midterm 2 Flashcards
(107 cards)
1
Q
Thar
A
Great Indian desert
2
Q
syncretism
A
develops through
cultural contact and assimilation of ideas
= mixed cultures, languages and religions
3
Q
Monsoons
A
May to September and December to
March bring rains for agriculture
4
Q
What was the weather during the Indus Civilization
A
during Indus
Civilization, the climate was generally wetter and the Indus River floods between June and September
5
Q
Where is the Indus Valley
A
modern day Pakistan
6
Q
Sarasvati River
A
Ghaggar-Hakra) was
another ancient river that disappeared
anywhere between 4000 and 1600 BCE
7
Q
Harappan Civilization
A
was not widely known
until the 20th century
- 1856 British Engineers were building part of
the East India Railroad through the Punjab
and needed ballast (the material that supports
the train tracks)
- Took burnt mudbrick from Harappan sites
to use for ballast (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro)
- First systematic excavations were in the 1920s
by Archaeological Survey of India
archaeologists: Sir John Hubert Marshall, R.D.
Banerji.
8
Q
Indus Valley crops and animals
A
People cultivated various crops (wheat, barley,
rice, lentils, peas, sesame, and cotton)
Had domesticated animals (zebu cattle, sheep,
goats, and water buffalo)
9
Q
Zebu
A
(humped) cattle were domesticated in South
Asia from local wild aurochs
10
Q
Wu Wang
A
hang ruler overthrown by vassal from Wei River valley called Wu Wang
Wu Wang establishes the Zhou dynasty!
10
Q
Nebuchadnezzar
A
Reconstructed the Assyrian empire under Neo control
Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem 586 BCE and looted the temple that is believed to have been built by King Solomon (First Temple)
His son Belshazzar later has a feast using the temple vessels – this is when god’s hand appears and creates the ‘writing on the wall’ stating that Belshazzar was found wanting and he is defeated
11
Q
Cyaxares
A
Invaded Mesopotamia 614 BCE
Contributed to destruction of Assyrian empire
Extended rule into eastern Anatolia
War with the Lydians was interrupted by a solar eclipse!
12
Q
Rawlinson and
Edward Hincks
A
1857 Rawlinson and Edward Hincks decipher Babylonian cuneiform script (Akkadian)
13
Q
Pliny the
Younger
A
wrote testimony of from of the eruption of Vesuvius watching from Naples
14
Q
Meluhhans
A
king Sargon said Meluhhans were in his capital and there is evidence of trade
15
Q
Yu the Great
A
founded Xia State
Xia’ sites cannot be distinguished from Shang based on material culture
16
Q
Midas
A
Midas is the legendary king of the Phrygians who could turn whatever he touched into gold
no gold in his tomb tho
- ally to king Sargon
17
Q
Cyrus the Great
A
Took title ‘shah’ of Persia
Conquered Babylon after campaign against Nabonidus
His son Cambyses II then takes Egypt and Nubia
Cyrus did not kill rulers of conquered lands, kept them for advice
Governed multicultural empire with the concept of equal responsibilities and rights for all peoples as long as they paid taxes and were peaceful
18
Q
Plebians
A
Plebeians were the common people of ancient Rome, distinct from the privileged patrician class. They were artisans, farmers, laborers, and merchants, with fewer rights and political power. Through social and political struggles, they gained more rights and representation over time.
19
Q
Sir John Hubert
Marshall and
R.D. Banerji
A
best known for his excavations at Mohenjo-Daro, one of the major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. His work contributed significantly to the understanding of the Harappan Civilization’s architecture, artifacts, and urban life.
20
Q
Amedeo Maiuri
A
Italian archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri conducted excavations on a grand scale at Pompeii
He excavated older layers beneath the 79 CE eruption for the first time, and uncovered the majority of city wall and the vast amount of the area south of Via dell’Abbondanza
His work was poorly documented scientifically and his reconstructions were difficult to distinguish from original ruins
Due to the exceptional preservation of Pompeii, portions of the site have been set aside for future generations of archaeologists
Present work confined to areas of past excavation
21
Q
Cheng Tang
A
Shang was founded by him in the Zhou dynasty and overthrew king of Xia
22
Q
Ashurnasirpal II
A
Leads Assyrian armies to the Mediterranean and conquers kingdoms
First army equipped with iron weapons Tribute was used to build his capital Nimrud
Finished the project with a 10
https://www.historytoday.com/sites/default/ files/history-matters/nimrud_vision.jpg
https://gatesofnin eveh.files.wordpre ss.com/2016/11/ aerialziggurat_oat esnimrud_p105.jp g?w=600&h=534
15
year project and covers 350 hectares
-
day feast for 70000 guests!
