whap ch. 5

An independent kingdom flourishing along the upper Nile around 1000 B.C.E. It represents an example of an established civilization, like classical Egypt, influencing a nearby region.

Axum defeated Kush around 300 B.C.E. Ethiopia in turn defeated Axum. Both these African kingdoms had active contacts with the eastern Mediterranean world until after Rome’s fall.

Japanese religion that provided for worship of political rulers and spirits of nature. This was the basis for the worship of the Japanese emperor as a religious figure.

Central America’s first civilization (c. 800-400 B.C.E.), which developed agriculture and produced accurate calendars. It powerfully influenced later civilizations in the Americas.

Followed the Olmec. Built the first great city in the Americas and developed the first alphabet (c. 400B.C.E.-400 C.E.).

American culture centered in the Andes mountains. Domesticated the llama.

Island civilizations that reached Fiji and Samoa by 1000 B.C.E. and Hawaii by 400 C.E. They adapted local plants, introduced new animals, and imported a caste system led by a local king.

During the decline of classical China, the Yellow Turbans were a Daoist group that promised a golden age that was to be brought about by divine magic.

Chinese dynasties that followed the fall of the Han. Under Tang leadership especially, China enjoyed one of the most glorious eras in its history. Confucianism and the bureaucracy were revived.

Regional Indian princes who ruled after the fall of the Guptas.

Regional Indian princes who ruled after the fall of the Guptas.

The mother goddess of Hinduism. The worship of this deity encouraged new emotionalism in the religion.

World religion that developed in the Middle East after 622 C.E. Initially surpassed Christianity in numbers of adherents and became its most tenacious rival.

Sole deity in the Islamic faith.

Center of the Roman Empire after 312 C.E., established by the last strong emperor, Constantine.

Successor to the Roman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean. It was artistically creative and active in trade. Its emperors, especially Justinian, tried to revive the heritage of Rome throughout its previous territory but failed.Many centuries of fighting Muslims led to its demise in 1453.

One of the greatest Christian theologians. Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt.

Largest branch of African Christianity, centered in Egypt

The blending of cultures. In this chapter, syncretism connects most strongly with religions; for example,Christianity’s adaptation of some of the features of the Roman religion.

Buddhist doctrine that held that some people could gain nirvana through meditation. This shows that Buddhism shifted from a system of ethics into a more emotional belief.

Or the “Greater Vehicle.” East Asian form of Buddhism that emphasized its founder as a divine savior.

Jewish teacher who preached reforms in Judaism. His followers believed him to be the Messiah, the savior sent by God to redeem humanity. Over time, his disciples spread Jesus’ message of compassion and piety throughout the Roman Empire.

Early Christian leader who saw the faith in a different light. Instead of a reform of Judaism, Paul helped turn the faith into a new religion that welcomed non-Jews.

Founder of monasticism in what had been the western half of the Roman Empire; established Benedictine Rule in the 6th century; paralleled development of Basil’s rules in Byzantine Empire.

Vast desert region of north Africa which extends from Atlantic Ocean to the Nile River.

(300 – 900 C.E.) Classic culture emerging in southern Mexico and Central America contemporary with Teotihuacan; extended over broad region; featured monumental architecture, written language, calendrical and mathematical systems, and highly developed religion.

The Indian prince Gautama became the Buddha, or “enlightened one,” when he questioned the poverty and misery he saw. Generally seen as a reform movement out of Hinduism. Buddhism had its greatest effect outside of India,especially in southeast Asia.

Meaning papa or father; bishop of Rome and head of Roman Catholic church.

Monotheistic religion in which the supreme being is Allah and the chief prophet and founder is Mohammad;developed in the Arabian peninsula in the 7th century C.E.

a belief in the existence of many spirits and demons which are found in the natural world.