Paleolithic & Neolithic
How were Paleolithic societies organized?
Hunter-gatherers who foraged in communities of no more than 20-50 people who had more free time since foraging took 4-6 hours per day.
Mesopotamian Rivers
Tigris and Euphrates
2 ways that Buddhism spread
1. Emperor Asoka incorporated Buddhist ideas into the laws he carved on rocks and pillars and placed throughout the Mauryan Empire
2. Proselytizing religion that recruited members
Geographic factor that influenced the development of independent city-states in ancient Greece
Mountainous terrain
Patricians: Wealthy elite (could be senators)
Plebeians: Common people
Freeman: Former slaves who are freed
Difference between Paleolithic and Neolithic diets
Neolithic diets: Dependent on main staple crops like grains
Paleolithic diets: Foraged and hunted a wide variety of foods
Hammurabi's Code Excerpts: "If a noble has knocked out the tooth of a noble of his own rank, they shall knock out his tooth. But if he has knocked out a commoner's tooth, he shall pay one-third mina of silver." What does this tell us about social classes?
Divisions existed between social classes and all men were not equal under the law.
2 aspects of reaching enlightenment according to Buddhism
1. Follow the Buddha's eightfold path (Right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration)
2. Escape suffering by giving up desire
"The father did not have a right to bring up his children as he chose, but had to carry them to a place where the elders officially examined the infant; and if it was ill-born and deformed, they ordered that it be left to die. As soon as the boy was 7 years old, the state ordered him to be taken by the state and enrolled in military companies." Which city-state is this?
Sparta
Relationship between Caesar and Pompey
Caesar and Pompey were initially allies in the First Triumvirate, but their relationship deteriorated into rivalry as both sought power in Rome. Their conflict culminated in a civil war, with Caesar defeating Pompey.
Why is cave art hard to decipher?
Lacks written explanations or direct cultural context, leaving its purpose and meaning open to interpretation. Additionally, the symbols, animals, and shapes may have held specific meanings to ancient people that we cannot fully understand today.
Why we don't know as much about the Indus Valley Civilization compared to other early river civilizations
Indus Valley Civilization: The written script of the civilization has yet to be deciphered.
Describe the Qin dynasty in detail: accomplishments, duration, philosophy, and decline
Unification: First time China was united under a single ruler
Started Great Wall of China and Centralized Bureaucracy
Legalism: The dynasty's governing philosophy emphasized strict laws, harsh punishments, and a strong central authority.
Declined after less than 30 years due to harsh policies and heavy taxation led to widespread dissatisfaction, losing the mandate of heaven
Explain the Peloponnesian War and its results
Long conflict between Athens and its allies vs. Sparta with its allies, rooted in tensions over power and influence in the Greek world. The war ended with Sparta's victory, the decline of Athens as a dominant power, and the weakening of Greek city-states, leaving them vulnerable to future conquests by Macedonia (Alexander the Great).
How did Romans get water to their city
Aqueducts: Brought water into Roman cities directly from a reservoir or river. Water mustn't stop moving as it flows and building reflected that. Series of arches to support the channels carrying water, with the arches often towering over valleys or other obstacles.
Role of women during Paleolithic vs. Neolithic
Paleolithic: Women were both hunters and gatherers; fertility was celebrated
Neolithic: Women increasingly stayed close to the home as societies transitioned to farming
Characteristics of Mohenjo-Daro, the biggest city in the Indus River Valley Civilization
Known for its advanced drainage system and grid-like layout
Analects Excerpt from Confucius: "When you serve your mother and father it is okay to try to correct them once in a while. But if you see that they are not going to listen to you, keep your respect for them and don't distance yourself from them. Work without complaining." What Confucian value is embraced by this quote?
Filial Piety
This Persian king founded the Achaemenid Empire and is known for his policy of religious tolerance.
Cyrus the Great
Political system of the Roman Republic
The Assembly was composed of plebeians who voted on laws, elected officials, and decided on war and peace. Created after 200 years of plebeians fighting for representation.
The Senate was an advisory council of patricians that controlled finances, foreign policy, and legislation.
Consuls were the highest elected officials, serving as dual executives who led the government and military for one-year terms.
3 benefits of fire
1. More advanced hunting tools
2. Source of warmth and lighting, including as protection from predators
3. Cooking food, which meant more nutrient dense and higher calorie diets which supported the evolving brain
In the mummification process, the heart was left in the body, while this organ was often discarded as unimportant.
The brain
Describe China's geographical features
Rivers: The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers
Deserts: Takli Makan and Gobi Deserts
Mountains: Himalayas (plus a few more mountain ranges we did not discuss in class)
Oceans and Seas: Yellow Sea and Pacific Ocean
Describe the life of Socrates
Classical Greek philosopher who pioneered the Socratic method, emphasizing questioning and dialogue to seek truth and examine moral concepts. He was sentenced to death by hemlock for allegedly corrupting Athenian youth and rejecting traditional gods, leaving a legacy preserved by his students, including Plato
4 factors that led to the fall of Rome
Invasion by Barbarian tribes, economic troubles and over reliance on slave labor, the rise of the Eastern Empire, over-expansion and military over-spending, government corruption and political instability, the arrival of the Huns, Christianity and the loss of "traditional Roman values," and the weakening of Roman legions