23
Q
Lydians
A
As Phrygia declines the Lydians rise Lydians were a wealthy kingdom
Prospered in position on trade routes between Asia and the Mediterranean
Famous king Croesus 560
Capital Sardis on the western edge of the Anatolian Plateau & near gold sources
24
Darius
is a general that became king when Cyrus’ son dies on his way back from Egypt
Darius the Great ruled the empire to its peak
Created uniform monetary system, made Aramaic official language of empire, built roads, introduced standardized weights and measures
Under his rule Achaemenid Empire had largest population of any empire in history (~50 million people about
25
Hannibal
Hannibal: Carthaginian general known for leading a bold invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War. Notable victories at Lake Trasimene and Cannae. Defeated by Romans at Zama, securing Roman dominance beyond Italy.
26
Lady Fuhao
his is the tomb of Lady Fuhao
Fuhao is often mentioned in oracle inscriptions
1 of 60 wives of King Wu-Ding and she was the
greatest general of the Shang
Led major military campaigns on behalf of the
king and acted as his stand-in for state functions
Tomb discovered in 1976 intact
Body in lacquered wooden coffin, 440 bronzes,
weapons, 590 jades, stone, ivory goblets, turquoise
27
Shalmaneser III
takes control of Syria and Mediterranean coast
Tyre and Sidon forced to pay tribute
Commemorated on the bronze gates at Balawat near Nimrud
28
Medians
Cyrus the Great overthrows the Medians, and the Persians then become the dominant power
29
Georg Friedrich Grotefend
discovered one of these languages was alphabetic (Old Persian)
30
Octavian
civil war resulted in the rise of Octavian (Caesar Augustus) the first roman emperor
31
Shangdi
Shangdi, the "Lord on High," resides at Tian's center, commanding nature. The king, Shangdi's earthly representative, offers wine and grain to please Shangdi and nature. All activities align with seasons and celestial movements. If displeased, harvests fail. The palace serves as the state's center. Unusual events signal Shangdi's discontent.
32
Phoenicians
purple people renowned as maritime people with large ships adorned by carved horses heads for the gods of the sea
- renowned craftspeople
33
Persians
Lived under the rule of the Median Kings until 550 BCE
Cyrus the Great overthrows the Medians, and the Persians then become the dominant power
Founder of the Achaemenid Empire with capital at Pasargadae
34
Edwin Norris
deciphers Elamite
Deciphering Elamite was more difficult - a dead language, no known related languages
Syllabic script with 123 signs
35
Julius Caesar
- Born in 100 BCE to a patrician family with lineage traced back to Aeneas and Venus
- Became High Priest of Jupiter at 16 after his father's death, enhancing family's power
- Sulla's victory in civil war led to Caesar's targeting due to his opposition ties through marriage
- Fleeing Rome, lost priesthood and joined army for survival
- Started military career under Marcus Minucius Thermus in western Asia, participating in the Siege of Mytilene (81 BCE)
36
Harappan civilization
Indus Valley Civilization lasts only a few centuries
The rise of cities in the Indus valley is thought to
have been sudden
Possibly brought about by trade or warfare but no
evidence of armies
Wheeled carts were important in trade & they are
independently invented about the time of the rise
of urban centers
Sumerians dramatically increased trade with the
Indus Valley in this period
Previously, Sumerians traded for exotics across the
Iranian plateau by foot
2600 BCE: Sumerians began to trade by boat via
Dilmun and Magan (Persian Gulf) and Meluhha
(oils, furniture, gold, carnelian) (Indus Valley)
37
Nimrud
the capital was moved from Nimrud to Nineveh by Sennacherib
38
Gordion
Gordion: Ancient city with citadel, mosaic floors; Midas, legendary king of Phrygians linked to it; no gold in his tomb, but bronze artifacts; dated timber suggests tomb possibly belonged to Midas' predecessor, Gordias.
39
Pompeii
Pompeii: Thriving ancient city near Vesuvius, prosperous due to fertile soil and trade. Best-preserved archaeological site after volcanic eruption in 79 CE. Scientific excavations started in the 18th century, ongoing today.
40
Mehrgarh
renowned for its well-preserved mud-brick houses, pottery, tools, and evidence of early agriculture and animal domestication.
41
Erlitou
True city (20,000 people)
Similar to other cities of this period and
different from Longshan centers:
Focus of the state was on ritual & warfare
Erlitou: Ancient site with rammed earth palaces, organized layout, and cardinal orientation. Human sacrifices found in foundations. Controlled bronze and turquoise workshops indicate elite influence. These items symbolized political power, reflecting a highly stratified society. The site's decline was sudden.
