interdependence

mutual dependence of countries on goods, resources and knowledge from other parts of the world

agrarian society

economy based on subsistence farming

culture

a people's way of life including language, customs religious beliefs, etc...

cultural diffusion

spread of customs, ideas, technology from one culture to another

 (usually through trade or invasion)

extended family

a family which includes parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc...who all live under the same roof

monotheistic

a belief in one God

(Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

polytheistic

a belief in many gods

(Hinduism, Buddhism)

matriarchal

a family whose customs are controlled by the mother's side of the family

patriarchal

a family whose customs are controlled through the father's  side of the family

reincarnation

belief that when a person dies, he comes back as another life form

(Hinduism, Buddhism)

Hellenistic Culture

a blend of Greek, Persian, Egyptian & Indian influences

(Alexander the Great's legacy)

Alexander the Great

he conquered a large empire across the Mediterranean world and the Middle East

caste system

system of social classes in India based on occupation; caste cannot change; closely tied to Hinduism

filial piety

Chinese idea of Confucius which means respect for parents or elders

Code of Hammurabi

Code of Laws collected by Hammurabi; laws were harsh and punishment was severe

democracy

government which began in Ancient Greece;  the people have a voice in the government

republic

"thing of the people"

the first form of Roman government designed to keep any one person from gaining too much power

Silk Road

a dangerous, long trade route stretching from China to Rome; goods such as silk were relayed; contributed to  cultural diffusion