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II Baccalaureate

Lc. Shirley Enriquez

Coordinator

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History

helps us

understand

people &

society

History

helps us

understand

changes in a

society

History

provides

identity

History is essential

for good

citizenship

History helps

us develop skills

to access evidence

History

contributes

to moral

understanding

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WORLD HISTORY II

UNIT 1: THE ANCIENT ROMANS

1.1. The Ancient Romans

1.2. Etruscan Rulers

1.3. The Patricians

1.4. Roman Government Formed

1.5. Roman Religion

1.6. Roman Families A Central Focus

1.7. Roman Conquest And Expansion

1.8. The Punic Wars

1.9. Julius Caesar

1.10. The Triumvirate

1.11. Augustus Caesar

1.12. The Julian Emperors

1.13. The Good Emperors

1.14. Pax Romana

1.15. Christianity, A New State Religion

1.16. The End of The Roman Empire

UNIT 2: AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS

2.1. African Civilization

2.2. Nubia 2.3. The Kingdom of Kush

2.4. Axum 2.5. The People of Nok

2.6. The Bantu Peoples 2.7. The Kingdom of Ghana

2.8. The Kingdom of Mali 2.9. The Kingdom of Songhai

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UNIT 3: INDIAN CIVILIZATIONS

3.1. Civilizations of India 3.2. The Aryans

3.3. Aryan Life 3.4. Aryan Economy

3.5. Vedas 3.6. Varnas – A Caste System 3.7. Dharma

3.8. Indian Religion 3.9. Sacred Writings

3.10. Brahman Nerguna 3.11. Reincarnation

3.11. Reincarnation 3.12. Buddhism Arrives

3.13. The Four Noble Truths 3.14. The Eightfold Path

3.15. Nirvana 3.16. Buddhism Spreads Abroad

3.17. Buddhism Splits 3.18. Indian Kingdoms And Empires

3.19. The Kingdom of Magadha 3.20 . The Mauryan Empire

3.21. The Gupta Empire 3.22. The Guptas Return To Hinduism

3.23. The Gupta Empire Declines

UNIT 4: CIVILIZATIONS IN CHINA

4.1. Civilization In China 4.2. The Xia Dynasty

4.3. The Shang Dynasty 4.4. The Zhou Dynasty

4.5. The Qin Dynasty 4.6. Qin Building Projects

4.7. The Great Wall of China 4.8. Qin Dynasty Ends

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4.9. The Han Dynasty

4.10. Pax Sinica 4.11. he End of The Han Dynasty

4.12. Religion In China 4.13. Confucianism

4.14. Daoism 4.15. Buddhism Arrives In China

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WORLD HISTORY II

UNIT 1: THE ANCIENT ROMANS

1.1. The Ancient Romans

The Italian Peninsula was home to a people that would eventually rule most of the known world. The story of how this small village which was named Rome grew into the most powerful empire in the world is one of war, luck, and intrigue.

According to legend the city-state of Rome was founded by a young man named Romulus. Legend says that Romulus built a wall around his village. When his brother leapt over the wall, Romulus was upset, and killed him. This legend further says that Romulus then stated that a similar fate would befall anyone who ever tried to break through the walls of Rome. Whether or not Romulus was a real person is not known. Most archeologists and historians believe that Rome began as a series of several small villages set around seven hills. It is believed that as these villages grew they eventually merged forming one larger city.

It is believed that around 750 B.C. the village leaders met together, and decided to form a single government for all the united villages, forming for the first time, a united Roman city-state.

Activities:

a. Answer these questions:

Who founded Rome? ____________________________

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Explain the legend about Romulus:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.2. Etruscan Rulers

In the year 620 B.C. the city-state of Rome was conquered by an outside group of people known as the Etruscans. The Etruscans, who ruled much of Northern Italy, setup kings in Rome. These kings belonged to a wealthy family known as the Tarquins.

The Etruscans ruled Rome for the next 111 years. During this time, they built Rome into one of the wealthiest cities in Italy. They taught the Romans how to use bricks, and tile roofing, how to design and layout streets and cities, and how to improve public works.

The Etruscans also shared their culture, including their religious beliefs, their art, poetry, writing, and drama.

In 534 B.C. a new king rose to power in Rome. This king was known as Tarquin The Proud. The brutality of this king lead to a rebellion by the citizens of Rome in 509 B.C., ending the rule of the Etruscans in Rome.

Answer:

a. Who were the Tarquins?

b. How long did the Etruscans rule Rome?

c. What did Etruscans teach the Romans?

d. Who was Tarquin the Proud?

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1.3. The Patricians

During the reign of the Etruscan kings in Rome, the quality of life among the Romans grew to new levels of wealth and education. The most wealthy and educated of these Roman citizens were known as the patricians.

After the Etruscans were overthrown, the people looked to the patricians for guidance in running the affairs of their city-state. These patricians declared that a new form of government would rule in Rome. This new form of government was called a republic. Republican government was first outlined by the Greek Philosopher Aristotle. A republic is a type of government where a small group of elite leaders are elected as rulers

Answer:

a. Who were the Patricians?

b. What was the new way of government in Rome done by the Patricians?

c. What is a Republic?

1.4. Roman Government Formed

The republican government in Rome was controlled by elite members of society known as patricians. These leaders could be elected to the Senate, which was made up of 300 elected leaders.

The Senate voted on laws, and authorized war, building projects, taxes, and other matters of public policy.

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In addition to the senate, the Romans also elected two leaders to an office which they called consuls. These consuls, who served for a one year term, made up an executive branch of government. They had authority to oversee all government employees, tax collection, and to insure that laws were being enforced. These consuls had a great deal of power when they acted together. However, they could not do anything alone. Either consul had the authority to veto the decisions of the other, helping to keep the power of either in check.

During times of emergency, such as during a war, the Romans elected a dictator. This dictator had complete authority, and his word was law. However, this dictator only served until the crisis was over, after which their power was returned to the senate and to the elected consuls.

This form of republican government would survive for the next 500 years, and would serve Rome well, bringing them greater freedoms, and riches.

