Untitled Deck Flashcards
(18 cards)
What 2 ancient civilizations had a theocracy?
Sumer (Mesopotamia) and Ancient Egypt
How does an aristocracy form?
Wealth in the form of land leads to wealthy land-owning nobles that control the government.
Which major, ancient Chinese dynasty was considered decentralized? Why?
Zhou Dynasty – The rulers of this dynasty did not have full control of the entire kingdom. Local rulers controlled their own region.
What is the Mandate of Heaven and how does it relate to the dynastic cycle in China?
The divine justification for a ruler and his family to control China. If the Mandate of Heaven is lost, then subjects will rebel and overthrow the dynasty.
In what ways was the Indus Valley civilization unique from other ancient civilizations?
Advance city planning, such as streets organized in a grid pattern and the use of plumbing.
What ancient civilization has never had its writing deciphered?
Indus Valley/Harrapan Civ
What was the first written language?
Cuneiform
What was cuneiform originally used for?
Record-Keeping for government (taxes) and trade.
What is another name for the Indus Valley civilization?
Harappan Civilization
What ancient civilization is most noted for advanced bronze work?
China – Shang dynasty
Who were the Aryans and why were they significant?
Pastoralists who migrated to the Indian Subcontinent. Their beliefs became central to Hinduism.
What time period and events does the Vedic Age refer to?
When the Vedas were written down and the main beliefs of Hinduism were established.
What similarities were there between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia?
Both were River Valley Civilizations where all the elements of civilization emerged. They both had a monarchy and theocracy, monuments, organized religions, patriarchy, specialized workers, and social classes.
What differences were there between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia?
Nile River was predictable, leading to a positive/optimistic religion. Mesopotamia’s rivers were unpredictable, leading to a negative/pessimistic religion. Egypt had natural barriers, leading to no invasions. Mesopotamia had no natural barriers, leading to frequent invasions.
What was the Code of Hammurabi and why was it significant?
It was a Collection of Laws of Babylon. It reflects the SOCIAL INEQUALITIES of that society.
How did the Code of Hammurabi promote inequality?
Punishments are different for people of different classes.
How did Vedic culture change the status of women?
Reinforced patriarchy in society through Caste obligations.
Why did the Egyptians have a positive view outlook on the world and the Mesopotamians have a negative view?
Egypt’s predictable flooding and strong natural barriers led to a positive/optimistic religion and outlook. Mesopotamia’s unpredictable flooding and lack of natural barriers led to a negative/pessimistic religion and outlook.