42
Urartu
Urartu: Ancient kingdom in Armenia, centered around Tushpa near Lake Van. Formed by multiple kingdoms for defense against Assyrians. Utilized mountainous geography, built strong fortresses for protection. Eventually conquered by the Median kingdom of Iran.
43
Carthage
Carthage was a major trading city established by the Phoenicians in North Africa. It served as a central hub for their trade operations throughout the Mediterranean. Carthage's harbors were equipped with sophisticated infrastructure, including artificial harbors for both naval and mercantile purposes. Over time, Carthage grew into one of the largest cities in the preindustrial world.
44
Mohenjo-Daro
Mohenjo-daro: Key city of the Indus Valley Civilization, alongside Harappa and Rakhigarhi. Occupied by a middle class of merchants and officials, it featured a citadel and lower town. The city had planned streets, with main roads wider than cross-streets. Houses were mud-brick, varying in design and height.
45
Anyang (Yin)
Anyang, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, is a significant archaeological site in China. It covered 5.8 km and included ceremonial and administrative centers, residential areas, and workshops. The city had a grid pattern with wide streets and avenues, and it housed both elite and common families in courtyard-style houses and pit houses. Craft workshops, organized by guilds under royal court supervision, specialized in bronze, jade, pottery, and textiles.
46
Nineveh
Nineveh, the capital moved by Sennacherib from Nimrud, boasted a magnificent palace atop a citadel. The city expanded to include a vast lower city enclosed by walls. Sennacherib adorned Nineveh with gardens, orchards, and fields, irrigated by water from mountain springs through an aqueduct and canals.
47
Harappa
occupied
by an unpretentious middle class of
merchants and officials
48
Huanbei
Huanbei, among multiple palace temple complexes near Anyang, was intentionally burned down by its ruler after less than 50 years. Enclosed by a rammed earth wall, the complex housed a palace complex consisting of 60 buildings, with numerous human sacrifices. The main building, no more than three stories tall, was the largest of its time in China.
49
Babylon
Babylon's inner walls, celebrated wonders of antiquity, boasted double lines of baked brick fortifications with towers and gates. The grand Ishtar Gate, adorned with vibrant blue-glazed bricks depicting animals, led to the Temple of Marduk and the towering ziggurat, Etemenanki.
50
Hemudu
Hemudu, a wet site with remarkable preservation, reveals evidence of rice-paddy cultivation. Excavations uncovered a diverse array of foodstuffs, including rice, water chestnuts, bottle gourds, acorns, and sour jujubes. The site also yielded bones of domesticated water buffalo, dogs, and pigs, as well as wild animals like deer, elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and turtle. Additionally, artifacts such as flutes and a red-lacquered wooden bowl were found.
51
Sanxingdui
Sanxingdui, an early city, featured defensive rammed earth walls and buildings. Excavations revealed two sacrificial pits filled with bronzes, ivory, and jades, categorized into two types. Type A included bronze ritual vessels and other objects in the Shang style, while Type B consisted of locally produced items emphasizing the human form. The importation of Shang bronze ritual vessels in other states underscores the high regard for the Shang culture among other rulers.
52
Palatine
The Palatine Hill was where Romulus founded Rome after killing his brother Remus. Romulus fortified the hill and ruled as Rome's first king. Its strategic location, protected by steep sides and the Tiber River, made it highly defensible. Early structures on the hill date back to the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, indicating its importance in Rome's development.
53
Syncretism
The blending or merging of different beliefs, practices, or cultural elements into a new whole, often associated with religious or philosophical contexts.
54
The Great Bath
A large water tank found in the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, believed to have been used for ritual bathing or other ceremonial purposes.
55
Ola Leaf Manuscripts:
Palm leaf manuscripts traditionally used for writing in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in regions like Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
56
Soapstone Seals:
Small seals made of soapstone, often engraved with intricate designs or inscriptions, used as administrative or personal stamps in ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization.
57
Niuheliang Temple
An archaeological site in China dating back to the Hongshan culture, known for its temple complex and ritual artifacts associated with early Chinese religious practices.
58
Scapulamancy
Divination practice in ancient China involving the interpretation of cracks or marks on animal bones, typically from ox scapulae or turtle plastrons, after they were heated or burned.
59
Hang tu Tian Ting
A type of architectural bracket set used in traditional Chinese architecture to support the weight of roof eaves.
60
Lamassu:
Assyrian protective deities often depicted as hybrid beings with the body of a bull or lion, wings of an eagle, and human head, commonly used as guardian figures at entrances to palaces and temples.