Answer:

a. Who controlled the Republic Government in Rome?

b. Which way was used to elect the government?

c. Who is a dictator?

1.5. Roman Religion

The Romans borrowed their religious beliefs from the peoples around them. They worshipped the same spirits worshiped by their former Etruscan rulers. They also began to worship the Greek gods, giving them new Roman names.

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Zeus became Jupiter, Ares became Mars, Aphrodite became Venus, and so forth.

Answer:

How many gods did Roman believe in?

1.6. Roman Families A Central Focus

In Rome, families were very important. Family units were central to Roman life. These families consisted of a father, mother, all unmarried children, and any servants or slaves.

In a Roman family, the father had the final say in all decisions. He decided how money would be spent, what property would be purchased, or sold, and could even sell family members into slavery, or have them killed.

Women ran the household, and had the right to shop at the market, and were well respected in society. Some wealthy women could own property.

Romans taught their children to be loyal to their families, and to the republic. They also taught them to have high moral values, to treat others with fairness, and to be respectful.

Answer:

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How were formed families in Rome?

1.7. Roman Conquest And Expansion

The Romans faced threats on every side by other groups of people who lived on the Italian Peninsula. In order to protect them, the city-state of Rome began to develop a powerful military.

All Roman citizens were required to serve in the military when needed. This insured a constantly available supply of soldiers. For the next two and a half centuries, Roman armies slowly conquered or subdued all of their enemies on the Italian Peninsula. By 264 B.C., Rome was the sole and undisputed ruling

power in the Peninsula. As the Romans conquered their neighbors they treated them relatively good. At this time in world history, it was common, when one army conquered another, to slaughter all of the conquered people. The Romans not only allowed the conquered to live, but also allowed them to continue following their own religions, and traditional ways of life. In many cases conquered peoples were even granted Roman citizenship. In this way, the Romans were able to build unity and loyalty throughout their empire.

Answer:

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a. Who enrolled in the military services in Rome?

b. Which nations were conquered by the Romans?

1.8. The Punic Wars

By 264 B.C., Rome was an international force to be reckoned with. They had conquered all of the Italian Peninsula, and had built the most powerful army in the world. The only power in the region that could match that of the Romans was Carthage.

The city-state of Carthage had colonies around the Mediterranean, and had built the strongest navy in the world. The Romans worried that the Carthaginians would seize the Strait of Messina, a passageway between Italy, and Sicily. In order to protect this region, Roman generals marched their armies South, and destroyed most of the Carthaginian colonies in the area.

This battle began a war with Carthage that would last for the next 25 years. While Rome’s army was more powerful, the Carthaginians Navy gave them an advantage. They could attack along the coast, and then retreat to the sea, where they were safe.

To combat against this tactic, the Romans built their own fleet of war ships. They also developed new sea war faring techniques that allowed them to use their land fighting skills in sea battles. The Romans would use grappling hooks to attach themselves to a ship. They could then board the ship, and fight man to man.

By 241 B.C. the Romans forced Carthage to surrender. As part of this surrender, Carthage paid Rome a large tribute of land and treasure.

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In 221 B.C. a young Carthaginian general by the name of Hannibal again tried to attack Rome. Hannibal marched 40,000 troops, and 40 elephants over the alps into the Roman homeland.

Caught unexpectedly, the Romans suffered many loses. By 216 B.C. Hannibal had almost completely defeated the entire Roman army. However, the Romans continued to fight. Citizens were called up from all parts of the empire to defend their homeland.

By 202 B.C. Rome was able to defeat Hannibal, under the direction of a Roman general named Scipio.

In 146 B.C. Carthage again began to grow in strength and power. Rome worried that they might again try to attack. In order to insure that this did not happen, Rome decided to attack Carthage, and to wipe it off the face of the Earth.

Roman armies took the war to the Carthage homeland, where they sold all the Carthaginians into slavery, and even went so far as to sow salt into their fields, so that the area could never again be used for farming. This ended the Punic Wars, and the threat that Carthage posed to Rome.

Activities:

a. Describe Carthage

b. How long did it last the war between the Carthaginian colonies and Romans?

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1.9. Julius Caesar

In 60 B.C. a young and ambitious general by the name of Julius Caesar stepped into political life. Caesar had been very successful on the battlefield, and had greatly expanded Rome's borders The senate feared that Caesar would use his army to over throw the republican government. In an attempt to protect this from happening, the senate ordered Julius Caesar to return to Rome, but to leave his armies North of the Rubicon River.

Julius Caesar refused to do as he had been ordered. By crossing the Rubicon with his armies, he committed treason against the senate, and in effect declared civil war.

Caesar eventually defeated opposing forces, and by 45 B.C. had taken over control of the entire Roman Empire. Caesar had himself declared dictator for life, giving him absolute power over the empire. He then proceeded to reform the nation, giving jobs and land to the poor.

Caesar’s rule in Rome would be brief. The following year, in 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was murdered by members of the senate, lead by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, who were worried that Caesar was destroying the republic

Answer:

a. Who was Julius Caesar?

b. What did the Senate order to do to Julius Caesar?

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c. Why did Julius Caesar declared himself as a dictator?

1.10. The Triumvirate

After the death of Julius Caesar, the Roman Empire was divided up and ruled by three of Caesars former generals. These generals were Octavian, Marc Antony, and Marcus Lepidus. These three leaders formed what they called the Triumvirate. Each member of the triumvirate had absolute authority over matters that took place within their portion of the empire.

This triumvirate did not last long. Octavian forced Lepidus to retire from public life. Octavian then began planning a civil war against Marc Antony. Antony fell in love with, and married a princess from Egypt by the name of Cleopatra. Octavian convinced the people that Marc Antony intended to take over Rome, and

put Egyptian rulers in charge of affairs in the Roman Government. Octavian declared war against Antony in the name of the Roman Republic. By 31 B.C. Octavian defeated Marc Antony in Greece. In order to evade capture, Marc Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide.

Octavian was now the undisputed ruler of Rome. The republican government, which had been designed to rule a small city-state, and had not been very effective at ruling the now massive Roman Empire. Rather than reform the republican form of government that they practiced, Octavian recommended to the senate that one strong leader be put in place. The senate elected Octavian as the consul, and supreme leader of Rome for life.

