3.0 - Persian Empire Flashcards
3.1 - Location
Persian Empire
Originated in modern-day Iran
Stretched from Egypt to Indus River
United through road system = Royal Road
-Improved trade, travel, communication
3.1 - Government
Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great = founder of Persian Empire
-Tolerant of conquered people
Darius the Great expanded empire into India
- Started imperial bureaucracy – divided into 20 provinces run by governors
- Started Persian Wars to conquer Greece
Xerxes defeated by Greeks – lost Persian War
3.1 - Religion
Persian Empire
Zoroastrianism = official religion of Persia Zoroaster = Prophet Ahura Mazda = God Zend Avesta = Holy Book Believed in 2 opposing forces
3.2 - Location
Life in Ancient India
Peninsula and subcontinent in South Asia
-Isolated and protected by geography
Mountains = Hindu Kush and Himalayas
-Khyber Pass = mountain pass
Major rivers = Indus and Ganges
Monsoons = seasonal winds that bring 90% of India’s rain
3.2 - Location
Life in Ancient India
Indus River Valley 3000-1500 BC
Indus River = site of first Indian civilization
- Major Cities = Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro - Economy based on agriculture and trade
3.2 - Aryan Migration & Influences
Life in Ancient India
Aryan Migration
Migrated to Indus Valley around 1500 BC
Used the Khyber Pass to cross Hindu Kush
Aryan Migration - Influences
Caste System = social structure based on heredity
-Influenced social interactions and occupations
Religious beliefs
Written language = Sanskrit
3.3 - Origin & Spread
Hinduism
Began around 1500 BC - based on beliefs of Aryans
Spread along trade routes
Became dominant religion in India
3.3 - Major Beliefs
Hinduism
Brahman = all-powerful universal spirit
-Divided into many different gods
Reincarnation = rebirth of the soul based on karma Karma = actions in this life affect your next
Ultimate goal = Moksha
At one with Brahman
No more reincarnation
3.3 - Major Beliefs
Hinduism
Caste System = social system based on heredity
Important texts = Vedas and Upanishads
Ahimsa = non-violence
All life to be sacred
3.4 - Origin & Spread
Buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
-Searched for truth in life and end to suffering
-Meditated for 40 days – achieved enlightenment
Spread by missionaries to China and the rest of Asia
3.4 - Major Beliefs
Buddhism
Four Noble Truths:
-All of life is suffering
-Suffering is caused by desire
-To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire
-To eliminate desire, follow Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path = guidelines on how to life your life the right way
3.4 - Major Beliefs
Buddhism
Ultimate goal = Nirvana
Achieved enlightenment, escape reincarnation
Belief in reincarnation and karma
Rejected caste system
Important text = Tripitaka
Ahninram (sheep-worshipping)
Ahimsa (non-violence)
3.5 - Mauryan Dynasty (324–185 BC)
Dynasties of India
Achieved political unification of India
Asoka = greatest Mauryan Emperor
-Set up hospitals and veterinary clinics
-Improved road system
-Spread Buddhism3.5 - Gupta Dynasty (320-550 AD)
Dynasties of India
Golden Age of classical Indian civilization
Contributions:
-Math: zero, decimal system
-Medicine: broken bones, surgery, vaccines
-Astronomy: size of moon, round earth, gravity
-Art and literature
3.6 - Location
Life in China
Isolated and protected by geography
- East = Pacific Ocean and Yellow Sea - North = Gobi Desert - West = Tibetan Plateau - Southwest = Himalaya Mountains
Major Rivers = Huang He (Yellow) and Yangtze
-Huang He = site of first Chinese civilization
-Yangtze River = important trade route
Grand Canal = 1100 mile canal connecting 2 rivers
3.6 - Life in China
Life in China
Civilization began around 1500 BC
Only 10% is good for farming
Most lived on North China Plain
-Between two major rivers
3.7 - Government
Chinese Government & Contributions
Governed by a ruling family = dynasty
Ruled under “Mandate of Heaven”
-Heavens allowed dynasty to rule as long as they were just
3.7 - Dynastic Cycle
Chinese Government & Contributions
- New Ruler Gains the Mandate of Heaven - Dynasty is founded
- Golden Age - Period of Great power and prosperity
- Period of decline and corruption
- Period of rebellion – Dynasty loses Mandate of Heaven
3.7 - Qin Dynasty
Chinese Government & Contributions
First imperial dynasty – gave China its name
First Emperor = Qin Shi Huangdi
-Built Great Wall to protect China from invaders
3.7 - Shi Huangdi’s Secret Tomb
Chinese Government & Contributions
Had tomb built in secret location
-Inside tomb = miniature replica of China
Built Terracotta Army to guard him in the after life
3.7 - Contributions
Chinese Government & Contributions
Written language based on characters
Paper
Porcelain
Silk
Civil Service System = pass exam to get government job
-Choose workers based on merit
Grand Canal
Silk Road = trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean
3.8 - Confucianism
Confucianism
Founded by Confucius
-Known as the “first teacher”
Important text = The Analects
-Teachings and advice of Confucius
Influenced Chinese government and society
3.8 - Major Beliefs
Confucianism
Humans are born good Filial Piety = respect for elders Code of politeness Valued education Ancestor Worship
3.8 - Major Beliefs
Confucianism
Importance of relationships: Ruler to Subject Parent to Child Husband to Wife Older Sibling to Younger Sibling Friend to Friend
3.9 - Taoism
Taoism
Founded by Laozi
Known as the “Old Master”
Important text = Tao Te Ching
Influenced Chinese culture and values
3.9 - Major Beliefs
Taoism
Humility
Simple life and inner peace
Harmony with nature
Yin & Yang represent balance in nature
3.9 - Buddhism
Buddhism
Founded in India
Spread to China by Asoka’s missionaries
