World History Unit 2 Study Guide Big ideas from unit 2: 1) How and where did the following empires emerge: Persian, Greek (Athenian), Macedonian and Roman? 2) What new methods of administration and organization were used by the above empires to organize and govern their empires? 3) What new military methods were used by the above empires to conquer and rule over large territories? 4) What were the main factors contributing to the collapse of the above empires? 5) How, where and when did the following belief systems emerge: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Christianity? How, where and when did they spread? 6) What were the major tenets of each of the above belief systems? 7) Describe the social hierarchies that developed in India and China during this era. 8) Describe the role that slavery played in Rome and Greece during this era. 9) What major cultural contributions were made by the Greeks and Romans during this era, particularly in the areas of art, architecture, philosophy and language? 10) In what ways did the Greek and Roman governments allow for political equality and opportunity? In what ways did it limit participation? 11) In what ways did the Roman republic change over time? What additional changes took place when Rome changed from a republic to an empire? 12) Compare and contrast the societies in the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta (status of women, role of art/philosophy, etc.) Key readings for the above: Persian Empire: handout and pages 41-42 Alexander’s Empire: handout and pages 137-142 Greece: pages 118-135 Rome: pages 150-160 and 173-178, and handouts on slavery and women Religions and belief systems: packet with chart and questions (page numbers can be found on chart) Places (be able to identify on a map and understand their significance in the Classical Era): Alexandria Persian Empire Athens/Sparta Macedonian Empire Roman Empire Terms Greco- Persian War democracy empire Analects of Confucius Classical Age/Era Chinese dynastic cycle moksha nirvana filial piety People: Cyrus the Great Octavius Augustus Alexander of Macedonia Paul (spread of Christianity) Peloponnesian War Roman Republic latifundia The Torah patriarchy Hinduism dharma monotheism/polytheism Daoism Punic Wars Roman Empire Pax Romana philosophy Confucianism Buddhism Brahmin Judaism mandate of heaven Pericles Spartacus Socrates Plato Jesus of Nazareth Confucius Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Hellenism plebeian/patrician Eightfold Path social hierarchy Han dynasty reincarnation caste system/varna Christianity Four Noble Truths Julius Caesar Aristotle Emperor Constantine Important Dates (for most of these, approximate dates is fine—but you should be able to order them on a timeline) Height of Persian power Height of Roman Empire Golden Age of Athens Beginning of Christianity Alexander the Great’s regin Fall of Roman Empire
