Words to Know: Decoding an Ancient Mystery

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city-states

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Independent cities that govern themselves and the surrounding territory, often found in ancient civilizations.

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theory

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A formal statement or set of ideas intended to explain facts or events.

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artifact

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An object made by humans, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.

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theories

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Ideas or explanations that are based on observations and can be tested.

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lunar eclipse

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An event that occurs when Earth moves between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

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democracy

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A system of government in which the people have the power to make decisions, often through elected representatives.

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hypothesize

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To propose a possible explanation for something based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

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ancient civilization

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A complex society that developed in a specific region, characterized by urban development, social stratification, and cultural achievements.

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archaeology

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The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts.

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historical context

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The circumstances or conditions in which an event occurs, including the time period and cultural environment.