Download The Classical Period is divided into three sections (pretty much all of

CLASSICAL
600 BCE- 600 CE
Ahhh. The Classical Period. Enough of that super ancient historical stuff. The
Foundations era basically is the board upon which we will play the game of AP World
HIstory. Those are the seeds from which we will grow the course. BUT, even the
Classical Period (which your teachers last year were obsessed with) still only counts for
15% of the test. The rest of the periods are all worth 20% each.
The Classical Period is divided into three sections (pretty much all of the periods
are). The first one is:
2.1: The Development & Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions
Translation: World Religions. So, we are gonna break them down one by one... Let's
start with the Grandaddy of them all...
Judaism is the basis for the world's two largest religions (Christianity & Islam). It's also
one of two belief systems that technically started in the LAST PERIOD (the other is
Hinduism). Check out http://www.freeman-pedia.com/judaism for notes, videos, maps,
etc.
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Hinduism (in one form or another) has been around for 6,000 years. That's an incredible
amount of time. Today, it's the 3rd largest belief system on earth. It is focused primarily
in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is made up of 1,000s of different groups each with
a different take on the system. There is no single ruler. There is no single book. Hindus
follow the cycle of reincarnation that is governed by Karma.
Hinduism works like this. You are born with a purpose. You arrived at your current
station in this life due to what you did in the last life. You were reincarnated into what
you are today. Since you can read, you must have been pretty decent. If you weren’t
very nice, you are some lesser being today (and probably can’t read). There is one god,
Brahma, but there are multiple, multiple manifestations of Brahma (often leading people
to think that it is Polytheistic. In reality, it’s Pantheistic.) If you do good in life or bad in
life this affects your karma which in turn determines your placement in the next life. If
you are human, you will fit into one of the many Castes, (social hierarchy).
Hinduism derives from the Vedic texts of the last era (Foundations). It probably arrived
with the Aryan migrations of the last era and blended with local traditions. These Vedic
texts (Vedas) along with other poems, stories, etc. (Ramayana) create the foundation of
the belief system. It is all encompassing and governs the daily lives of everyone. It is
THE most important thing to know about India.
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/hinduism for notes, maps, etc.
The 6th Century BCE (500s) was the most important century for Belief Systems in
Earth’s history. Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Greco-Roman philosophy all got
their starts here. Since we went over Hinduism yesterday, Let’s stay in India and look at
Hinduism 2.0- Buddhism.
Buddhism stems from the exploits of a Hindu prince (Siddhartha Gautama) as he tried to
save the world from suffering. I’ll cut to the end of that journey; stop wanting. The
cause of your suffering is desire. If you stop desiring things… You’ll stop suffering. It’s
the transitive property of Nirvana. This process is known as the Four Noble Truths.
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That prince came to be known as the Buddha or “Awakened One”. They believe that he
was the first person to reach Enlightenment. And, if you want to reach Enlightenment
too, you need to follow his lead.
“How do I do that,” you ask? Just follow the 8-fold Path
Buddha denounced the Caste System and taught that one should want to leave the cycle
of birth, death, and rebirth (the end of the cycle is called Moksha).
This may have gone down in history as a rando-Indian sect of Hinduism if it weren’t for
the efforts of people trying to spread these teachings. The most famous was the Prince
Ashoka who converted to Buddhism and spread the teachings of the Buddha all over
Asia.
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Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/buddhism for a page devoted to Buddhism.
This whole story is covered quite nicely by John Green in the second half of the Crash
Course video on Buddhism & Ashoka.
As we continue on our journey to spiritual understanding, we will take a two day layover
in China. China is truly a land of three belief systems. The two home grown belief
systems are both born in China around the same time (the two founders actually
met). Confucianism and Daosim do as much to shape the East Asian world
(China/Japan) as Hinduism and Buddhism shaped the South Asian world (India). The
third belief system is Buddhism (see yesterday).
If I was playing Civilization or Age of Empires-style game, and I had to enter at the
beginning of the game what type of belief system my people should follow... I would
choose Confucianism. It's great (if you are a man). Everyone knows their place in
society. There are respectful relationships from father-to-son all the way up to the
Emperor. Everyone works hard and does as their elders tell them. I'm assuming you're a
teenager. If so, this must sound terrible. You're probably Daoist. We'll cover them
next...
