Vocabulary Terms & Main Ideas: Review V

Question 1

Indus River Valley

Answer 1

The Indus River Valley refers to a historic civilization that flourished around the banks of the Indus River in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, known for its advanced urban planning and trade networks.

Question 2

Hindu Kush and the Himalayas

Answer 2

The Hindu Kush and the Himalayas are mountain ranges in South Asia that serve as natural boundaries, with the Hindu Kush located in Afghanistan and the Himalayas spanning several countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan, known for their majestic peaks and importance in regional geography and climate.

Question 3

Harappa

Answer 3

Harappa refers to an ancient city and archaeological site located in the Indus River Valley, known for its well-planned urban layout and being one of the major centers of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 4

Mohenjo-daro

Answer 4

Mohenjo-daro is an ancient city and archaeological site in the Indus River Valley, renowned for its sophisticated urban infrastructure and being one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 5

Citadel

Answer 5

A citadel is a fortified area within a city or town, typically located on high ground, designed to serve as a defensive stronghold.

Question 6

Zhong guo

Answer 6

“Zhong guo” is a Mandarin term meaning “Middle Kingdom” and is commonly used to refer to China, highlighting its historical and cultural significance as a central civilization.

Question 7

Huang He

Answer 7

The Huang He, also known as the Yellow River, is the second-longest river in China and plays a crucial role in Chinese history and agriculture.

Question 8

Loess

Answer 8

Loess refers to a fertile, wind-deposited sediment consisting of fine-grained particles, typically yellowish in color, found in regions such as China, and it is highly valued for its agricultural benefits.

Question 9

Yangshao

Answer 9

The Yangshao culture refers to a Neolithic culture in ancient China known for its painted pottery, agriculture-based economy, and early forms of social organization.

Question 10

Longshan

Answer 10

The Longshan culture refers to a Late Neolithic culture in ancient China known for its distinctive black pottery, advanced craftsmanship, and the development of complex social structures.

Question 11

Huang He Valley

Answer 11

The Huang He Valley refers to the region surrounding the Yellow River in China, characterized by its fertile land, extensive agricultural activity, and historical significance in shaping Chinese civilization.

Question 12

Shang Dynasty

Answer 12

The Shang Dynasty was an ancient Chinese dynasty that existed from approximately 1600 to 1046 BCE, known for its advanced bronze technology, oracle bone inscriptions, and the establishment of a centralized state.

Question 13

Oracle bones

Answer 13

Oracle bones were ancient Chinese artifacts, typically made from the bones of animals, used for divination during the Shang Dynasty, with inscriptions providing valuable insights into early Chinese writing and religious practices.

Question 14

Kaolin

Answer 14

Kaolin is a fine white clay composed mainly of kaolinite, widely used in ceramics, papermaking, cosmetics, and various industrial applications.

Question 15

Anyang

Answer 15

Anyang is an ancient city in China that served as the capital of the Shang Dynasty, renowned for its archaeological discoveries and the presence of the royal tombs of ancient Chinese rulers.

Question 16

Zhou Dynasty

Answer 16

The Zhou Dynasty, spanning from 1046 to 256 BCE, was a transformative era in ancient Chinese history, marked by the rise of feudalism, significant cultural advancements, and the concept of the “Mandate of Heaven.”

Question 17

Mandate of Heaven

Answer 17

The Mandate of Heaven was an ancient Chinese belief system that claimed the legitimacy of rulers based on divine approval, with the notion that a just and virtuous ruler would be granted the right to govern by the higher powers.

Question 18

Mandate

Answer 18

Mandate, in general terms, refers to an authoritative command, instruction, or authorization given by a governing body or superior entity.

Question 19

Cavalry

Answer 19

Cavalry refers to a military unit or troops that fight on horseback, historically known for their mobility, speed, and effectiveness in warfare.

Question 20

Nineveh

Answer 20

Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city located in present-day Iraq, known for its grandeur, as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and for being the site of significant archaeological discoveries.

Question 21

King Nebuchadnezzar

Answer 21

King Nebuchadnezzar II was a prominent ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for his military campaigns, architectural achievements like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the conquest of Judah resulting in the Babylonian exile.

Question 22

Persians

Answer 22

Persians refer to an ancient civilization originating in modern-day Iran, renowned for their vast empire, administrative prowess, cultural contributions, and notable rulers such as Cyrus the Great and Darius I.

Question 23

Cyrus II

Answer 23

Cyrus II, also known as Cyrus the Great, was an influential Persian king who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his military conquests, diplomatic skills, and his policy of religious and cultural tolerance.

Question 24

Cambyses

Answer 24

Cambyses II was the son of Cyrus the Great and the second ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, recognized for his military campaigns, including the conquest of Egypt, and his complex reign marked by both accomplishments and controversies.

Question 25

Darius I

Answer 25

Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, was the third ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, celebrated for his administrative reforms, expansive empire-building efforts, and the construction of impressive architectural projects such as the Royal Road and Persepolis

Question 26

Satraps

Answer 26

Satraps were provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire who exercised administrative and military authority on behalf of the central ruler, helping to maintain control over the vast territories of the empire.

Question 27

Zoroaster

Answer 27

Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, was an ancient Persian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion centered on the worship of Ahura Mazda and the concept of cosmic dualism.

Question 28

Ahura Mazda

Answer 28

Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, representing the principle of good, light, and truth, and is considered the creator and sustainer of the universe.

Question 29

Ahriman

Answer 29

Ahriman, also known as Angra Mainyu, is the principle of evil and darkness in Zoroastrianism, opposing Ahura Mazda and representing chaos, deceit, and destructive forces in the universe.

Question 30

Avesta

Answer 30

The Avesta is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, comprising hymns, prayers, rituals, and teachings that provide insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Persian faith.