The Classical Era Unit 2 Introduction

What is the “Classical Era”? Roughly 600 BC to 600 AD Noted for the development of complex empires in three key regions in world history: China, India, and the Mediterranean Popularly considered a “golden age” of culture and learning for these societies Witnessed the rise of the religious and philosophical systems that still dominate the globe to this day (with one BIG exception) First major interregional trade routes developed during these centuries

Classical China Major Empire –Han Dynasty Belief Systems Developed –Confucianism –Daoism (Taoism)

Zhou Dynasty

Era of the Warring States

Qin Dynasty

Han Dynasty

Classical India Major Empire –Gupta Dynasty Belief Systems Developed –Hinduism –Buddhism

Vedic Period

Hinduism and Buddhism

Mauryan Empire

Gupta Empire

Classical Mediterranean Major Empire –Roman Empire Belief Systems Developed –Judaism –Christianity

Persian Empire

The Greek World

Roman Republic

Pax Romana

Judaism and Christianity

Interregional Contacts

Inter- regional Contacts

Coach Lerch’s Final Thoughts The rise of empire in these three regions contributed to the development of social, economic, political, technological, intellectual, and cultural features that still impact the ideological descendants of these groups