History Antiquity Midterm Flashcards
What are the major cultural contributions of early Mesopotamian civilizations (Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians)?
Sumerians: Wheel, cuneiform writing, ziggurats, advanced mathematics.
Babylonians: Hammurabi’s Code, codified laws.
Assyrians: Military strategies, large empire, siege warfare.
How did Hammurabi’s Code reflect the values and society of Babylonian civilization?
Strict justice: Severe penalties for crimes.
Class-based penalties: Different punishments based on social class.
Eye for an eye: Harsh, specific punishments for theft, adultery, etc.
How did the geography of ancient Egypt impact its civilization?
Nile provided fertile soil for agriculture.
The desert created natural barriers for protection.
Predictable flooding allowed for stable food production.
Explain the importance of the Book of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture.
Guide to the afterlife with spells and rituals.
Emphasized moral living and correct procedures for immortality.
What role did religion play in the political systems of early civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia?
Egypt: Pharaohs were seen as gods; religion and governance were intertwined.
Mesopotamia: Gods influenced human affairs; rulers were agents of the gods.
What are the similarities and differences between early Mesopotamian and Egyptian societies?
Similarities: Centralized governments, complex religious systems, architectural achievements.
Differences: Egypt had more stable agriculture and a god-king structure, while Mesopotamia was politically fragmented.
How did the development of writing in early civilizations (like Mesopotamia and Egypt) affect society?
Mesopotamia: Cuneiform for record-keeping, laws, and communication.
Egypt: Hieroglyphics for religious texts, monumental inscriptions.
Discuss the significance of the Persian Empire’s administration and infrastructure.
uilt the Royal Road for communication and trade.
Efficient bureaucracy, tolerance for local customs, which helped maintain control.
How did the caste system shape Hindu society?
Rigid social roles determined by caste.
Justified by religious beliefs, each caste had specific duties in society.
How did early Hinduism and Buddhism differ in their teachings about suffering and enlightenment?
Hinduism: Enlightenment (moksha) is achieved by following dharma and accumulating good karma.
Buddhism: Enlightenment (nirvana) is achieved by following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end desire and suffering.
What is the significance of the Mandate of Heaven in Chinese dynastic rule?
The divine right to rule, granted to emperors.
Emphasized the ruler’s duty to govern justly or risk losing the mandate.
What is the concept of dharma in Hinduism?
Moral and ethical duties and responsibilities based on caste and life stage.
How did the Zhou Dynasty contribute to the development of Chinese civilization?
Introduced the Mandate of Heaven.
Expanded territory and culture.
How did Buddhism spread across Asia?
Spread through missionaries, trade routes like the Silk Road, and rulers like Emperor Ashoka.
What are the key teachings of Confucianism?
Emphasizes ethics, familial piety, and social harmony.
Values education, respect for authority, and moral leadership.
How did the Gupta Empire impact Indian culture and society?
Golden age of culture, especially in mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art.
What were the key achievements of the Maurya Empire under Ashoka?
Promoted Buddhism, built infrastructure, and implemented policies of tolerance and welfare.
What is the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism?
Hinduism: Karma affects future lives; good actions lead to positive outcomes.
Buddhism: Karma affects future lives; focus is on actions to end suffering.
What were the main accomplishments of the Qin Dynasty in China?
Unified China, standardized weights and measures.
Built the Great Wall and created a centralized bureaucracy.
How did Greek philosophy influence Western thought?
Focus on reason, ethics, and knowledge, foundational for Western philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle).
What are the key differences between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire?
Republic: Elected officials, Senate.
Empire: Autocratic rule with emperors holding power.
What were the main achievements of the Han Dynasty?
Expanded the empire, established the Silk Road, advancements in paper, bureaucracy, and Confucianism.
What is the significance of the Silk Road in ancient history?
Facilitated trade, spread goods, culture, ideas, and religions between East and West.
How did the fall of Rome affect Europe?
Fragmentation of Europe, rise of feudalism, spread of Christianity.
What role did the Catholic Church play in medieval Europe?
Central authority influencing politics, education, and culture in medieval Europe.
How did the Byzantine Empire preserve Roman traditions?
Preserved Roman law, culture, and Christianity, especially through the Justinian Code.
How did the Black Death affect Europe socially and economically?
Loss of population led to labor shortages, economic decline, and social upheaval.
What were the key causes of the Protestant Reformation?
Corruption in the Catholic Church, sale of indulgences, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
What were the main ideas of Renaissance humanism?
Focused on individualism, study of classical antiquity, and human potential.
How did the Mongol Empire impact Eurasia?
Unified Eurasia, promoted trade along the Silk Road, spread technology, culture, and disease.
What were the major innovations of the Age of Exploration?
Advances in navigation, shipbuilding, and global trade routes.
