Ancient History and Philosophers

• The Big Bang


  The starting point of the universe from an explosion, leading to its continuous expansion.
• "Goldilocks" Zone


  The region with a perfect balance between warm and cold, conducive to life, e.g., Earth's position from the sun.
• Natural Selection


  Charles Darwin's proposed mechanism of evolution, where traits enhancing survival and reproduction are passed on.
• Holocene


  Current geological epoch, starting approx. 11,700 years ago, characterized by stable climate conditions.
• Anthropocene


  Proposed geological epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.
• Neolithic Revolution


  Transition from nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture and animal domestication around 10,000 BCE.
• Code of Hammurabi


  One of the earliest written legal codes, providing insights into ancient Mesopotamian social and legal norms.
• Monotheism


  Belief in the existence of only one god, e.g., Judaism, Christianity, Islam.
• Polytheism


  Belief in and worship of many gods, e.g., Greek mythology, Hinduism.
• Pisistratus


  Ancient Athenian statesman and tyrant known for agricultural reforms, arts patronage, and contributions to Athens' stability and prosperity.
• Cleisthenes

  Athenian statesman credited with establishing democracy in Athens in 508 BCE through political reforms.
• "Cross-cutting Cleavages"


  Concept referring to social or political divisions that do not align neatly, making intense and lasting conflicts more challenging.
• Oracle at Delphi


  Influential in Ancient Greece's pivotal moments, making impactful prophecies and decisions of state. Ex: Oedipus & Alexander the Great (labelled him as divine, supporting his campaign)
• Isagoras


  Athenian aristocrat who exiled Cleisthenes with Spartan mercenaries' help, leading to an uprising and his capture by Athenian commoners.
• Battle of Marathon


  Land battle in 490 BC where vastly outnumbered Athenians defeated the Persians, ensuring independence from conquest.
• Pericles


  Led the war against Sparta, advocating for Athenian democracy and exclusive with women, but fond of Aspasia's knowledge.
• Aspasia


  Hetaera and influential figure in Greek society, known for deep conversations, salons, and influencing philosophers.
• Sparta


  Ancient Greek city-state, rival to Athens, valuing military activity and athleticism, with a structured society and land army.
• The Peloponnesian War


  War from 431 to 404 BCE between Sparta and Athens. Sparta abosrbed Athens marking a power shift and regional decline in ancient Greece.
• Heraclitus


  Philosopher who proposed the idea of constant change in the universe, with the famous quote 'You will never step foot in the same river.
• The Sophists


  Intellectuals(Teachers) in ancient Greece focused on winning and success, with secular, relativist, and cynical beliefs about religion and tradition.
• Aristophanes


  Greatest representative of ancient Greek comedy, known for preserved works in great quantity.
• Socrates


  Influential philosopher emphasizing recognition of ignorance, ethical virtue, and the unexamined life, and introducing the concept of an inner conscience.
• Alcibiades


  Student of Socrates and Athenian general, involved in Socrates' sentencing due to disloyalty and treasonous actions.
• Plato


  Famous philosopher and student of Socrates, known for beliefs in the 'realm of being,' rationalism, and skepticism towards democracy. He also was not fond of art.
• Aristotle


  Famous philosopher and mathematician, student of Plato, advocating for catharsis, democracy, and empiricism. Mentor to Alexander the Great.
• Empiricism


  Knowledge based on observation and evidence, as believed by Aristotle
• Catharsis


  Psychological relief through releasing emotions, a concept endorsed by Aristotle
• Alexander the Great (King of Macedon)


  World's greatest military general, created a vast empire from Macedonia to India, spreading Hellenistic culture. Ended Athenian democracy.
• Diogenes


  Philosopher known as 'The Cynic', famous for asking Alexander the Great to move away as he was blocking the sun
• Crossing the Rubicon


  To make an irrevocable decision, derived from Julius Caesar's crossing of the river to start a civil war in Rome
• Calphurnia


  Julius Caesar's wife who had a prophetic dream about his assassination
• Portia


  Wife of Brutus, symbol of virtue and strength in ancient Rome
• Octavius/Augustus


  Adopted son of Caesar and first Roman emperor, successful in the Roman Civil Wars
• Mark Antony


  Caesar's second in command, played a crucial role in the creation of the Roman Empire
• Marcus Brutus


  Roman Senator and conspirator in the assassination of Caesar, manipulated by Cassius
• Caius Cassius


  Roman senator and conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar, known for manipulating Brutus
• Cicero


  Roman statesman and philosopher known for defending republican principles
• Augustus


  First Roman emperor, known for consolidating power and establishing the Roman Empire
• Silk Road


  Land trade route connecting the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty, enabling cultural exchange