Topic 3 Lesson 3, 4, and 5 Vocab

Topic 3 Lesson 3, 4, and 5 Vocabulary

Chandragupta Maurya

He reigned from about 321 to 297 BC, was the first Mauryan emperor. The son of
a Mauryan chief, his family was left in poverty when his father died. After
overcoming many challenges, he learned military tactics and eventually formed a
force strong enough to conquer most of India

Dissent

Ideas that oppose those of the government

Asoka

He died about 238 BC, was the last major Mauryan emperor of India. A committed
Buddhist, he helped to spread Buddhism throughout India. His rule was
characterized by fairness, compassion, and the principles of right life, which he
had inscribed on stone pillars erected throughout the empire

Missionaries

People sent to do religious work in a territory or foreign country

Golden age

Period of great cultural achievement

Decimal system

System of numbers based on 10

Joint family

Family organization in which several generations share a common dwelling

Dowry

In some societies, payment a bride’s family makes to the bridegroom and his
family; payment a woman brings to a marriage

Loess

Fine windblown yellow soil

Clan

Group of families with a common ancestor

Dynastic cycle

Rise and fall of Chinese dynasties according to the Mandate of Heaven

Feudalism

Loosely organized system of government in which local lords governed their own
lands but owed military service and other support to a greater lord

Confucius

(551-479 BC) is China’s most famous philosopher. His teachings about the
importance of education and public service influenced many eastern Asian
civilizations. His ancestors, members of the aristocracy, were poor by the time of
his birth. By the age of 15, he was dedicated to the life of a scholar. Although his
ideas about the proper way to live guided millions of people, his own life was
simple and reflected a deep humility

Philosophy

System of ideas

Filial piety

Respect for parents

Laozi

Means “Master Lao” or “Old Master” in the Chinese language. An old man when
Confucius was a young scholar, he was born in a small village in ancient China.
He was appointed a historian in one of the Zhou dynasty courts. He developed a
philosophy of inner calm, purity of mind, and living in harmony with nature that is
called Dao, or the way of the universe. His book, The Way of Life, had enormous
influence on Chinese life

Oracle Bone

In Shang China, animal bone or turtle shell used by priests to predict the future

Characters

Written symbols in writing systems such as that of the Chinese

Calligraphy

The art of producing beautiful handwriting

Shi Huangdi

(about 259-210 BC) was originally named Zhao Zheng. He was the son of the king
of the Qin territory. At age 13, he became the king of Qin. He proclaimed himself
Shi Huangdi, or “First Emperor”. Using spies, loyal generals, and bribery, he
removed leaders of six other surrounding states to create a unified China under
his authoritarian rule. However, the unified China he created collapsed four years
after his death

Wudi

(156 BC- 87BC) was given the name Liu Che at birth. As the eleventh son of the
Han emperor Jingdi, he would not have been destined to rule. However, the
influence of his relatives changed this and he became emperor in 141 BC.
Determined to expand his dynasty’s rule, he succeeded, thought it came at a high
cost to his soldiers and people. Liu Che made Confucianism the state religion. He
was given the title Wudi (Martial Emperor) upon his death.

Monopoly

Complete control of a product or business by one person or a group

Expansionism

Policy of increasing the amount of territory a government holds

Civil Servants

Government officials

Warlords

Local military rulers

Acupuncture

Medical treatment, originated in ancient China, in which needles are inserted into
the skin at specific points to relieve pain or treat various illnesses