INDO-EUROPEANS
Where did the Indo-Europeans originally come from?
The Steppes north of the Caucasus Mountains.
What texts contain early Hindu teachings created between 750–550 BCE?
The Upanishads.
Who founded Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama.
Where did the Minoans live?
The island of Crete.
Who is considered the “father” of the Jewish people?
Abraham
Indo-Europeans were best known for what lifestyle?
Nomadic pastoralists who tamed horses and used chariots.
What is atman in Hindu belief?
One’s individual soul, connected to Brahman.
What event led Siddhartha Gautama to seek enlightenment?
Seeing suffering in the world after being raised in isolation.
What were the Minoans especially skilled at?
Sea trade and peaceful cultural development.
What is the Torah?
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible telling early Israelite history.
Which Indo-European group built an empire in Anatolia?
The Hittites.
What determines one’s future life in Hinduism?
Karma: good or bad actions.
What are the Four Noble Truths?
Buddha’s core teachings explaining suffering and the path to end it.
What caused the end of Minoan civilization?
A series of natural disasters (earthquakes and volcanic eruption) and later invasion.
What event describes the Israelites fleeing slavery in Egypt?
The Exodus.
What major technology did the Hittites spread?
Iron and advanced chariot warfare.
What is moksha?
A state of perfect understanding and release from the cycle of reincarnation.
What is nirvana in Buddhism?
Perfect understanding and release from suffering and reincarnation.
What was the Phoenicians’ most valuable trade good?
Purple dye made from snails.
What did Moses receive that became the basis of Jewish law?
The Ten Commandments.
The Mahabharata reveals what important historical development?
The blending of Aryan and non-Aryan cultures in India.
How did Hinduism affect Indian society?
It strengthened and supported the caste system.
Name one major idea Buddha rejected from Hinduism.
The caste system (or: the authority of the Vedas, or worship of many gods).
What is the Phoenicians’ greatest legacy?
The alphabet, used to record trade and later adapted by many cultures.
What caused the division of the Hebrew kingdom?
Revolt over high taxes and forced labor, resulting in Israel (north) and Judah (south).