Ancient China Vocab Flashcards
prosper
to be very successful or fortunate; to thrive
Mandate of Heaven
the belief that new kings or emperors had special permission to rule from the gods
feudal
a system in which power is shared between a king, who has the most power, and local rulers, who send goods and soldiers to the king in exchange for protection when needed
vassal
in a feudal system, this term is given to the states or the people who are inferior to the king
conscripts
people required to serve in the military
famine
period of time during which much less food is available
Daoism
an ancient Chinese philosophy that focused on meditation, nature, and individualism rather than having a role in society
Confucianism
an ancient Chinese philosophy that focused on a person’s role in the family and society and on honoring ritual and tradition
Legalism
an ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on strict governance and punishments
ignorance
without knowledge
filial piety
honoring one’s parents and elders or superiors
ritual
a ceremonial act done in a precise way
meditation
the act of thinking or reflecting for a period of time
despotism
oppressive power exerted by government
aristocracy
rule by aristocrats; aristocrats are nobles
