Antiquity Flashcards
Who were the Kurgan people, and when did they exist?
The Kurgan people were a prehistoric culture associated with the Pontic-Caspian steppe (modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia), existing from approximately 4500 BCE to 2000 BCE. They are considered one of the early Proto-Indo-European cultures and are named after their characteristic burial mounds (kurgans).
The Kurgan people migrated due to climatic changes, population pressure, and their mastery of horse domestication and chariot technology. Their expansion across Europe and Asia is linked to the spread of Proto-Indo-European languages, influencing later civilizations such as the Celts, Germans, Slavs, and Indo-Aryans.
The Kurgan culture played a crucial role in the spread of Indo-European languages and warfare techniques, including the use of chariots and cavalry. Their expansion influenced the development of later cultures across Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, shaping linguistic, social, and technological advancements.
What were the earliest known civilizations in Greek history, and why are they significant?
The Minoan civilization (c. 3000–1450 BCE) on Crete and the Mycenaean civilization (c. 1600–1100 BCE) on mainland Greece were the first advanced societies in Greek history. They established early trade networks, writing systems (Linear A and B), and monumental architecture. The Mycenaeans’ collapse around 1100 BCE led to the Greek Dark Age.
When was the Greek dark ages? What characterized the Greek Dark Age, and how did it affect Greek development?
1180 - 800 BCE. The period after the fall of the Mycenaeans saw a decline in literacy, population, and trade. However, it was also a time of cultural transformation, where oral traditions like Homer’s epics were preserved. The emergence of iron weapons and the formation of Greek identity set the stage for later city-states.
When was the Grek Archaic period? Why is the Archaic Period important for the development of Greek civilization?
750-500 BCE. This period saw the rise of the polis (city-state), with Athens, Sparta, and Corinth gaining power. Political experiments, including oligarchy and early democracy, emerged. The Greek alphabet was developed, and colonization expanded Greek influence across the Mediterranean.
How did Greek civilization influence Rome and later cultures?
As Greece fell under Roman control (146 BCE), its art, philosophy, and governance deeply influenced Rome. The Greek legacy shaped Western thought, democracy, and education, impacting civilizations long after the fall of ancient Greece.
Where did the Celtic people originate, and what is their earliest known culture?
The Celts originated in Central Europe, particularly around the Danube and Rhine rivers. The Hallstatt culture (c. 1200–500 BCE) is the earliest known Celtic culture, known for its warrior aristocracy, metallurgy, and trade networks.
What was the outcome of the Roman conquest of the Celts in Gaul?
The Gallic Wars (58–50 BCE), led by Julius Caesar, resulted in the conquest of Gaul (modern France). The decisive battle at Alesia (52 BCE) saw Vercingetorix’s defeat, marking the end of major Celtic resistance in the region.
How did the Celts maintain their culture in Britain and Ireland after Roman expansion?
While southern Britain fell to Roman rule (43 CE), Ireland and Scotland remained unconquered. The Celts in these regions continued their traditions, later influencing medieval Gaelic and Brythonic cultures.
What factors led to the decline of Celtic political power in Europe?
The spread of the Roman Empire (1st century BCE – 5th century CE) and later Germanic migrations diminished Celtic power. Many Celtic traditions, however, survived through language, folklore, and Christianity in regions like Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