For a page on Confucianism, visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/confucianism
Where Confucianism is all about hard work, respect for others and responsibility; Daoism
is just the opposite. Lao Tzu was a Zhou librarian who became fed up with society and
left China. But, on his way out, he wrote the Tao Te Ching. It’s a 25 page complex book
about Daoism. To be brief, Daoism follows that everyone has and should follow their
own Dao (the way). This Dao is the guiding principle for all things. Simply put, one
should “go with the flow” of the Universe. Follow your Dao, not your ancestors, parents,
etc.’s Dao.
I like to compare them like this. Confucianism is a loyal German Shepherd.
Trained. Obedient. Loyal. Loving. Helpful. Daoism is like a cat. Aloof. Distant.
Unpredictable. Doing-whatever-it-wants.
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Don’t think Daoists are anarchists. In fact, Daoists can be of other religions. If your Dao
is to obey your elders, work hard, study, etc. then you are Confucianist… but, you’re still
following your Dao… Daoists have had a profound impact Asian medicine, poetry, and
architecture.
For notes, maps, videos, etc. on Daoism visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/daoism
Going back to the 5th Century BCE; you know, the one where Confucius, Buddha, and
Lao Tzu all walked the earth professing there certain brand of philosophy? At the same
time, another man walked the streets of Athens espousing his views.
His name was Socrates and he created Western Philosophy.
The College Board wants you to know that Greco-Roman Philosophy emphasized logic,
empirical observation and the nature of political power and hierarchy. Think of it as
Confucianism for Mediterranean people.
Philosophy (Greek for ‘Love of Wisdom’) is the foundation of Western thought. Be sure
to be able to recognize the Big Three Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Logically, someone (Freemanpedia) created a lovely page summary of the basics of
Greco-Roman Philosophy. Your best bet: watch the first video at the bottom of the
page. It gives you a nice wrap up. Hopefully, by the end of today; you will have left
your cave. http://www.freeman-pedia.com/philosophy
This is the biggest religion on earth. There are over 2 billion Christians out there (there's
a billion Catholics!). The whole thing started in the Middle East as a local Jewish
carpenter claimed to be the son of god. He was later crucified by the
Romans. According to the Christians, he came back from the dead and then went to
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heaven. This story has had a massive influence on the rest of history. If you live in the
United States, you can't miss this story as Christianity is the predominant religion
here. This is also (besides Buddhism with Ashoka and Siddhartha) the only religion that
requires you to know TWO people in this era: Jesus and Constantine.
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/christianity for a page devoted to this belief system.
Your best bet? Watch John Green's clip at the bottom. As usual, he does a nice job with
this topic.
Remaining Tidbits
We've covered the major belief systems of the Classical Period. And, don't worry; this is
the bulk of the religion for the entire course. The only other MAJOR religion that will
show up is Islam (in the Post Classical Period). There will be variations of the religions
we've covered, but no other huge new belief systems (besides Islam). So, here are the
remaining tidbits of Classical Belief Systems:
MONASTIC LIFE:
Both Buddhism and Christianity encourage Monasticism. Monsasticism is the Monk
Life. Monks live religious lives away from the rest of the world. Think of Buddhist
monks meditating to reach Nirvana or Christian monks following Monastery rules to
attain eternal life in Jesus's model.
FILIAL PIETY:
Confucianism is THE Filial Piety belief system. It's the main idea of
Confucianism. Filial Piety is respect for both elders and ancestors.
SHAMANISM/ANIMISM:
Shamanism/Animism is the name given to the belief systems that exist outside of the
"core civilizations". Shamanism refers to a plethora of belief systems that are led by a
Shaman (religious leader with access to spirit world) who leads the followers in spiritual
activities. Animism refers to the beliefs that non-human things here on earth that possess
spiritual qualities. Both of these are prevelent in the Classical Period outside of the core
civilizations.
ANCESTOR VENERATION:
Remember Mulan. What was her dad doing at the beginning? He was praying at a shrine
to his ancestors. Praying and respecting your ancestors in the after life affects your life
here on earth. This is not just a Chinese thing. It is also present in the Americas,as well
as Africa.
