First Civilizations Key Terms

Question 1

Akkadians

Answer 1

ancient Semitic people who established the first Mesopotamian empire / known for language and culture

Question 2

Aryans

Answer 2

the indo-europeans migrate to Europe and intermingle with natives / agriculturists / ‘noble people’

Question 3

Atman

Answer 3

belief in Hinduism regarding soul / self, considered eternal and a part of the universe spirit (Brahman)

Question 4

Dharma

Answer 4

belief in Hinduism based on a moral duty that people must follow in life

Question 5

Epic of Gilgamesh

Answer 5

ancient Mesopotamian poem considered one of the earliest works of literary fiction based on the hero Gilgamesh

Question 6

Fertile Crescent

Answer 6

another name for Mesopotamia

Question 7

Guptas

Answer 7

Indian dynasty that developed Hinduism | Golden period of Art - build stupas, Chaityas, maths, temples, statues, cave architecture

Question 8

Hans

Answer 8

invented Silk Road, paper, the civil service system, made advancements in science

Question 9

Wudi

Answer 9

emperor of Han Dynasty who increased authority for the Hans and extended Chinese influence abroad (Han Wudi)

Question 10

Hinduism

Answer 10

Indian religion with concepts of karma, dharma, and moksha

Question 11

Indra

Answer 11

prominent diety in Hinduism / ‘king of gods’ / rains, storms, warfare | rides war elephant

Question 12

Junzi

Answer 12

Chinese philosophical term meaning “gentlemen” or “noble man” | central Confucius principle

Question 13

Laozi

Answer 13

Chinese philosopher - founder of Taoism / ‘go with the flow’

Question 14

Lower Kingdom

Answer 14

northern part of Egypt / Nile delta

Question 15

Moksha

Answer 15

Hinduisitc idea of freedom from eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Question 16

Papyrus

Answer 16

1st paper made with unique reeds found alongside the Nile which resulted in Egyptology

Question 17

Qin Shi Huang

Answer 17

first emperor of China known for unifying all of China / initiated the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army

Question 18

Sargon the Great

Answer 18

first Akkadian ruler who conquered the Sumerian-city states / first standing army / favored his family and women

Question 19

Shang

Answer 19

Chinese dynasty that made great advances in bronze metallurgy (inventing sophisticated tools and weapons) as well as establishing the earliest writing system, using oracle bones for divination and record-keeping

Question 20

Shi

Answer 20

class of scholar officials / educated elites with administrative roles

Question 21

Sui

Answer 21

Chinese dynasty that unified China and restored central authority by placing enormous demands on its subjects / Grand Canal / forced subjects to build infrastructure

Question 22

Tang

Answer 22

Chinese dynasty that was golden age of poetry, sculpting, and Buddhism | expanded civil service system / people were happy here

Question 23

Upanishads

Answer 23

ancient Indian texts with philosophical concepts that formed basis of Hinduism

Question 24

Upper Kingdom

Answer 24

Egypt / Nile flows North, but wind blows South –> allows for trade / known for Southern part

Question 25

Varna

Answer 25

the Hindu society classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyans, Vaishyas, Slaudras

Question 26

Vedas

Answer 26

4 volume collection of hymns, songs, prayers, and rituals honoring Aryan god

Question 27

Wu Wei

Answer 27

concept in Daoism meaning ‘non-action,’ harmony

Question 28

Zhou

Answer 28

royal Chinese dynasty that developed the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ (concept for justify a ruler’s authority) | Daoism and Cofusianism emerged during this dynasty