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Activities:

a. What is the meaning of Triumvirate?

b. Who formed the Triumvirate?

c. Why didn’t the Triumvirate last long?

d. Who was Octavian?

1.11. Augustus Caesar

After being elected as consul for life, Octavian changed his name to Augustus, which means ‘Majestic One’. Augustus Caesar ruled Rome from 27 B.C. until his death in A.D. 14 During his reign, Augustus Caesar instituted a number of reforms that strengthened the empire, and that helped the poor find work, and improved their lives. He also oversaw a number of important building projects, that lead him to declare ‘I found this city in bricks, and left it in marble’

Answer:

a. Who was Augustus Caesar?

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b. What reforms did Augustus Caesar institute?

1.12. The Julian Emperors

Following the death of Augustus Caesar, Rome was ruled by a succession of four emperors referred to by historians as the Julian Emperors. They are given this name due to the fact that each of these four emperors was related in some way to Julius Caesar.

The first of these emperors was Tiberius. Tiberius succeeded Augustus to the throne, and was his adopted son. He was a cruel and jealous leader, who accused many innocent people of treason against him.

Tiberius was succeeded by is grand nephew Caligula. Caligula was mentally ill, and displayed poor leadership as a result. He was eventually murdered by one of his own guards.

Caligula was followed to the thrown by Claudius, who was in ineffective leader, and who cared more about living a comfortable life, than ruling an empire. Claudius was followed to the thrown by Nero. Nero

was a violent and cruel leader, who nearly bankrupt Rome through horse racing and music.

Activities:

a. Who were the Julian Emperors?

b. Who succeeded who? Make a Timeline to describe it.

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1.13. The Good Emperors

Following the Julian emperors, a series of generals backed by the Roman Army ruled Rome for 28 years. Tired of violent, or ineffective leaders, the Roman Senate decided to take action. The senate began to put forward their own candidates for emperor. These emperors tended to be fair, reasonable, and effective. They lead Rome forward to a golden age, and expanded the borders of the Roman Empire to the largest that they had ever been. For these reasons, they were referred to as the good emperors.

Activities:

a. Why was the term “good emperors” used after Julian Emperors?

1.14. Pax Romana

From 30 B.C. until A.D. 180 Rome enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity. This time period is referred to by historians as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace.

This 200 year period of peace and stability allowed the Roman Empire to achieve new heights in technology, agriculture, science, and the arts. The

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Roman Empire was a very civilized place during this time, and life was generally comfortable, and good.

Answer:

a. What produced the Roman Peace?

1.15. Christianity, A New State Religion

Religion in the Italian Peninsula had a long history. The early Romans had worshiped the spirit gods of the Etruscans, their neighbors to the North.

Later Romans adopted the gods of the Greeks as their deities. However, Roman tradition allowed people to worship according to the dictates of their own hearts. As a result of this religious freedom, many different religions and sects flourished in the Roman Empire.

Around A.D. 30 a new religious movement began among the Jews in the distant borders of the Roman Empire. A group of Jews began following the teachings of a new leader by the name of Jesus Christ. Slowly this movement expanded beyond the Jews, to many other peoples in the surrounding areas, and a new religion was born. This new religion would be known as Christianity.

After the death of Jesus, his followers continued to teach those things that he had taught them. They taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and the Messiah that the Jews had been waiting for.

Many people throughout the Mediterranean accepted these teachings, and became known as Christians. For the next 300 years, Christianity was practiced by many city dwellers in private. Roman officials viewed Christians as a threat, and often had them killed. Christians continued to establish churches, and to spread their religion, but they did so discreetly.

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In A.D. 312 an important Roman general by the name of Constantine was converted to Christianity through a spiritual experience he had on the battlefield. That same year, Constantine was made emperor of Rome.

Under his leadership, Constantine offered protection to Christians, allowing Christian churches to be built throughout the empire, and allowing Christianity to spread more quickly.

By A.D. 392 Christianity had

become a powerful force in Rome. It was practiced from border to border. In this same year, the emperor Theodosius declared Christianity the state religion, and outlawed all other religious practices.

Christians began to organize their church into parishes, which were overseen by priests. Several parishes formed what was called a diocese. Each diocese was led by a bishop.

Eventually the bishop in Rome began to claim authority over all other bishops, and gave himself the title of ‘papa’, or Pope. The Western parishes readily accepted the authority of the Pope, however, the Eastern churches did not. The churches in the West eventually became known as the Roman Catholic Church, while the churches in the East joined together to form the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Activities:

a. Look up the meaning of these terms:

Deity:

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Sect:

Jews:

Jesus Christ:

Christianity:

God:

Church:

b. Write a summary about Christianity in the Roman Empire.

1.16. The End of The Roman Empire

After a brief period of peace known as the Pax Romana, which lasted about 200 years, Rome fell into a long slow period of decline. Instead of focusing on protecting their borders, Roman armies began fighting against one another. As a result, many outside invaders were able to enter Rome, and cause great destruction. These invaders included the Visigoths, the Huns, the Germans, the Persians, the Slavs, and the Avars.

By the late A.D. 400s Rome was completely overrun by these outside forces, and ceased to function as an empire. In A.D. 476 the German soldier Odoacer captured the city of Rome, and killed the emperor. He named himself king of Italy. Many historians consider this the official date of the fall of Rome. Answer:

a. What was the cause of the fall of the Roman Empire?

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b. When was the fall of the Roman Empire?

c. Personal Opinion: what was the contributions of Roman to the Humanity?

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UNIT 2: AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS

2.1. African Civilizations

The continent of Africa is three times bigger than the United States. This vast landmass provides a varied landscape of forests, river valleys, deserts, and grasslands. Over the centuries many different peoples and cultures have made Africa their home. Indeed it is believed by many archeologists that Africa is the birthplace of the human race. Early African peoples did not usually leave a written record. Instead, they passed on their histories through oral traditions and stories.

This lack of written histories has made the task of studying these peoples more difficult. Archeologists have had to learn as much as they can by collecting these oral traditions, and by studying ancient artifacts

Activities:

List 5 characteristics of African Civilizations.