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LITERATURE/DRAMA:
At this point, 2.1 takes a turn and looks at more cultural than religious ideas. They want
you to know that distinct forms of literature (writing) and drama (theater/plays) began in
this era. These will have cultural repercussions on these cultures in the future.
ARCHITECTURAL SYLES:
Think about architecture (buildings) in different parts of the world. If you have an idea
as to the stereotypical styles of a certain region... Those begin in this period.
GRECO-BUDDHISM:
Greco-Buddhism is the most literaly thing on the AP Exam. As Alexander the Great
moved East into India, Greek culture blended with Buddhist culture to create... GRECOBUDDHISM! It is seen in the architecture and art forms throughout the Middle East and
India.
KC 2.2
The next big chunk of the Classical Period (2.2) involves the Major Empires. So, this
week is dedicated to those Empires. The AP gives us 6 to know...
We will start with the largest*.
*Ok, Ok... It is not the largest empire in the history of the planet physically. BUT, it is
the largest empire in the history of the planet in terms of % of earth's population. Under
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Darius the I, the empire was made up of 44% of all of the humans on earth... That
Empire?
The Persian Empire of Cyrus the Great is one of history’s most impressive. Cyrus was
religiously tolerant (allowing the Jews to return from exile gaining him the
title Savior). He also built the famous Royal Road that connected the empire. He is also
the most important Zoroastrian you need to know
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/persian-empire for a page devoted to the Persian
Empire. (You might as well take a quick look back at the Qanat irrigation systemhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qanat)
(There are 6 Classical Empires to know. All empires are equal but some are more equal
than others. Focus more on Rome, Gupta, and Han China.)
So, the MAIN civilizations to know in this period are the Mediterranean, Chinese, and
Indian. But, besides the Persians, they also want you to know about the Classical
Americans. The Americans you're thinking of (Incans and Aztecs) are both in the next
era. So, this is more of a foundational look at the American civilizations...
The Americans are descendants of those who crossed the Ice Bridge from Asia to
America via Alaska 20,000 years ago (Side Note: Recent studies suggest all of the Native
Americans are descendants of only 70 of these people! 70!… Anyway…) Not just
people migrated. Horses and camel-like creatures too; but, they went extinct.
When the AP asks you to know the “Classical American Civilization”, they’re really
asking you to look at the ancestor states of the much larger Inca and Aztec
civilizations. For the Inca, that means the Moche people. For the Aztecs, that means
Teotihuacan & the Mayans.
Moche: The Moche are probably most famous for leaving behind the trap that almost got
Indiana Jones (the giant rolling ball after he picked up that gold head?). But, they existed
during the second half of this era (100 BCE-750 CE). They were farmers with pyramids,
temples, pottery, etc. We don’t know too much about them (City-States? or
Empire?). These people may have invented the famous Quipu knot tying record system
later used by the Inca. My favorite Moche fact? They had a Spider God named the
Decapitator. So, they’re probably pretty warlike.
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Teotihuacan: Located just 30 miles east of Mexico City today, Teotihuacan is often
confused with Tenochtitlan. Don’t confuse them. They’re separated by 30 miles and 600
years. It was located near an obsidian (volcanic rock) mine and they used the rock to
create everything from tools to weapons. Built on a grid, it was surrounded by MesoAmerica’s best farmland. It had all of the American-style temples and pyramids one
tends to associate with this time period. Think of this as the prequel to Tenochtitlan.
Mayans: The book we use in my AP World class doesn’t give much love to the
Mayans. I’m not sure why. They were the first civilization to use chocolate! I mean…
Chocolate! Anyway, they were located all around the Yucatan Peninsula (Seen in yellow
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Yucat%C3%A1n_Peninsul
a.png/220px-Yucat%C3%A1n_Peninsula.png ). It was a collection of large city states
(Largest- Tikal with 100,000 people). They were polytheistic and practiced human
sacrifice (not Aztec level human sacrifice, but human sacrifice nonetheless). They are
also famous for the Ball game. How do you play the ball game? Watch here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgNUgtmN-lY
They had huge pyramids and a system of hieroglyphics.
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/persian-empire-4 for a page on Classical Americas.
