Monumental Marvels
Who is in charge?
Foundations of Social Order
Epic Empires, Influential Cities
Echoes of the Ancient World
100

Built by the Zapotec civilization, this ancient city in modern-day Mexico features structures aligned with celestial events.

What is Monte Albán?

100

Known for his law code, this Babylonian king’s principle was “an eye for an eye.”

Who is Hammurabi?

100

This social system in India, with roots in ancient times, divides society into hierarchical groups based on occupation and birth.

What is the caste system?

100

This empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, became one of the largest empires in history.

What is the Persian Empire?

100

These seasonal winds were critical to maritime trade between India and Southeast Asia.

What are monsoon winds?

200

This structure, constructed over centuries, was originally intended to protect China’s northern borders from invasions.

What is the Great Wall of China?

200

This ruler expanded the Persian Empire to its peak and organized it into satrapies.

Who is Darius I?

200

In ancient Rome, this group represented the common people, in contrast to the elite patricians.

Who are the plebeians?

200

This Mesoamerican city, known for the Pyramid of the Moon, was one of the largest in its time.

What is Teotihuacan?

200

This early form of writing in Mesopotamia involved pressing symbols into clay tablets.

What is cuneiform?

300

This Mesoamerican monument at Teotihuacan is one of the largest pyramids by volume in the world.

What is the Pyramid of the Sun?

300

Known as the "Father of Athenian Democracy," this leader introduced political reforms that laid the foundation for democratic rule in Athens.

Who is Cleisthenes?

300

This governing principle from the Zhou Dynasty justified a ruler’s right to rule by divine favor and moral authority.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

300

This city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its ziggurat, was the legendary home of Abraham.

What is Ur?

300

This belief system from China emphasized “nonaction” as a path to harmony with nature

What is Daoism?

400

This ancient Roman amphitheater, capable of seating up to 50,000 spectators, was used for gladiatorial games, public spectacles, and mock sea battles.

What is the Colosseum?

400

Known for his conquests and role in spreading Hellenistic culture, this Macedonian leader reached as far as India

Who is Alexander the Great?

400

This elite governing body in the Roman Republic was made up of wealthy landowners.

What is the Senate?

400

This city-state was the birthplace of democracy and home to influential philosophers like Socrates and Plato.

What is Athens?

400

This writing system, used by the ancient Egyptians, combined logographic and alphabetic elements.

What are hieroglyphics?

500

These uniquely steep and smaller pyramids were built as royal tombs, showing the influence of Egyptian architecture while retaining a distinct Nubian style.

What are the Pyramids of Meroë?

500

This ruler of the Mauryan Empire converted to Buddhism and spread its teachings across his kingdom and beyond

Who is Ashoka?

500

In this ancient dynasty, women's roles were primarily confined to the household, with Confucian principles reinforcing obedience to male family members, highlighting the era's social hierarchy.

What is the Han Dynasty?

500

Known as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, this civilization influenced later societies with its religious and artistic traditions.

Who are the Olmecs?

500

This ancient civilization, known for its advanced urban planning, featured well-organized cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, with complex drainage systems and grid-patterned streets.

What is the Indus Valley Civilization?

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