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2.2. Nubia

The first civilization to appear in Northern Africa was that of the Nubians. The Nubians lived in villages along the Nile River, just south of Egypt around 3000 B.C. The fertile soils and endless fresh water from the Nile made Nubia the perfect location to build a city.

The city they built was one of the most sophisticated of the time. Nubian kings, noblemen, and merchants grew wealthy through trade with Egypt and other peoples. Elaborate Nubian tombs have been found, showing that the kings of the time were as wealthy as the Egyptian kings of the same era.

Activities:

a. What was the first African Civilization?

b. Where was Nubia located?

c. Describe the city of Nubia.

2.3. The Kingdom of Kush After a thousand years, Nubia gradually evolved becoming larger and more powerful. By 2000 B.C. Nubia was known as the Kingdom of Kush. The people of this kingdom traded Ivory and other treasures from Southern Africa with the peoples who lived further North.

Around 1500 B.C. Egyptian leaders sent armies in to overpower Kush. For nearly 500 years, Kush would be controlled by the Egyptians, and would be forced to pay the Pharaoh a tribute. Eventually however, around 1000 B.C.

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Kush was able to turn the tables, winning their freedom from Egypt. Then in 724 B.C. lead by a Kushite king named Piankhi a large and well trained Kushite army was able to invade Egypt, and control it.

In 671 B.C. the Assyrians, who had superior weaponry were able to run the Kushites out of Egypt, and rule it for themselves. The Assyrians used iron weapons, which were harder and more powerful than the bronze weapons that the Kushites used.

After leaving Egypt and returning to their original borders, the Kingdom of Kush entered a golden age. For the next 150 years, the Kushites grew wealthy. They were able to build large comfortable homes, and plan beautiful cities. This golden age was however brought to an end by a people known as the Axums, who invaded around 500 B.C. from the East.

Activities:

a. How was called Nubia when it became larger and more powerful?

b. What did people from the Kingdom of Kush trade?

c. Which nation was controlled by Kush?

d. How the Kingdom of Kush entered a golden age?

2.4. Axum

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The Axums controlled a territory along the Red Sea that allowed them to prosper from trade. After defeating the Kingdom of Kush, Axum was able to control trade into and out of much of Africa. Cargo ships from Rome, India, Persia, and Egypt brought goods in, and took Ivory and other goods out to the rest of the known world.

Around A.D. 330 the king of Axum was converted to Christianity by a pair of shipwrecked missionaries. This king declared

that Christianity was to be the official religion of the nation. The Christian nation of Axum thrived until the A.D. 600s when Muslim raiders and bandits began seizing Axum goods and territory. Unable to adequately fight back, the Kingdom of Axum became smaller, and less influential. Gradually, the people of Axum began calling their kingdom Ethiopia.

Activities

a. Where were the Axums located?

b. What was Axum able to control?

c. How was Axum converted to Christianity?

2.5. The People of Nok

Around 700 B.C. a small civilization emerged in the Niger River Valley, known as the Nok People civilization. Very little is known about this people or about their culture. They were not as wealthy as the Kingdoms of the North. They lead a quiet life of

farming and family. The few artifacts that have been found show that they used iron tools to plow and farm the land.

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Activities:

a. Where was Nok located?

b. Was Nok a wealthy civilization?

c. What did they do for a living?

2.6. The Bantu Peoples

Around 1000 B.C. much of Africa was covered in small villages of primitive peoples who shared languages that were similar to one another. Because the languages they shared are known as Bantu, these people are referred to as the Bantu peoples.

The Bantus lived in small villages that were governed by a chief, council, or by elders. These villages were typically made up of extended families, but marriage among people of different villages was common. The locations of Bantu villages were temporary. They tended to remain in one location until the resources in that area were exhausted. As life became more difficult, or the ground less fertile, they would move on to a new location.

Activities:

a. Why were they called the Bantu Peoples?

b. Why the locations of Bantu villages were temporary?

2.7. The Kingdom of Ghana

Around A.D. 300 a new and powerful kingdom emerged in West Africa. This kingdom was known as Ghana. Between A.D. 300 and A.D. 1200 Ghana controlled the export of salt, and gold. They were also able to prosper from the collection of taxes on the many merchant caravans that traveled through their territory as they brought goods from one area to another.

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Ghana controlled a vast area of over 100,000 square miles. A Ghanan king was referred to as the Ghana, just like a Egyptian king was referred to as

the pharaoh.

Activities:

a. What products did Ghana control to export?

b. What was the way Ghana had to prosper?

c. Glossary: Look up the meaning of these terms:

Pharaoh

Emerge

Tax

Prosper

2.8. The Kingdom of Mali

Around A.D. 1200 a small city-state controlled by Ghana was able to win its independence. This city-state was named Mali. During the A.D. 1300s Mali expanded its territory, and influence. By the late A.D. 1300s Mali controlled all of the former Kingdom of Ghana, as well as much of the territory around it.

This new kingdom faced many threats from both its neighbors, as well as the people they had conquered. By the mid A.D. 1500s the peoples they had conquered began to rebel against their control. At the same time, attacks from outside forces weakened the armies of

Mali, causing the kingdom to split into several smaller city-states.

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Activities:

a. Which small city was controlled by Ghana?

b. What was the problem between Ghana and Mali?

2.9. The Kingdom of Songhai

Around A.D. 1400 a strong military leader by the name of Sunni Ali lead his forces in a succession of battle victories. Through these victories, Sunni Ali conquered much of the former Kingdoms of Ghana and Mali.

Upon his death, Sunni Ali left rule of his kingdom to his son. Sunni Ali was Muslim, but his son was not. The people rebelled against their new non-muslim king, and instead installed their own king, a man named Askia Muhammad.

In A.D. 1528 Muhammad was overthrown by his son. Following this event, the Kingdom of Songhai entered a period of war and decline. This war weakened the kingdom, so that by A.D. 1589 they were unable to defend themselves against invading armies from Morocco. Activities:

a. Who was Sunni Ali?

b. Who was Muhammad?