So, we’ve seen the lesser of the Classical Civilizations over the past few days (Persia,
America). Now, let’s talk about the major classical societies. In fact, if you refer to the
Classical era, you are referring to an era who’s entire existence rises and falls with
them. 600 BCE-600 CE is code. Translation: What were the Mediterranean, Indian, and
Chinese people up to?
Let's start with India...
Easily the most overlooked of the "Classical Civilizations", the Mauryan, and later
Guptan Empire laid the foundation for what is quickly becoming the largest civilization
on the planet today. When looking at Classical India, focus more on the social and
religious; both of which were tied directly to the world's oldest religion: Hinduism.
Classical India really means two dynasties: MAURYAN & GUPTAN. The Mauryans
took power after the retreat of Alexander the Great out of India. They are most famous
for their ruler Ashoka Maurya. He famously built his rock and pillar edicts. These tell
the story of how he converted to Buddhism after winning a bloody battle (Battle of
Kalinga).
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The Guptan Empire is the dominant Classical Period empire in India. It's often shown to
be a contemporary of both Han China and the Roman Empire. This isn't really true. The
Guptans took over in 375 CE. At that point, the Han have been gone for almost 200
years and the Romans are in really bad shape at this point (Constantine had been dead for
40 years!). The real contemporary of the Han and Romans was the Kushans (who for
some reason get no love).
Anyway, the Guptans are the people to focus on (besides Ashoka and the
Mauryans). They are near the epicenter of world trade, built huge buddhist monasteries,
and had many scientific/technological breakthroughs (Zero, Heliocentricity, Chess, base10 numerals, etc. etc.)
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/classicalindia for a page on Classical India
Classical China laid the foundations for arguably the single most important civilization in
the history of the planet. Any stereotypical ideas you have about the way China is from
borders, language, writing, technology, empires, rulers, etc. come from this era. From the
point where the region was first unified under the legalist Qin Shi Huangdi to the fall of
the Han empire, what we know as China today took shape.
Western schools often overlook the importance of Han China (instead focusing on Greece
and Rome). Don't fall into this trap. According to the AP, Europe cannot be more than
20% of the exam. In my opinion, China should garner your attention more than any other
culture over the span of history. So... pay attention.
Grandaddy of them all China. I know China can be intimidating. It’s on the other side of
the planet, different beliefs, different culture, different writing. But, for AP World
History; there is no better place to spend your time studying/reviewing. China may seem
to be overshadowed by the West in recent history. However, for the majority of human
history, it’s the other way around. China “begins” in the Classical era. So, let’s look at
Classical China.
You may have heard of the song to help you memorize the Chinese Dynasties:
Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han
Shang, Zhou, QIn, Han
Sui, Tang, Song
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Sui, Tang, Song
Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic
Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic
Mao Zedong
Deng Xioping
The classical portion of this song deals mainly with the Qin & Han (Zhou as well, but
they were not nearly as centralized as the Qin & Han).
Visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/classicalchina for a page on these societies.
Here are what the AP expects you to specifically know about China:
BELIEF SYSTEMS: Both Daoism & Confucianism sprang up during the 6th century
BCE. They will impact China going forward. Look them over.
ANCESTOR VENERATION: Worship of Ancestors plays a huge role in China. It is
also done in the Americas as well as Africa. But, when I think of Ancestor Veneration, I
think of China.
BUREAUCRACY: Civil Service Exam. Can’t stress this enough. It is a major
difference from the rest of the planet, is developed here, and will be around for centuries!
TRADE ROUTES: Don’t forget about the Silk Road!
CLASSICAL MEDITERRANIAN
OK. We've got one more Classical Civilization left to discuss. I'm gonna spend less time
on this one because guaranteed your teacher wouldn't shut up about the
Greeks/Romans. Most of the state end of course exams are pretty heavy on these
guys. So, of everything we've discussed thus far; this is probably the thing you're
familiar with the most, the West. This means the following groups: PHOENICIANS,
ATHENs, SPARTA, ROMAN REPUBLIC, ROMAN EMPIRE.
This is meant to be a daily review. And, (as you're probably noticing in your class right
now) there is not enough time to cover everything in great detail. So, look back over
your notes, classwork, etc. on this. As well as Crash Course World History #5 Persians
and Greeks, #8 Alexander the Great, #10 Rome, #11 Christianity
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Beyond John Green, here are the specifics that the AP mentions in the curriculum:
1. BELIEF SYSTEMS: The Med. is home to TWO of the belief systems that are crucial
to this era (for that matter... China (Conf/Dao) and India (Hindu/Buddhism) each
have two). The big ones are Greco-Roman philosophy & Christianity. Arguably,
these are the two most important things to know about the Classical Mediterranean.
