life.

Commonalities

• Confucianism, the Ten Commandments, and the Eightfold Path share the common thread of providing behavioral codes.

Greek City-States

• The geography of Greece, consisting of mountains and bodies of water, led to the development of independent city-states.
• Isolated valleys created distinct communities.

Homer's Iliad

• Homer's Iliad narrates the Trojan War.

Oligarchy

• Oligarchy is a form of government with ruling power residing in the hands of a few select individuals or families.

Athens

• Athens practiced direct democracy, where citizens directly participated in decision-making.
• Assemblies met frequently to discuss and determine policy.
• Citizenship was restricted to landowning men over 30; women, merchants, and foreigners were excluded. 
• During the Golden Age of Pericles, democracy flourished, with a council of 500 overseeing daily proceedings. Athens emphasized philosophy, science, and the arts, epitomizing the classical era.

The Parthenon

• The Parthenon is a prominent structure in ancient Greece.

Peloponnesian War

• The Peloponnesian War impacted the Greek city-states, though it did not lead to complete unification.

Hellenistic Culture

• Hellenistic culture resulted from the blending of Greek, Persian, Indian, and Egyptian traditions and customs.

Impact of Geography on Rome

• The location of the Italian peninsula facilitated Roman control of the Mediterranean Sea, allowing them to dominate trade.

The Romans were most influenced by...

• The Romans were considerably influenced by Greek culture, adopting various aspects of Greek civilization, including mythology, education, art, architecture, and military tactics.

Roman Government

• The Roman Republic operated with a system of popular representation.
• Two distinct classes comprised Roman society: patricians (wealthy landowners) and plebeians (ordinary citizens such as farmers, merchants, and craftsmen).

Women in Rome

• Roman women had more freedoms in comparison to other ancient civilizations - they could own property, make wills, and participate in public life.

Roman 12 Tables

• The Roman 12 Tables served as the foundational legal framework of Ancient Rome, comprising written laws.
• They detailed specific rules and penalties for offenses, establishing a basis for private rights, and providing a written legal framework for the Roman populace.

Causes of the Fall of Rome

• Economic: Inflation, heavy taxation, and economic downturn were major contributing factors.
• Political: Inefficiency, corruption, and instability in government weakened the empire.
• Military: An overly large military with little allegiance to the emperor made the defense system unstable.
• Invaders/Barbarians: Germanic tribes' pressure and invasion weakened the structural integrity of the Western Roman Empire.

Rise of the Roman Catholic Church

• The widespread network of roads within the Roman Empire facilitated the rapid spread of Christianity.
• The unified structure of the Roman Empire helped consolidate Christian beliefs.

The Pope

• The Pope (a title given to the Bishop of Rome) acts as the head of the Catholic Church.

Muhammad the Prophet

• Prophet Muhammad was a messenger of God or a prophet.

5 Pillars of Faith

• Declaring belief in Allah as the one true God (Faith).
• Daily Prayers (5 times a day, various times during the day).
• Charity (giving a portion of their wealth to the less fortunate).
• Fasting during Ramadan (abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours for 29 days).
• Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

After Muhammad Died

• Following Muhammad's death, Islam split into Shia and Sunni groups due to disagreements over leadership succession. 

Arabic Language

• Arabic became the language of communication within the Islamic world.

Sharia Law

• Sharia law is an Islamic legal system based on interpretations of the Quran.
• Scholars and theologians compiled Islamic moral codes into this system. 

Golden Age of Islam

• The Islamic Golden Age epitomized the pinnacle of scientific, cultural, and economic achievements in Islamic civilization.
• It spans roughly from the 8th to the 13th centuries.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

• Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were involved in the gold and salt trade.

Mansa Musa's Hajj

• Mansa Musa fulfilled one of the Five Pillars of Islam by undertaking a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.
• His journey brought back Muslim scholars, architects, and teachers to Mali, fostering intellectual growth within the realm. 

Impact of Gold + Salt Trade

• The gold and salt trade spread ideas and religions along its vast and important trade networks.
• Traders helped convey Islamic beliefs, Arabic language, and cultural insights.

Purpose of Religious Teachings

• Monotheism (belief in one God) is one of the primary tenets shared by various faiths.
• Religions establish codes of conduct to guide believers' actions and thoughts. 

Middle Ages and Feudal Europe

• Feudalism became the predominant governing system following the fall of the Roman Empire.
• The Church served as a unifying force during the Middle Ages.
• Feudal contracts were typically land in exchange for military service.
• Feudal societies are defined by decentralized governments, widespread manorialism, and enhanced Catholic Church influence.

The Great Schism

• Christianity divided into Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox denominations.

How are they similar?

-The Indian caste system and the European feudal system show similarities in dividing society into hereditary social classes.

The Crusades

• The Crusades were a series of wars for control of the holy lands of Jerusalem.
• The Crusades triggered changes in Europe—increasing trade and impacting the economies of European realms.

The Magna Carta

• Magna Carta, a charter of rights, curbed the power of the English Monarch.

The Bubonic Plague/Black Death

• The Black Death (Bubonic Plague) was a devastating pandemic caused by fleas on rats.
• Estimated to have killed ¼ of Europe's populations and millions were affected worldwide.
• The labor shortage caused by the plague weakened feudal systems.

