#AP World History: Modern Study Guide

#Classical Civilizations (600 BCE - 600 CE)

Classical civilizations laid the groundwork for later societies and are essential for understanding the development of world history.

# Classical Civilizations

This section will delve deeper into what constitutes a classical civilization and explore several prominent examples.

#What Defines a Classical Civilization?

#Examples of Classical Civilizations:

• Greece: Known for its contributions to philosophy, democracy, art, architecture, mathematics, and literature. 🏛️
• Rome: Famous for its republic, later empire, military prowess, engineering, law, and language. 🏛️
• Persia: Recognized for its vast empire, administrative efficiency, infrastructure like the Royal Road, and religious tolerance under Cyrus the Great. 👑
• Qin and Han Dynasties (China): Marked by the development of Confucianism and Daoism, bureaucratic systems, advanced technology, and the Silk Road trade. 🐉
• Mauryan and Gupta Empires (India): Notable for advancements in mathematics (concept of zero, decimal system), astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), and the spread of Buddhism. 🙏

#Key Concepts:

• Centralized Governance: The emergence of empires and powerful states, like the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty, led to more complex systems of governance.
• Social Hierarchy: Classical societies were often stratified, with distinct social classes and varying levels of power and privilege.
• Trade and Communication Networks: Extensive trade routes, such as the Silk Road and the trans-Saharan trade routes, connected these civilizations, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.
• Cultural and Intellectual Developments: This era witnessed significant advancements in philosophy, religion, science, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts. Think of Socrates in Greece, the invention of paper in China, or the development of the concept of zero in India. 💡
• Expansion and Conflict: As these civilizations grew, they often came into conflict with each other, leading to wars, conquests, and cultural exchange. ⚔️

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a classical civilization?

   • a) Development of new technologies
   • b) Lack of social hierarchy
   • c) Lasting impact on later societies
   • d) Contributions to intellectual and cultural advancements

2. Which of the following classical civilizations is known for its contribution to democracy?

   • a) Rome
   • b) Persia
   • c) Greece
   • d) Qin Dynasty

Short Answer:

1. Choose one classical civilization and explain two of its significant contributions to world history.

#Other Important Topics in AP World History: Modern

While this guide focuses on Classical Civilizations, here's a glimpse of other important units:

#1. Global Tapestry (1200-1450)

#2. Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)

#3. Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

#4. Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750)

#5. Revolutions (1750-1900)

#6. Industrialization and Global Integration (1750-1900)

#7. Global Conflict (1900-present)

#8. Cold War and Decolonization (1900-present)

#9. Globalization (1900-present)

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

1. Classical Civilizations: Their unique characteristics, contributions, and lasting impact on the world.
2. Comparison: Be ready to compare and contrast different classical civilizations, noting their similarities and differences.

#Common Question Types:

• Multiple-choice: Testing your knowledge of key concepts, events, and figures.
• SAQs (Short Answer Questions): Requiring concise and focused responses, often involving analysis of primary or secondary sources.
• LEQs (Long Essay Questions): Demanding in-depth essays that demonstrate your understanding of historical thinking skills and course content.

#Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following classical civilizations is MOST associated with the development of sophisticated road systems and postal service?
   • a) Roman Empire
   • b) Han Dynasty
   • c) Mauryan Empire
   • d) Persian Empire

#Free Response (Sample LEQ)

Evaluate the extent to which classical civilizations (600 BCE - 600 CE) impacted the course of world history.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Thesis: Presents a clear and relevant thesis statement that makes a historically defensible claim and responds to all parts of the question. (1 point)
• Contextualization: Situates the argument by explaining a broader historical context relevant to the prompt. (1 point)
• Evidence: Provides specific examples of relevant evidence to support the stated thesis or a relevant argument. (2 points)
• Analysis and Reasoning: Explains how or why the evidence supports the argument. (2 points)
• Complexity: Demonstrates a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question. (1 point)