2. ARTS/LITERATURE: Know the Greeks for the concept of Drama. Tragedy and
Comedy are both theirs.
3. ARCHITECTURE: Columns. Your teacher may have been obsessed with
columns. "Memorize the different types of columns." - Your Teacher... Don't. Just be
able to recognize the Colisseum, Parthenon, Aqueducts, etc. Greek and Roman stuff
should stick out as distinctly Mediterranean.
4. GRECO-BUDDISM: The big syncretic event of the Classical period is GrecoBuddhism. Syncretism is just when two ideas come together and start to blend/share
ideas. Like when you sync your phone with something. Greco-Buddhism is when
the Greeks moved eastward (Alexander) moved on
5. GOVERNMENT: Know these people for DEMOCRACY (Athens/Rome) and
centralization of a large empire. Diplomacy and Army building are also associated
with the Classical Mediterranean. Don't forget. "All roads lead to Rome." (Road
building)
6. CITIES: There are a few Classical cities that are required for you. The
Mediterranean ones are: ROME, ATHENS, CARTHAGE, ALEXANDRIA, &
CONSTANTINOPLE. By far the most cities of any Classical Civilization.
7. THE FALL: The Fall of Rome happened for a myriad of reasons. Again, check back
over your notes. But, the AP does want you to specifically know one reason:
DEFORESTATION. Oh, and invasions. Don't forget about the Germanic Invasions
from the north and east.
Is there more to know than this? Yes. WIll the AP probably ask you more than just these
points? Probably. But, the above are specifically mentioned.
For more, visit http://www.freeman-pedia.com/classicalmediterranean
CONNECTIONS
We've looked at the different major empires of the Classical era (and their belief
systems). But, how were they connected? The Classical era is technically called,
"Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies" Part of the reorganization
involves interconnectivity between them. Let's look at the Classical Trade routes:
Key Concept 2.3: Emergence of Transreagional Networks of Communications and
Exchange
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Translation: All those civilizations are trading back and forth. With real global trade eing
non-existent in the previous era, this is the first time large scale trade (in the Eastern
Hemisphere) was taking place.
1. EURASIAN: This trade route connects Europe to the rest of Afro-Eurasia.
2. SILK ROAD: Not one road; and not just delivering silk; this is THE major trade
route until Columbus hits America.
3. TRANSAHARAN: Connecting the people of West Africa (and their Gold/Salt) to the
Mediterranean & Asia.
4. INDIAN OCEAN: AKA The Maritime Silk Road. This trade route (unlike the others
in this era) will remain important for the rest of history.
5. MEDITERRANEAN SEA LANES: This is how the Phoenecians, Greeks,
Carthaginians, and Romans moved/traded around.
These are the trade routes that they want you to know for 600BCE-600CE. Most will stay
intact until the Early Modern Period (Columbus, Da Gama, etc.)
TRADE TECH
We've met the Classical Civilizations. We've then connected them. What technology
aided this connection?
KEY CONCEPT 2.3: The Emergence of Transregional Networks of Communication &
Exchange
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

TECHNOLOGY: Stirrups, saddles and yokes all allow more goods, people, ideas,
etc. to be spread over longer distances
ANIMALS: Strap those technologies from above to horses, cattle, llamas, camels, or
oxen and you've harnessed some serious power.


MARITIME TECHNOLOGY: Lateen sails (triangular) and Dhow ships allowed
for a massive increase in Maritime Trade

NEW CROPS: Exchange of goods and ideas also led to the spread of new farming
techniques. For the College Board/AP, this means the QANAT SYSTEM
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
DISEASE: Animals carry disease. People carry disease. On these trade routes, you
have both! Some of earth's deadliest diseases were spread along with everything else
(including the diseases that rocked the Roman and Han Empires).

RELIGION: One of the big ideas to spread around the trade routes during the
Classical Period is Religion. For this Period, that means Christianity & Buddhism.
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