Term | Definition |
emperor | Person who had full decision-making across an entire empire |
patrician | wealthy individuals that often used slave labor to maintain and increase their wealth/power |
plebeian | An ordinary citizen in the ancient Roman Republic: could vote |
freedman | This was a former slave that was rewarded with freedom (through good deeds, or paying for his/her own freedom): some could vote and others could not. They often were still treated like slaves |
slave | These were individuals who were forced to work for others: they received no pay, although they were provided with clothing and food |
ways to become a slave | 1. Prisoner of war, 2. owing money 3. captured by pirates, 4. given away by poor family members, 5. punishment for committing a crime |
artisan | A skilled craftsperson |
elite | those with more power and wealth (i.e. patricians in Rome) |
domestic servants | some slaves worked as nannies, cooks, or even entertainers in wealthier households |
Middle East | Part of the Fertile Crescent: 3 major world religions trace their origins to this location |
reincarnation | the religious belief of rebirth: common to Hinduism |
India | the birthplace for Hinduism and Buddhism |
monotheistic | belief in one all-powerful being/ god |
polytheistic | belief in many powerful beings/gods |
ethical | Having to do with morals, values, right and wrong; in accordance with standards of right conduct |
self-transformation | Major world religions tried to guide their members into behaviors that would make them better people |
path to eternal salvation | Each world religion offered guidelines how to reach a satisfying afterlife |
key features of a world religion | 1. It is portable, 2. It could spread to several geographical regions, 3. appeals/unites many different people, 4. keeps developing, does not fade away |
sacred | regarded with great respect by a particular religious group and having a spiritual dimension |
secular | NOT regarded with great respect by a particular religious group and having no spiritual dimension; worldly |
missionary | a person sent to promote a particular religion in a foreign place |
diaspora | the dispersion (spreading out) of people beyond their original homeland |
Judiaism | This religion is a very strong example of a diaspora |
karma | The Hindu/Buddhist belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life. |
power | the ability, strength, and capacity to do something |
authority | the right to use power to enforce rules or give orders. |
religion | A system of beliefs shared by a group with objects for devotion, rituals for worship and a code of ethics |
science | An organized way of gathering and analyzing evidence about the natural world. |
China | starting spot for Confucianism and Taoism |
Zoroastrianism | A religion that developed in early Persia and stressed the fight between the forces of good and the forces of evil and how eventually the forces of good would prevail. |