UNIT 3: INDIAN CIVILIZATIONS

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3.1. Civilizations of India

For many thousands of years mankind has inhabited the Indus River Valley. Living a simple life of hunting, gathering, and later, of farming and agriculture, these peoples were able to thrive, raise families, and practice their religious beliefs.

Then in about 1500 B.C. a new, more technically advanced group of people arrived in the region. These people were known as the Aryans. The Aryans were a fair skinned people that used their technologies to conquer the peoples of the Indus River Valley.

Activities:

a. Where was the Indian Civilization located?

b. Who were the Aryans?

c. In which continent is the Indus River Valley located?

3.2. The Aryans

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The Aryans were a fair skinned people that originated somewhere near the Caspian and Black Sea around 1500 B.C. The Aryan people possessed greater technologies than many of the peoples around them. For many hundreds of years the Aryans spread from the region near these two seas towards the Indus River Valley.

After conquering the peoples of the Indus River Valley, the Aryans continued to push their territory outward. They moved towards the southeast, and conquered the people of the Ganges Plain.

The Aryan culture eventually spread throughout much of South Asia. Many aspects of Aryan culture still exist today in these regions today.

3.3. Aryan Life

The Aryans were not unified under a single government. They shared the same language and traditions, but were organized into small tribes or groups. Each tribe was ruled by a chief known as a rajah.

The Aryans were a warlike people, and celebrated their victories in battle, passing on war stories from one generation to the next. Early Aryans were nomadic, traveling from one place to another in search of food and shelter. Later Aryans learned to farm the fertile soils of the Indus River Valley, allowing their

settlements to become more permanent.

The Aryan world was ruled by the men. Woman were subject to their husbands, and were considered their property. Both boys and girls were allowed to attend schools, and receive an education.

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3.4. Aryan Economy

The Aryan’s raised cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals. They also farmed crops, and probably traded with other tribes, as well as with their non-Aryan neighbors.

The most important indicator to of

wealth among the Aryans was the number of cattle that an individual owned. The more cattle an family, or tribe possessed the more wealthy they were. Eventually cattle became so important in Aryan society that they made it illegal to kill or eat them.

Activities:

a. Fill in the Chart with information about the Aryans.

Aryan Location Aryan Life Aryan Economy

3.5. Vedas

For many hundreds of years the Aryans did not have a written language. Instead, they passed their

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history down from one generation to another though stories, poems, and epics. These oral histories would be memorized, word for word, and handed down, insuring that future generations would not forget their past.

Around 1200 B.C. the Aryans developed a written language. The oral traditions that had been handed down were recorded in sacred books called Vedas, or “Books of Knowledge”.

These Vedas give historians an accurate window into the lives and culture of the Aryan peoples. Without them, we would know very little about the Aryans.

Activities:

a. What are the Vedas?

b. Why the Vedas are known as Books of Knowledge?

3.6. Varnas – A Caste System

From the Vedas we learn a great deal about the social caste system implemented by the Aryans. A social caste is a rank, or level within a society that tells other members of the society how important each individual is. The Aryans called the ranks in their society Varnas.

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The highest Varna was the priests, called Brahmans. The Brahmans were the only Varna that were allowed to both read, and also teach from the Vedas.

The next most important varna were the Kshatriyas. The Kshatriyas were made up of the warriors, and rulers of villages. These people were allowed to study the Vedas, but they were not allowed to teach them to other people.

After the Kshatriyas, the Vaisyas were the third varna in importance. The Vaisyas were made up of artisans, merchants, and farmers. These people could not study, nor teach from the Vedas.

The lowest varna were the Sudras. The Sudras were the servants of the other three varnas, and were responsible for doing the jobs that no one else wanted.

These varnas were rigid. An individual was born into a varna, socialized only with other members of their varna, married in their varna, and died a member of their varna. They could not move up or down within that rigid system. Thus, the varna you were born into would determine your lifestyle, and what types of jobs would be open to you.

Activities:

a. Draw the Caste System implemented by the Aryans.

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b. Look up the meaning of these terms in the dictionary:

Deal:

Caste:

Priest:

Warrior:

Artisan:

Merchant:

Servant:

Rigid:

3.7. Dharma

The Vedas outlined the duties of each Varna. These duties were called dharmas. The Aryans believed strongly in the importance of fulfilling their duties.

These duties depended both on the varna that an individual belonged to, as well as on their age. The duties outlined what jobs an individual could do, what jobs they should do, and what jobs they must do. Every aspect of social life and behavior was outlined for them based on their varna.

Activities:

What are the Dharmas?

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What are duties?

3.8. Indian Religion

The Aryans believed in many gods. They worshiped Indra, the god of war; Agni , the god of fire; and Usha, the goddess of the morning, as well as many other minor gods and goddesses. They believed that these deities had great power over their lives. The priests performed elaborate ceremonies in an effort to both please them, as well as gain their favor.

Over time the Aryan religion slowly evolved, becoming more complex, and rich with tradition and ceremony. The religion grew to become Hinduism, which is one of the primary religions still practiced in the region today.

Activities:

a. Describe the Indian Religion:

b. What did the Priest do?

c. What is the Hinduism?

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3.9. Sacred Writings

In addition to the Vedas, other sacred books began to appear. The first of these were the epics of Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Mahabharata is a long epic poem that is over 100,000 versus long. It tells the story of two families, and of their struggle for power, and control over the Aryans. This story is full of philosophical ideas, and thoughts on their culture, and religious practices.

The Ramayana is a smaller epic poem, but still considerably large, at over 24,000 versus. This epic tells the story of a kind and goodly king, and his wife.

Later the Upanishads would be written from 800 B.C. to 400 B.C. The Upanishads are the recorded wisdom of generations of priests as they search for religious meaning and truth.

Activities:

a. What is the difference between the Mahabharata and Ramayana?

b. Explain these phrases:

struggle for power

philosophical ideas

3.10. Brahman Nerguna

The Upanishads taught that all living things possessed within them a part of a universal spirit. They believed that because all things possessed a part of this

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spirit, that all living things were sacred, and should not be killed.

