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Unit 3: Classical Asia

Terms in this set (17)

Legalism (China)
A political philosophy that emphasized the unruliness of human nature and justified state coercion and control. Rigorous laws. Legalism was invoked by the Qin ruling class to validate the authoritarian nature of their regime.
Warring States Period
the period from 475 BC until the unification of China under the Qin dynasty, characterized by lack of centralized government in China. It followed the Zhou dynasty.
Qin Shihuangdi
Ruler of China who united China for the first time. He built road and canals and began the Great Wall of China. He also imposed a standard system of laws, money, weights, and writing.
Great Wall
A barrier made from existing walls across China's to protect the northern frontier.
Caravanserai
an inn with a central courtyard for travelers in the desert regions of Asia or North Africa. Many are used on the Silk Roads.
Caste System
a set of rigid social categories that determined not only a person's occupation and economic potential, but also his or her position in society brought by the Arayans
Asoka
Third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India (r. 270-232 B.C.E.). He converted to Buddhism and broadcast his precepts on inscribed stones and pillars, the earliest surviving Indian writing.
Chandragupta Maurya
founder of the Mauryan Empire. He created a great bureaucracy, divided India into provinces, taxed heavily for his army (that included elephants)
Gupta Empire
Golden Age of India; ruled through central government but allowed village power; restored Hinduism
Mauryan Empire
(321-185 BCE) This was the first centralized empire of India whose founder was Chandragupta Maurya. It encompassed most of the India. Founded by Chandragupta Maurya. The most notable leader was Asoka (Ashoka).
Silk Road
An ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean Sea extending some 6,440 km (4,000 mi) and linking the Han Dynasty with the Roman Empire.
Qin Dynasty
a short-lived Chinese dynasty that replaced the Zhou Dynasty in the third century B.C. Qin Shi Huang (first emperor) brought the nobles to the capital to enhance his power. The dynasty ended shortly after his death.
Han Dynasty
(202 BC - 220 AD) dynasty started by Lui Bang; a great and long-lasting rule, it discarded the harsh policies of the Qin dynasty and adopted Confucian principles; Han rulers chose officials who passed the civil service exams rather than birth; it was a time of prosperity
Spread of Buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the Himalayas. It was spread by monks who traveled to other countries to teach people the ways of Buddhism. The Silk Road brought the Chinese into contact with it. Each culture that made contact with Buddhism adapted it to their own needs
Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Hinduism strongly believe in the caste system. As per Buddhism, does not see the need for the social hierarchy. Hindus worship several gods and goddesses. Buddha urges each person to seek enlightenment through meditation and Hinduism focuses sacrifice. Both believe in reincarnation, dharma, and karma.
Tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi
Thousands of full-size terra-cotta warriors, horses, and other artifacts were buried to represent the emperor's army.
Achievements of the Gupta Empire
Decimal system; number system including zero; medicines to cure illnesses; Earth rotates and is round; surgical skills; metal-working skills
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