Chinese Innovations

• Gunpowder, the abacus, the compass, paper money, and advanced shipbuilding are notable Chinese innovations of the time.

Foot Binding

• Foot binding was rooted in Confucian values, which emphasized confining women to domestic roles.
• The practice symbolized nobility and beauty but significantly limited women's mobility.

Pax Mongolica

• The Pax Mongolica era saw the Mongols uniting trade routes connecting Europe and Asia.
• This period was marked by a relative peace and stability under Mongol rule.

Marco Polo

• Marco Polo was an Italian explorer to observe the Mongol Empire firsthand.
• He detailed the prosperity and organization of Chinese cities during his extensive travels.

Achievements of the Ming Dynasty

• The Ming Dynasty, succeeding the Mongols, restored Chinese rule.
• Confucianism and civil service exams were reintroduced.
• Voyages by Zheng He showcased maritime exploration.
• Significant advancements in shipbuilding (esp. during the voyages)

Renaissance and Reformation

• The Renaissance was a rebirth of culture in Europe, with flourishing in art, philosophy, and literature.

Italian City-States

• Italian city-states became wealthy trading centers, gaining constant wealth via trade with Constantinople.
• They controlled Mediterranean shipping lanes.

Humanism

• Humanism emphasized the study of secular topics like grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and philosophy.
• It highlighted the potential for individuals to achieve great feats.

The Prince by Machiavelli

• Machiavelli's The Prince offered guidance to rulers on acquiring and maintaining power.
• The book advocated for the political necessity of deception at times. 

The Printing Revolution

• The printing press, invented by Gutenberg, led to a widespread production of books across Europe.
• This revolution increased knowledge and literacy, leading the way for challenging traditional beliefs. 

The Protestant Reformation

• The Reformation, led by Luther, initially aimed at reforming the Catholic Church. 
• It highlighted grievances, such as corruption, indulgences, and antisemitism within the Catholic church.
• Eventually, the Protestant Reformation led to a splintering of Christianity into diverse factions. 

Printing Press (continued)

• Johann Gutenberg's printing press led to huge changes, helping spread many religious ideas across Europe. This profoundly impacted the Protestant Reformation, leading many Europeans to reconsider their theological positions.

Protestant Reformation (continued)

• Monarchs benefited from joining the Protestant Reformation—gaining land and power. This challenged the power of the Pope. 

Henry VIII

• King Henry VIII's desire for a divorce led him to establish a new church (the Church of England).
• The Supremacy Clause allowed England to legally separate from the Catholic Church (and become the Church of England).

John Calvin

• John Calvin's theological work included the belief in predestination, a concept not widely held within the Catholic Church.

Luther, Henry and Calvin

• The ideas of Luther, Henry, and Calvin contributed to the weakening of the Catholic Church's influence and power.

What settled the religious wars in England?

• The Elizabethan Settlement ended the religious conflict in England.

The Council of Trent

• The Council of Trent initiated the Counter-Reformation, aiming to address criticism from Protestants.
• The council sought to reaffirm traditional Catholic views.
• The goal was to restore the Catholic Church's power amid the Reformation.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

• The Catholic Counter-Reformation aimed at invigorating the Catholic Church and countering the Protestant Reformation.

The Jesuits

• The Jesuits (Society of Jesus) were a religious order that worked to counter the Protestant Reformation.
• They spread the Catholic faith through the establishment of religious schools.

Scientific Revolution

• The Scientific Revolution marked a time of significant advancements and challenged older conventional notions about the universe.
• The Scientific Method was developed and utilized during this transformative period.

Galileo

• Galileo's work challenged the Catholic Church's then-current scientific views, which maintained that the earth was at the center of the universe. 

Columbian Exchange

• The Columbian Exchange facilitated the exchange of foods, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
• Significant population decline resulted in Western Africa, caused by the expansion of the slave trade. 

Exploration

• Technological advancements like the compass, sails, and rudders made exploration journeys like those undertaken by Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Columbus possible.

Aztec and Maya

• Aztec and Maya civilizations had significant advancements in mathematics and science.
• Early cultures in the Americas used sophisticated calendars and the concept of zero.

Natives and Diseases

• Native populations in the Caribbean declined due to diseases to which they had no immunity—a consequence of contact with Europeans.

Enlightenment and Revolution

• Enlightenment philosophers, including Rousseau and Locke, promoted the idea that governments should be based on the consent of the governed.
• King Louis XVI acted by absolute authority as opposed to the consent of the governed.
• Philosophers of the Enlightenment believed societies would run better through reasoning and recognizing natural laws.
• Adam Smith advocated for an economic system based on supply and demand.
• Constitutional government is where power is limited by law.
• The American and French Revolutions fundamentally shifted political dynamics—inspiring similar movements worldwide.

Haitian Revolution

• The Haitian Revolution was sparked by aspirations for equality and freedom which stemmed from Enlightenment ideals spread by the French Revolution.

Latin American Revolutions

• Latin American nations were greatly influenced by Enlightenment thought.
• Enlightenment ideals like those in the American and French Revolutions were implemented for the Latin American revolutionary efforts.  

Test your knowledge on key concepts from world history, including the foundational philosophies of Confucianism and Buddhism. Explore significant contributions of dynasties, social hierarchies, and legal systems across different cultures, such as the Han Dynasty and Rome. This quiz covers various pivotal topics shaping civilizations throughout history.