The Hindus believed that in order for a spirit to achieve true joy and freedom, they must be united again with that spirit. In order to achieve tranquility, and bring themselves closer to the spirit, which they called Brahman Nerguna they practiced a series of mental and physical exercises known as yoga.

Activities:

a. What were Hindus thoughts about the spirit?

b. What is yoga?

3.11. Reincarnation

The Hindus believed that the soul went through a series of rebirths, as it strived to obtain a oneness with the universal spirit, or Brahman Nerguna. They believed that when a person died, they would be reborn again, living many lives, until they perfected themselves. This state of perfection was called moksha.

They believed that how a person lived their current life would determine the form they would take in the next life. If they lived a good life, and fulfilled all their dharmas or duties, they might be born into a higher varna or class in the next life. If they lived poorly, they might be born into a lower life, or even into a lower life form, such as a beetle, or snake.

When one obtained this state of Moksha their cycle of rebirth after rebirth would finally stop, and they would live in eternal happiness at oneness with the Brahman Nerguna.

Activities:

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a. What is the reincarnation?

b. What is moksha?

3.12. Buddhism Arrives

The 500 B.C.’s were a period of religious reform in the Indus River Valley, and surrounding regions. Many religious leaders began to question the long standing Hindu values and teachings. New teachers began to travel, teaching new ideas, and forming new sects and religions. The most influential of these teachers was a prince by the name of Siddhartha Gautama.

Gautama was a Kshatriya Prince. His position of power in Indian society allowed him to live a life of great comfort. This sheltered life kept him from viewing

the state of poverty and sickness that many of the people lived in. When Gautama was 29 years old, he began to tour his kingdom. Gautama was shocked at how much his people suffered. Distressed, Gautama left his wife, and newborn son in search of truth, and enlightenment. For the next seven years he lived as a hermit wandering and pondering humanity, and life.

Activities:

a. Who was Gautama and what were his beliefs?

b. What did Gautama do at the age of 29?

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c. What happened during the next seven years?

3.13. The Four Noble Truths

During these wanderings, Gautama developed a series of what he called the Four Noble Truths. After developing these truths, he began teaching them to his family friends, and eventually to many others. His followers began to call him the Buddha, or “Enlightened One”.

The first of the noble truths, said the Buddha was that all people no matter how rich or poor suffer pains and afflictions. Second, the Buddha taught that people suffer these afflictions because they keep traveling through the endless cycle of rebirths or reincarnation. He taught that these rebirths were caused by mankind’s desires for different things. Thirdly, he taught that people could end their cycle of rebirths, and thus their suffering by ending their desires for things. Finally, the Buddha taught that a person could eliminate their desires by following what he called the Eightfold Path.

Activities:

a. List the Four Noble Truths elaborated by Gautama

b. What’s your opinion about these four noble thruths?

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3.14. The Eightfold Path

In order to eliminate their desires for worldly things, and thus end the cycle of rebirths, the Buddha taught his people to follow eight principals. These eight principals were to know the truth, resist evil, say nothing that might be hurtful, respect life, free the mind from evil, work in service towards neighbors, control evil thoughts, and practice meditation.

Activities:

a. List the eight principals taught by the Buddha.

3.15. Nirvana

By following the eightfold path, and avoiding evil extremes, the Buddha taught that an individual could achieve nirvana. He taught that nirvana, which in their language meant to blow out a candle, was a state of non-existence It was not a place, like heaven, but rather an

actual state of non-existence. When someone reached nirvana, their soul was in harmony with the universe, and they would cease to exist

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Activities:

a. Write a synonym for each term:

Nirvana:

Candle:

Non-existence:

Heaven:

Soul:

Harmony:

Universe:

3.16. Buddhism Spreads Abroad

The Buddha spent 45 years traveling throughout India teaching the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. Through his efforts, he was able to gain a large following of several thousand disciples. After his death, the Buddha’s followers continued to travel, preaching the new religion throughout the Asian Continent, into China, Japan, Korea, and eventually throughout the World.

3.17. Buddhism Splits

Shortly after the death of the Buddha, disagreements in the doctrines of Buddhism developed. Many followers began to look to the Buddha as a savior and believed that he should be worshiped. Many others felt that they should not worship the Buddha, and looked to him only as a teacher.

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Those who felt it important to worship the Buddha became known as Mahayana Buddhists. Those who did not worship the Buddha were known as Theravada Buddhists.

Activities

Explain in the chart each heading.

Buddhism Spreads Abroad Buddhism Splits

3.18. Indian Kingdoms And Empires

A number of smaller kingdoms, and larger empires flowered and later declined in the Indus River Valley and surrounding region. None of these ever managed to rule the entire region, but some became quite powerful and wealthy.

3.19. The Kingdom of Magadha

Around 550 B.C. a small kingdom in the northern part of the region known as the Magadha Kingdom began to expand and flourish. Lead by an aggressive king by the name of Bimsiara Magadha expanded its borders.

King Bimsiara used armies, politics, and marriage to add more territory to his kingdom. After his death in

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495 B.C. the Kingdom of Bimsiara began to decline rapidly.

Around 500 B.C. Persian armies invaded the region, bringing havoc upon the people of Magadha and surrounding city-states. In 327 B.C. Alexander The Great entered into the Valley, and conquered it for a short time.

In 321 B.C. a military leader by the name of Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the Magadha king, and declared himself the ruler of the Kingdom of Magdha.

3.20 . The Mauryan Empire

Maurya was a skilled leader and politician, as well as military leader. He expanded the Kingdom of Magadha into the Mauryan Empire. Maurya developed infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and a post office, that would help his empire to flourish for almost 150 years Maurya’s Grandson Asoka began his rule as a brutal warlord. His

military expanded the borders of the empire to include two thirds of the Indian subcontinent. In later life Asoka grew tired of war, and became converted to Buddhism. He taught his people to be kind to others, and to have regard for human life. Under his rule, Buddhist teachers were able to spread Buddhism far and wide.

