Foundations through The Classical Era: From Human Prehistory to Classical Civilizations
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AP World History Ch 4 Reading Study Guide #2 P. 87-96 (“Religion and Culture” and
“Economy and Society” only)
1. Briefly describe the early Greco-Roman religion. They DID NOT create a significant world religion;
primitive belief in nature spirits that evolved into a pantheon of gods and goddesses who could regulate
human life.
2. Describe the Stoic philosophy. Inner moral independence that could be developed by discipline of the
body and showing personal bravery.
3. Why did Socrates get in trouble with the Athenian government? He encouraged his pupils to question
conventional order (status quo) and the government believed he was undermining their loyalty to the
government.
4. What were some of Mediterranean Civilization’s contributions in math and science? Greece: Anatomy,
Pythagorean theorem, geometry. Rome: Engineering, law
5. Describe the contribution of Sophocles. He was a playwright that showed how human reason could be
corrupted and showed the psychological flaws of the human character (Oedipus).
6. What impact did the Iliad and Odyssey have on Mediterranean Civilization? The idea of tragedy and
comedy were so instrumental to Greek culture and are still used in entertainment today.
7. Briefly describe ‘Classical Architecture’. Monumental construction, square or rectangular
8. What kinds of products did the Mediterranean civilizations PURCHASE from Silk Road merchants?
Grains, spices, and artistic products of the east
9. What kinds of products did the Mediterranean civilizations SELL to Silk Road merchants? Olive oil,
wine, manufactured goods, animal skins, metals, and even exotic African animals.
10. How did this lead to an unfavorable trade gap? This led to an unfavorable trade gap because the
Mediterranean products were not as sophisticated as the Asian products they traded for (Asia could ask
for more Mediterranean goods and not have to give up as much). Lack technological innovation of India
and China.
11. Describe the importance of slavery in Greco-Roman Civilization. They were used as household
slaves and in silver mines; used in agricultural work; the need for slaves explains the need for large
militaries (acquired slaves through conquest);
12. Why did Greco-Roman Civilization fall behind in technological advancement? Partly because of slave
labor and partly because of the emphasis on upper-class culture; abundant slave labor meant that they
didn’t need to seek out more efficient methods of production.