World History Study Guide
Theme 1: Key Terms
● Neolithic Revolution: The shift from hunting and gathering to farming and permanent
settlements.
● 5 Characteristics of Civilization: Cities, specialized workers, writing, complex
institutions (govt/religion), and advanced technology.
● Barter Economy: Trading goods/services without using money.
● Scribe: A person trained to write or keep records.
● Cuneiform: First system of writing by Sumerians using wedge-shaped symbols.
● Quipu: A system of knotted strings used by the Inca to record information.
● Hieroglyphics: Picture writing used by ancient Egyptians.
● Maya Codex/Codices (ID): Books made by the Maya civilization using bark paper and
glyphs.
● Oracle Bones: Animal bones used by Chinese to predict the future.
● Papyrus: Plant-based paper used in ancient Egypt.
● Form vs. Function: Design vs. purpose of an object.
● Mesoamerica: Region in the Americas where ancient civilizations like Maya and Aztec
lived.
● Rosetta Stone (ID): Stone that helped decode Egyptian hieroglyphics.
● Benin Bronzes: Sculptures made by artists in the Kingdom of Benin (Africa).
, ● British Museum: Museum in London with artifacts from around the world.
● Pharaoh: Ruler of ancient Egypt.
● Monarchy: Government ruled by a king or queen.
● Dynasty/Dynastic: Series of rulers from the same family.
● Monotheism: Belief in one god.
● Polytheism: Belief in many gods.
● Animism: Belief that nature/objects have spirits.
● Theocracy: Government ruled by religious leaders or based on religion.
Theme 2: Key Terms
● Feudalism: A System where nobles own land and owe loyalty to a king; peasants work
the land.
● Mandate of Heaven: Chinese belief that rulers are chosen by heaven.
● Dynastic Cycle: Rise, fall, and replacement of dynasties in China.
● Empire: A Group of territories controlled by one ruler.
● Stele (ID): Stone monument with carvings or inscriptions.
● Legalism: Chinese philosophy that emphasizes strict laws.
● Daoism: Philosophy focused on harmony with nature.
● Confucianism: Philosophy stressing respect, education, and proper behavior.
● Ideology: A Set of beliefs that guide a person or group.
Theme 1: Key Terms
● Neolithic Revolution: The shift from hunting and gathering to farming and permanent
settlements.
● 5 Characteristics of Civilization: Cities, specialized workers, writing, complex
institutions (govt/religion), and advanced technology.
● Barter Economy: Trading goods/services without using money.
● Scribe: A person trained to write or keep records.
● Cuneiform: First system of writing by Sumerians using wedge-shaped symbols.
● Quipu: A system of knotted strings used by the Inca to record information.
● Hieroglyphics: Picture writing used by ancient Egyptians.
● Maya Codex/Codices (ID): Books made by the Maya civilization using bark paper and
glyphs.
● Oracle Bones: Animal bones used by Chinese to predict the future.
● Papyrus: Plant-based paper used in ancient Egypt.
● Form vs. Function: Design vs. purpose of an object.
● Mesoamerica: Region in the Americas where ancient civilizations like Maya and Aztec
lived.
● Rosetta Stone (ID): Stone that helped decode Egyptian hieroglyphics.
● Benin Bronzes: Sculptures made by artists in the Kingdom of Benin (Africa).
, ● British Museum: Museum in London with artifacts from around the world.
● Pharaoh: Ruler of ancient Egypt.
● Monarchy: Government ruled by a king or queen.
● Dynasty/Dynastic: Series of rulers from the same family.
● Monotheism: Belief in one god.
● Polytheism: Belief in many gods.
● Animism: Belief that nature/objects have spirits.
● Theocracy: Government ruled by religious leaders or based on religion.
Theme 2: Key Terms
● Feudalism: A System where nobles own land and owe loyalty to a king; peasants work
the land.
● Mandate of Heaven: Chinese belief that rulers are chosen by heaven.
● Dynastic Cycle: Rise, fall, and replacement of dynasties in China.
● Empire: A Group of territories controlled by one ruler.
● Stele (ID): Stone monument with carvings or inscriptions.
● Legalism: Chinese philosophy that emphasizes strict laws.
● Daoism: Philosophy focused on harmony with nature.
● Confucianism: Philosophy stressing respect, education, and proper behavior.
● Ideology: A Set of beliefs that guide a person or group.