After the death of Asoka the Mauryan empire entered a period of decline. His successors levied heavy taxes on the people. Their harsh treatment caused the people to turn against their Mauryan masters. The last Mauryan king was murdered in 184 B.C. which ended the Mauryan Empire. The region again returned to the control of small city-states

3.21. The Gupta Empire

For 490 years following the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the Indian people would

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remain under the rule of small city-states. Then in A.D. 310 a new leader emerged who would begin again to unify India. This leader’s name was Chandragupta. Chandragupta setup his capital in the old Kingdom of Magadha.

Under the rule of Chandragupta, and his descendants, the people of the Gupta Empire flourished. During this time period great advances in art and science were made. For this reason, many historians refer to this time period as the golden era of Indian history.

Activities

Write the right information about each larger empire.

The Kingdom of Magadha The Mauryan Empire The Gupta Empire

Time:______________

Leader:_____________

Feature:____________

Time:______________

Leader:_____________

Feature:____________

Time:_____________

Leader:____________

Feature:____________

3.22. The Guptas Return To Hinduism

Under the rule of Guptan kings, the people of India returned to their Hindu roots. Hindu became the religion of the state in the Gupta Empire, and leaders encouraged the people to follow the teachings in the sacred writings, especially the Upanishads.

Guptan Kings lowered taxes, and encouraged freedom, and personal development. As a result, the Guptan Empire became the center of arts, learning, science, and technology, astronomy, and math for the region. Activities:

46

a. Why did the Gruptas return to Hinduism?

b. Why did the Gruptan become a center of arts, learning, science, and technology, astronomy, and math for the region?

3.23. The Gupta Empire Declines

After the death of one of their greatest kings, Chandragupta II the Gupta Empire began to fall apart. New leaders were not as effective in ruling the government. As the government became weaker, invaders from the Northwest were able to weaken and ultimately destroy the empire.

By A.D. 600 the Gupta Empire was no more. The region was once again made up of a collection of many different city-states. However, even though the Gupta Empire was gone, the Gupta culture remained. Much of modern Indian Culture was first established by the Guptans.

Activities:

Write down the causes for the Grupta Empire declination.

UNIT 4: CIVILIZATIONS IN CHINA

4.1. Civilization In China

The Chinese civilization is the oldest civilization still in existence today, and extends backwards in history in an unbroken chain over nearly four thousand years. Throughout these

47

thousands of years of history, the Chinese people have been instrumental in developing technologies and advancing the knowledge of mankind.

The Chinese have been ruled by a succession of dynasties. A dynasty is a family that passes the right to rule the nation from one generation to the next.

4.2. The Xia Dynasty

Before China developed the ability to write down their history, stories were passed down orally from one generation to the next. The story of the Xia Dynasty is such a case. For decades historians have believed that the Xia Dynasty was just legend. Then in 1959 evidence was found that showed that this dynasty may not have just been legend, but may have really existed. The truth about whether or not the Xia Dynasty really existed is still being debated

The Xia family would have ruled China from around 2100 B.C. until around 1800 B.C. They are believed to have been Aryans, who migrated into the area, and who were able to conquer the local peoples using their superior weaponry and technology

4.3. The Shang Dynasty

Like the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty was once thought to be only a myth or legend. Unlike the Xia Dynasty, which is still being heavily debated, the Shang Dynasty is now considered by all historians as a true dynasty. Because many historians do not consider the Xia Dynasty a true dynasty, the Shang Dynasty is often called the first true Chinese dynasty.

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The Shang Dynasty ruled China from around 1500 B.C. until 1100 B.C. During this 400 year period of history, Chinese tradition states that 30 separate kings ruled from a succession of 7 different capitals. Only a few of these capitals have been located and excavated by archeologists. The last capital from which this dynasty ruled was located in 1899, and was the first Shang Dynasty capital to be found and studied.

One of the most important contributions made during the period that the Shang Dynasty ruled China was the invention of writing. The earliest written records found in China come from this time period.

4.4. The Zhou Dynasty

The Zhou family was able to defeat and overthrow the last Shang Dynasty king in 1028 B.C. They claimed that the Shang Dynasty had lost the mandate of heaven due to their poor governing. The Zhou Dynasty would become the longest lasting dynasty in Chinese history, lasting over 800 years.

The Zhou set up a new economy, rearranging the affairs of the kingdom. As they did so, the borders of their kingdom swelled, and they were able to maintain control over the people they conquered effectively.

Zhou kings assigned nobleman, who were usually members of the royal family to serve as regional rulers. These nobleman owned the land, and were given absolute authority over it. The peasants could not own land, but

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instead worked the land for the noblemen.

This form of government worked well for several hundred years. However, overtime the king slowly became less powerful, while the nobleman grew in power.

In 771 B.C. while fighting against a rebellion, the Zhou armies suffered a terrible defeat. As a result, the Zhou Dynasty lost even more power to the noblemen. They managed to hang on to power for another 500 years. Then in 256 B.C. the Zhou Dynasty was finally overthrown.

4.5. The Qin Dynasty

By 221 B.C. a man by the name of Qin had overthrown all remaining members of the Zhou Dynasty, and all other opposition, allowing him to place himself as the ruler of China. The Qin Dynasty would only last about 11 years. Yet during these short years, this dynasty would make changes that would effect the history of China for thousands of years. So influential was Qin, that the name of the nation, China, is a derivative of his name.

In order to show his importance and power, Qin added a new name to his own. He began calling himself Qin Shihuangdi, which means Qin, the first emperor of China.

Qin Shihuangdi again reorganized the affairs of China. Instead of a system of nobleman, Qin wanted everything to be under his direct authority and control. He established a strict set of written laws that were recognized throughout China, and setup military control in each region of China so

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that local nobleman could not rebel against the emperor.

4.6. Qin Building Projects

The Qin emperor set out to build up China into the most glorious nation on Earth. In order to do this he needed labor. Qin used the peasants, forcing them to work under slave conditions, so that he could build roads, bridges, canals, buildings, and his most famous building project of all, the Great Wall of China.

Activities:

Complete the outline with brief information about each Dynasty:

Civilizationin China

The Xia Dynasty

.

The Shang Dynasty

.

The Zhou Dynasty

.

The Quin Dynasty

.