61
Ishtar Gate
A grand entrance gate to the city of Babylon, decorated with colorful glazed brick reliefs of dragons, lions, and bulls, dedicated to the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar.
62
Processional Way
A ceremonial road in ancient Babylon, lined with sculpted animal reliefs, leading from the Ishtar Gate to the Temple of Marduk.
63
Temple of Marduk
A major religious complex in Babylon dedicated to the chief god Marduk, located near the Etemenanki ziggurat.
64
Tomb of Midas
The burial site associated with King Midas of Phrygia, located in modern-day Turkey, known for its rich archaeological findings and lack of actual gold artifacts.
65
Electrum
A naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, historically used for coinage and jewelry.
66
Cyrus Cylinder
An ancient clay cylinder inscribed with cuneiform text, documenting the conquest of Babylon by the Persian king Cyrus the Great and his policies of religious tolerance.
67
Behistun Inscription
A multilingual inscription carved on a cliffside in Iran, commissioned by King Darius the Great of Persia, detailing his rise to power and victories over rebel leaders.
68
Taotie motif
A common motif in Chinese art, particularly in bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, depicting a stylized animal face with prominent eyes and horns, often associated with ritual significance.
69
Blackware Ceramics
Ceramic vessels or objects made from black clay or pottery, often associated with specific cultural traditions or historical periods.
70
What are some general features of the climate and environment in the Indus Valley?
The climate was generally hot and dry, with seasonal monsoons providing rainfall. The environment included plains, rivers, and fertile soil suitable for agriculture.
71
In which Indus Valley site do we find evidence of the Lost Wax technique?
Evidence of the Lost Wax technique is found in the artifacts unearthed at the site of Mohenjo-Daro.
72
What are defining features of Mehrgarh?
Mehrgarh featured settlement structures made of mud-brick, evidence of burial patterns and structures such as graves and burial goods, and various types of craft production including pottery and bead-making.
73
What are some key architectural elements found in Mohenjo-Daro?
Key architectural elements at Mohenjo-Daro include the Great Bath, the Great Granary, and the wide, grid-like layout of the streets and buildings.
74
What are some defining features of the Harrapan Civilization?
The Harrapan Civilization featured planned urban settlements, sophisticated craft production including pottery and jewelry-making, a hierarchical political and social order, advanced subsistence strategies based on agriculture and trade, unique writing systems, distinct burial practices, advanced architecture including drainage systems, and a thriving economy.
75
What archaeological item suggests bureaucratic oversight in Harrapan Civilizations?
The presence of standardized weights and measures suggests bureaucratic oversight in Harrapan Civilizations.
76
What are some possible causes for the end of the Harrapan Civilization?
Possible causes for the end of the Harrapan Civilization include environmental factors such as climate change, natural disasters, and changes in river patterns, as well as social factors such as political instability, invasion, or economic decline.
77
Why are Harrapan sites difficult for archaeologists to excavate?
Harrapan sites are difficult to excavate due to factors such as the extensive urbanization of the areas, the depth at which the remains are buried, the lack of written records to guide excavation, and the poor preservation of organic materials in the region's harsh climate.
78
What are the two major rivers associated with early Chinese civilization?
The two major rivers associated with early Chinese civilization are the Yellow River (Huanghe) and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).
79
Where did early agriculture or the beginnings of the Neolithic period begin, and what domestication was involved?
Early agriculture or the beginnings of the Neolithic period began along the Yellow River (Huanghe) through the domestication of millet and other crops.
80
Can you sort the Huanghe (Yellow) River cultures/periods chronologically?
The chronological order of Huanghe (Yellow) River cultures/periods is typically Neolithic, Xia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty, and Zhou Dynasty.
81
What was the primary purpose of the elaborate bronze vessels used by Shang Kings for feasting?
The primary purpose of the elaborate bronze vessels used by Shang Kings for feasting was for ritual and ceremonial purposes, including offerings to ancestors and deities.
82
What are some defining features of the Shang Dynasty?
The Shang Dynasty is characterized by settlement structures made of rammed earth or wood, distinctive burial patterns with pit graves and sacrificial offerings, advanced craft production including bronze casting, and a hierarchical political and social organization led by a king.
83
What was the primary purpose of sumptuary laws?
The primary purpose of sumptuary laws was to regulate and control social hierarchy and status by restricting the consumption and display of luxury goods among certain social classes.
84
What are some key defining features of the Zhou Dynasty?
Some key defining features of the Zhou Dynasty include the Mandate of Heaven as a political and religious concept, the development of feudalism and decentralized rule, the emergence of philosophical and literary traditions such as Confucianism and Daoism, and significant advancements in agriculture, technology, and trade.
