Neolithic Revolution

Period in early history that marked the end of the Ice Age. People stopped being nomadic and started farming and developing civilizations.

Hammurabi’s Code

Set of laws used in Mesopotamia that were based off the concept “an eye for an eye”

Caste System

A way to keep order in society (hierarchy) Used in Indus River Valley and became the basis for Hinduism Based on concepts of reincarnation and karma

China

This civilization was the most isolated, but eventually became connected to other empires through the Silk Road.

Sparta

A war-like society that focused on military achievements and rule by an oligarchy

Persian Wars

A series of wars between the Greek city-states and the empire of Xerxes I. Although the Greeks lost a lot of men, it led to the unity of Greece.

Hellenistic

The combination of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures. Started by Alexander the Great

Julius Caesar

leader of the Roman Republic who restored public works, gave jobs to the poor and modified the Roman calendar

Quran

Sacred text of Islam

Byzantine

The empire that practiced Eastern Orthodox Christianity They combined with the Holy Roman Empire to fight for Christianity during the Crusades

Feudalism

A system of government based on land ownership Each level contributed to society…… mutual aide was key!!!

Aztec

The fall of this empire happened after the arrival of the Spanish (specifically, Cortes)

Jerusalem

Considered the “Holy Land” by both Christians and Muslims The Crusades was fought over control of this city

Joan of Arc

A main reason for the French victory in the Hundred Years War was because of their leadership and strategies

The Catholic Church

Source of all political and religious power during the Middle Ages Their power will eventually decline during the Reformation period

Inquisition

The Catholic Church used this to torture/interrogate heretics

Classicism

Rediscovery of Greek and Roman ideas during the Renaissance

Humanism

Renaissance value that emphasized the dignity and worth of the individual

Secular

Renaissance value that focused on worldly, rather than religious, ideas Separation of Church and State

Machiavelli

Renaissance author who advised kings on how to rule In his book, he argued it was better for leaders to be feared than loved

Printing Press

Improved literacy and education during the Renaissance Led to the spread of Enlightenment and Reformation ideas

95 Theses

Martin Luther’s published list of complaints against the church, included abuses of power and use of indulgences

Anglican

A form of Protestantism that allowed the monarch to be head of the church

Catholic Reformation

The Catholic Church created this in order to compete with Protestant’s increasing popularity Declared an end to indulgences, but increased the inquisition and censorship

European Exploration

Caused by the quest for land, resources, and people to convert to Christianity

Triangular Trade

Allowed Europeans to increase their own wealth and influence Started the trade of goods, disease, slaves, and animals between Africa, Europe, and the Americas

Heliocentric Theory

New scientific belief that stated the sun was the center of the universe Directly conflicted with church teachings

Scientific Revolution

Led to the creation of the Scientific Method, Newton’s Laws of Gravity, and advanced technology

Absolute Monarchy

Type of government that granted the exclusive right to rule to the king/queen Rule was supported by the idea of divine right During the Renaissance, it was used by France (Louis XIV), Russia (Peter the Great), England (Elizabeth I), and Spain (Phillip II)

Enlightenment

Period of history where people began to use reason and logic to question leadership; inspired people to challenge authority

Montesquieu

Enlightenment philosopher that advocated the separation of the government into multiple branches in order to spread power

John Locke

Enlightenment philosopher that advocated “inalienable rights” Said that people had the right to change the government if their “inalienable rights” were abused

Rousseau

Enlightenment philosopher that believed people were naturally good; therefore, they should be free and have a say in the government

Florence

City in Italy that was the birthplace of the Renaissance

Buddhism

Technically considered a “philosophy,” started by Siddhartha Gautama in the Indus River Valley. Beliefs include reincarnation, karma, meditation, and dieting

Judaism

Founded by Abraham (prophet) Uses the Torah as their sacred text First major monotheistic religion