CHAPTER 8

Rise of Classical Civilizations

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: Classical civilizations, defined as those that had enduring influence over vast numbers of
people, emerged in China, India, and the Mediterranean region. The first of the classical civilizations
began in China. Three Chinese dynasties made their mark on the values of traditional Chinese
civilization—the Zhou, the Qin, and the Han. In India, the rulers of the Gupta dynasty ushered in the
golden age of Indian history. The classical Mediterranean civilizations of Greece and Rome
developed political, scientific, and philosophical thought that formed the basis of Western civilization.

Key Terms

An asterisk ( *) denotes items listed in the glossary.

Alexander the Great
aristocracy
Aristotle
artisan
democracy
dynasty
geocentric theory
Hellenistic Age
Indo-Europeans
mystery religion
Pax Romana
polis
sati
Silk Roads
stoicism
Twelve Tables