85
What does the Late Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean collapse, ca. 1200 BCE, refer to?
The Late Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean collapse, ca. 1200 BCE, refers to the widespread societal collapse and decline of several major civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean region during the late Bronze Age, including the Mycenaean Greeks, Hittites, and New Kingdom of Egypt.
86
What does the term "Iron Age" refer to?
The Iron Age refers to a period in human history characterized by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons, replacing or supplementing bronze and other materials.
87
Where are the Phoenicians from and where did they occupy? Also, name other names associated with them.
The Phoenicians originated from the coastal regions of the Levant, in present-day Lebanon, and occupied various coastal cities and colonies throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, including cities such as Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos. Other names associated with them include Canaanites and Punic people.
88
What is an Empire?
An Empire is a large political entity or state characterized by extensive territorial control over diverse regions and peoples, often unified under a single ruler or government.
89
Can you name the three great international states?
The three great international states typically refer to the Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, and Egyptian Empire, which were major powers in the ancient Near East during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
90
Where may the Hanging Gardens of Babylon have actually occurred?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to have been located in the ancient city of Babylon, near present-day Baghdad, Iraq. However, there is debate among historians and archaeologists about their actual existence and location.
91
What were the Three Punic Wars, and what were their key details?
The Three Punic Wars were a series of conflicts between Rome and Carthage. They were fought over control of the Western Mediterranean, particularly Sicily and trade routes. The wars began due to competition for power and resources. The First Punic War (264-241 BCE) ended with Rome gaining control of Sicily, the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE) involved Hannibal's famous invasion of Italy but ended with Roman victory, and the Third Punic War (149-146 BCE) resulted in the destruction of Carthage.
92
How did Julius Caesar come to power?
Julius Caesar rose to power through his military conquests, political alliances, and popular support. He served as consul of Rome, gained military fame through his conquests in Gaul, and eventually defeated his rival Pompey in a civil war, leading to his appointment as dictator of Rome.
93
What are the broad differences between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire?
The Roman Republic was a period of ancient Roman history characterized by a republican form of government with elected officials, checks and balances, and a Senate. The Roman Empire, on the other hand, refers to the period when Rome was ruled by emperors with centralized power, beginning with the reign of Augustus Caesar.
94
What are some architectural marvels and key places in ancient Rome, and what was Rome's basic infrastructure?
Architectural marvels and key places in ancient Rome include the Roman Forum, a center of political, religious, and social activity; the Colosseum, a massive amphitheater for public entertainment; and the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all the gods. Rome's basic infrastructure included aqueducts for supplying water, a network of roadways for communication and transportation, and seaways for trade and military purposes.
95
Bi and Cong:
Bi and Cong are types of ancient Chinese jade artifacts. Bi refers to circular jade discs with a central hole, while Cong refers to rectangular jade tubes with a circular hole, often found in ancient Chinese tombs and associated with ritual and ceremonial practices.
96
Chariot Burials
Chariot burials are archaeological findings where a chariot or chariots are buried along with human remains, often indicating the high status or importance of the individual buried.
97
Fora
The plural of forum, a forum in ancient Rome was a public square or marketplace used for meetings, commerce, and other public activities.
98
The Colosseum
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an ancient Roman amphitheater located in the center of Rome. It was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and other events in ancient Rome.
99
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, located in Rome, Italy. It is renowned for its large dome, considered an architectural marvel of ancient Rome, and was originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome.
100
Aqueducts
Aqueducts are structures used in ancient Rome to transport water from distant sources into cities and towns, providing a reliable water supply for drinking, bathing, and irrigation. They typically consisted of a series of arches carrying a water channel.
101
Legion
A legion was a large military unit in the ancient Roman army, typically consisting of around 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers organized into smaller units called cohorts.
102
Roman Forum:
The Roman Forum was the central marketplace and civic center of ancient Rome, where religious, political, and commercial activities took place.
103
Hadrian’s Wall:
Hadrian's Wall is a defensive fortification built by the Romans in Northern England during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE, intended to protect Roman Britain from barbarian invasions from the north.
104
Opus caementicium
Opus caementicium is an ancient Roman concrete technique. It involves mixing lime, volcanic ash, aggregate, and water to create durable structures like walls and arches.
105
harpax opus caementicium,
which was used in ancient Roman concrete construction. This technique involved pouring a mixture of lime, volcanic ash, and aggregate into wooden molds to create strong and durable structures, such as aqueducts, buildings, and fortifications.
106
shi Haung Di
took over after Zhou dynasty and made the Mandate of Heaven and the terracotta warriors were made for him
