Persia
This leader of the Persians was the first to dramatically expand Persia, including conquering Babylon. He became the first Emperor of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
Cyrus (Cyrus the Great, Cyrus I)
"Ancient Greece" was not a single country, but instead a region with similar culture and language. Greece was actually organized into many of this type of state, centered on a single town.
City-state
This type of government is often attributed to being "invented" in Greece, though this is not necessarily true. It involved everyone in a state having an equal voice and ability to participate in government.
Democracy
This body of water connects many of the major civilizations we have or will study, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome.
The Mediterranean Sea
This ancient civilization, based around cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, is named for the river that it relied upon for agriculture.
Indus Valley Civilization
This religion originated in Persia, and spread as the Persian Empire spread. It's beliefs may have influenced later religions, such as Christianity.
Zoroastrianism
Many Greek city-states had a fortified area known as this, which sat at the top of a hill and often served religious and military purposes.
Acropolis
This type of government is when a state is led by a small group of select individuals, usually the richest or otherwise most important.
Oligarchy
Though many of the empires we've studied have conquered most of the Middle East, they generally avoid this area, because it is incredible dry and devoid of resources. Today, it is a major source of oil.
Arabian Desert
This philosophy generally teaches to find balance, go with the flow of nature, and practices "inaction" (we wei).
Taoism
This is the Persian word for an administrative region, which allowed for independent governance. Equivalent to a province.
Satrapy
This time period in Greek history came after the "Greek Dark Ages", and is generally considered to be when many of the Greek city-states formed.
The Archaic Period
This Athenian king, mentioned in the reading, is often credited with shepherding the Athenian Golden Age and helping establish democracy in Athens
Pericles
The Middle East is separated from Russia by this mountain range, situated between the Black and Caspian Seas
The Caucasus Mountains
This leader of Babylon (the Neo-Babylonian Empire) is famous for building the Hanging Gardens, as well as many improvements to infrastructure and government during his reign.
Nebuchadnezzar II