Early People and Civilizations Vocab Review

Geographic Context

• The time period in which an event occurred

• The cultural influences surrounding an event

• Where a historical event took place and why it took place there, includes location, location relative to other places, geographic features, and climate.

• The political environment at the time of the event.

Revolution

• A gradual change in political power and organization

• A sudden change in political power and political organization which occurs when the population revolts against the government.

• A peaceful transition of power through elections

• A series of reforms implemented by the government to improve society.

Nomad

• People who live in permanent settlements.

• People who do not live in the same place. They move around depending on where they can find food.

• People who travel for leisure and tourism.

• People who are always in one location for work.

River Valley

• Elongated lowland between ranges of mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a river or stream running along the bottom.

• A steep-sided valley formed by the erosion of a river over time.

• A flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land.

• A low area of land that is surrounded by higher land, typically without a river.

Oracle Bones

• Pieces of shell or bone to tell stories.

• Ancient tools used for farming.

• Decorative items used in rituals.

• Instruments for musical performances.

Jewish Diaspora

• Refers to the dispersion of Israelites or Jews out of their ancestral homeland (the Land of Israel) and their subsequent settlement in other parts of the globe.

• A term used to describe the Jewish holiday celebrated in the spring.

• A historical event marking the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

• The practice of Jewish people gathering in synagogues for worship.

City State

• A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

• A large urban area that is part of a country.

• A city that is governed by a mayor and city council.

• A city that serves as the capital of a country.

Babylon

• A key kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia from the 18th to 6th centuries BC where Hammurabi reigned.

• A famous city in ancient Egypt known for its pyramids.

• A significant trading post in ancient Greece.

• A major empire in ancient India during the Vedic period.

Fertile Crescent

• Boomerang-shaped region of the Middle East where agriculture flourished.

• Desert region in North Africa known for its sand dunes.

• Mountainous area in Central Asia famous for its biodiversity.

• Coastal region in Southern Europe known for its vineyards.

Judaism

• A monotheistic religion of the Jews.

• A polytheistic belief system.

• A philosophy of ethics and morality.

• A cultural movement without religious ties.