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4.7. The Great Wall of China

Early emperors had built walls in the northern territories to protect their nation against attack from outside forces. These walls were spread across the landscape, and not connected.

Qin was an ambitious leader. He ordered his people to connect the existing walls together, and to expand them, eventually covering a distance of over 4000 miles. As seen in this map.

Over 300,000 peasants were forced to help build the Great Wall of China. Many of which died during the construction. After working for several years, the Great Wall of China was completed, and still stands today as one of the great building projects in human history. Activities:

a. Why was the Great Wall of China built?

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b. Is the Great Wall of China still today?

4.8. Qin Dynasty Ends

By 210 B.C. the peasants were tired of being forced to build one project after another for their emperor. The noblemen were upset that their power had been taken away, and the scholars were upset at the emperor who had ordered all the books to be burned.

In 207 B.C. a military leader by the name of Liu Bang was able to overthrow the Qin, establishing himself as the new emperor of China

4.9. The Han Dynasty

In the year 207 B.C. a new dynasty began to rule China. This dynasty was lead by a peasant whose name was Liu Bang. Liu Bang had grown tired of the brutal leadership of the Qin Dynasty. Many other people also were tired of the Qin. Liu Bang proclaimed that the Qin had lost the mandate of heaven, or the right to rule the nation. He was able to overthrow them, and establish himself as the new emperor of China, and the first emperor of the Han Dynasty.

The Han Dynasty would rule China for the next 400 years. During this time period they would be one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations on Earth. Their achievements would only be

surpassed by the Roman Empire.

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Because of its location amidst high mountains and surrounded on many sides by water, China was isolated from much of the rest of the world. As their civilization flourished and their wealth increased, they were largely unaware of what advancements were taking place in the nations around them.

Activities

a. Explain the end of the Quin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han one.

4.12. Pax Sinica

During the rule of the Han emperors, China enjoyed a 400 year period of peace and prosperity. During this time, the Han emperors established a strong central government that was designed to help the people, and protect them.

One such innovation was the storage of food. During times of plenty, Han emperors would have great amounts of food

put up into storage. Then during difficult times, they would sell these food stores, helping to stabilize food prices.

The Han also abolished the practice of giving powerful government positions to members of the royal family. They wanted the most capable leaders to control government. To insure that the most talented leaders were given government posts, the Han Emperor Wudi instituted a series of written exams. Anyone could take the tests. Those who received the highest scores were given posts in the government.

Activities:

Explain the most important points in the Pax Sinica period.

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4.13. The End of The Han Dynasty

By A.D. 220 the Han Dynasty had fallen into a weakened state. Warriors from competing areas began fighting one another, throwing China into a period of civil war that would last for many years.

Even though the Han Dynasty had ended, many of the contributions made by this dynasty would become interwoven into Chinese culture, and would endure through the ages to modern times.

4.14. Religion In China

The religious history of China is complex, and has evolved over the centuries. Deeply interwoven into their beliefs is the worship of their ancestors. The Chinese believed that the spirits of their ancestors were watching over them, and that they could be called upon during difficult times. Throughout Chinese history many different religious movements have taken hold, and then later died away. Some religious movements have lasted longer than others. A few of these still exist today

4.15. Confucianism

In 551 B.C. a man by the name of Kongzi was born to a poor family in the province of Shandong. Kongzi is known in the western world as Confucius.

Confucius saw many problems in the world in which he lived. He wanted to help make improvements, in order to change the world for the better. In order to get into a position of influence, Confucius tried to get himself appointed as an advisor to a number of different government officials. When this failed, Confucius instead set out as a teacher.

55

The most important things to Confucius were peace, and order. He felt that everyone had a proper role in society, and that if people were willing to accept their role, and fulfill it, that peace and harmony would abound.

In order to help people accept their roles in society, and establish order, Confucius laid out what he called ethics. These ethics outlined how individuals should treat one another. The most important of these ethics outlined the responsibilities of children to respect and listen to their parents, and other elders.

He also laid out ethics for how subjects should follow rulers, for how rulers should treat subjects, how husbands and wives should treat one another,

and how friends should treat each other.

During his own lifetime Confucius’ teachings were not widely accepted. However, within a hundred years, they were being used by the emperor to help him rule, and eventually became a widely followed religion. Confucianism would remain a powerful force in Chinese history.

4.16. Daoism

A contemporary to Confucius was a teacher named Laozi. Most of what we know about Laozi is so heavily mixed with legend, that it is difficult to know what is true, and what is myth.

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The teachings of Laozi were recording in writings called the Dao De Jing. Laozi taught that a force known as the Dao permeated all living things. He told his followers that the most important thing an individual could do is to reject the world, and their desires for

worldly possessions and power, and commune with nature, bringing ones self into a state of oneness with the Dao.

Many individuals in China practices both Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism taught them how to behave towards one another, while Daoism taught them how to behave towards the natural world, and with themselves personally.

4.17. Buddhism Arrives In China

Buddhism was founded by an Indian prince, who called himself the Buddha. The Buddha taught his people about what he called The Four Noble Truths, and an Eightfold Path. He also taught the people to use meditation. More can be read about the Buddha in chapter seven, using the menu to the left side of your screen.

After the death of the Buddha, his followers traveled around Asia spreading his message to distant lands. Buddhism reached China just as the Han Dynasty was coming to an end. During these difficult times, people were in search of faith. Buddhism, along with its teachings of Nirvana offered them hope for a better life. By A.D. 400 Buddhism was widely practiced in China.

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Activities: Explain about:

Confucianism

Daoism

Buddhism

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/

http://www.gradebook.org/Social%20Studies%20Worksheets.ht

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http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/hyper_titles.cfm

http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentations

andactivities/presentations/timeline/

http://www.worldhistory.com/

http://old.sandi.net/depts/history_social_science/world_histor

y_curriculum.pdf

http://iss.schoolwires.com/1685204410347887/lib/168520441

0347887/Chapter_20.pdf

http://www.historyonthenet.com/Lessons/worksheets.htm

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/wo

rksheets/worldhistory/world_explorers.pdf

http://www.eduplace.com/ss/socsci/books/content/gfxorganiz

ers/graph_2-col.pdf

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