Axial Age and Classical Empires

Changes in the Axial Age included all of the following EXCEPT

• Created of new "Universal" Religions

• Created durable, lasting traditions

• Made large empires impossible to control

• Facilitated trade and missionary work

Greek mountainous geography promoted this type of political organization

• Large Empires

• Nation-States

• City-States

• Clan/Tribal

Meritocracy

• promotes hereditary Nobility

• promotes rigid social class orders

• promotes most capable people

• promotes loyalty to imperial system

Hellenism

• is Greek culture

• is a syncretic blend of Greek, Persian, Indian, Egyptian cultures.

• Created a "lingua Franca"

• Ended with Alexander the Great's death

Universal Religions are all of the following except

• allowed anyone to join

• focused on freewill and personal salvation

• Became the basis of many Empires

• Were exclusive to one group of people

Buddhism focused on all EXCEPT

• Focus on suffering and impermanence

• the Middle Way

• achieving Nirvana in this life

• elaborate ritual

Empires were built on all the following EXCEPT

• Road systems that allowed military movement and trade

• Official Religions

• Bureaucracy and tax collection

• Democracy and free association

Athens was best known for all EXCEPT

• Art, Architecture, Drama, Philosophy

• Democracy and slavery

• Military Discipline

• Trade in Mediterranean network

Sparta was known for all of the following EXCEPT

• Art, Architecture, Drama, Philosophy

• slavery

• Military Discipline

• Trade in the Mediterranean Network

Trade, migration and war led to cultural diffusion, acculturation and syncretism. One negative effect on the classical empires

• epidemic disease outbreaks

• peaceful coexistence

• Constant warfare

• better restaurants