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• Click to bring up the Prehistory Beaker vocabulary list Hunter-gatherer Celt Nomad Bronze Palaeolithic Roundhouse Mesolithic Hillfort Reveal Hide Neolithic Quern • Click to start learning Tribe Smelting or testing the Neanderthal Druid vocabulary Homosapiens Borer Pelt Domesticate
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Word Prehistory
Definition The period of time before writing was invented.
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Word Hunter-gatherer
The idea of collecting and finding food rather than farming. Generally related to the people of the Stone Age, but some still Definition exist today.
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Word Nomad
Either an individual or a group of people who have no permanent home and move around for a variety of reasons. This could Definition include food, weather or shelter.
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Word Palaeolithic
The early Stone Age, also known as the ‘Old Stone Age’, starting Definition around 2.5m years ago until around 10,000BC.
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Word Mesolithic
The Middle Stone Age, lasting from around 8000BC to around 4000BC. People started domesticating animals and developing Definition better tools in this period.
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Word Neolithic
The New Stone Age. Lasted from around 4000BC to around 2000BC. People had fully domesticated some animals and built Definition huge structures such as Stonehenge.
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Word Tribe
A group of people, often related by family, who live together but Definition do not live in towns or cities.
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Word Neanderthal
A type of early human who was bigger and stronger than we might be today, but wasn’t as smart as other types of early Definition humans like homo-sapiens.
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Word Homosapiens
These humans took over when Neanderthals failed to adapt their hunting methods and we still take this form today. A more Definition intelligent version of early human.
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Word Pelt
Definition A piece of clothing made from animal fur or skin.
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Word Beaker
A type of drinking vessel. A large group of people were named Definition after this as lots of these items had been found with them.
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Word Celt
The name for people who lived in ancient Britain and parts of Definition Western Europe. They existed during the Iron Age in Britain.
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Word Bronze
A type of metal that ended the Stone Age. It was much stronger and easier to work with than stone and could be used for lots of Definition things like weapons, jewellery or decoration.
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Word Roundhouse
The type of dwelling that Celts lived in. These usually only had one room and were circular in shape. They were made from Definition wattle and daub.
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Word Hillfort
A type of settlement that the Celts might have lived in. These offered more protection as they were higher up and you could Definition see if any enemies were about to attack you. They also offered walls and gates.
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Word Quern
A tool used for grinding down grain to make flour. Two stones were placed on top of each other and the grain was crushed Definition between them, producing flour. Pieces of stone may have been mixed in with the flour.
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Word Smelting
The process of making bronze by extracting the metal from the Definition natural ore, or by mixing two metals together to make an alloy.
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Word Druid
An ancient Celtic priest. They were educated people, but may Definition have sacrificed humans for cures or to protect warriors in battle.
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Word Borer
A tool used to make holes in something. This would have been Definition used largely to make holes in clothing or footwear.
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Word Domesticate
The process of making use of animals for things like farming or to have as a pet. This turns them from a wild animal who fears Definition humans to something that is more comfortable around humans.
Home Ancient Romans Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Empire Mosaic vocabulary list Toga Arch Aqueduct Chariot Coliseum Hypocaust Centurion Tunic Reveal Hide Emperor Aquila • Click to start learning Amphitheatre Pantheon or testing the Senate Testudo vocabulary Gladiator Circus Maximus Republic Legionary
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Word Empire
A group of nations or people who are ruled over by an Emperor, Empress or powerful government. This usually extends beyond a Definition single kingdom.
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Word Emperor
The male ruler of an empire. He will control the everything within that empire, whereas a King will own a much smaller part of an Definition empire.
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Word Republic
A form of government in which the people elect, or choose, their leaders. In most countries with this system, the people elect the Definition head of the government, such as a president. They also elect other people, called representatives, to make laws.
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Word Toga
The loose outer garment worn in public by citizens of ancient Definition Rome. Women often wore something similar called a ‘stole.’
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Word Aqueduct
Used heavily by the Romans as a system to carry fresh water from one place to another. This could have been underground through Definition a pipe or tunnel or over ground on a bridge.
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Word Coliseum
A huge, circular building that housed various forms of entertainment. It had rising seats and in the centre was a stage. Definition This could also be flooded to stage mock naval battles.
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Word Centurion
The leader of a group of men in the Roman army. This originally Definition started as 100 men, but in later years changed to 80 or 60.
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Word Amphitheatre
An oval large stadium with tiers of seats; an arena in which contests and spectacles were held. It had a sloping gallery with Definition seats for spectators. Some of these could hold up to 80,000 people.
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Word Senate
Coming from the word ‘senex’ (meaning ‘old man’), this was a group of important Romans who gave advice to the Emperor, Definition helped with civil government and military matters.
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Word Gladiator
Someone who fought in public for entertainment. This could have been with other fighters or with animals. Some were trained and Definition professional fighters, rather than slaves. It was seen to be a glorious achievement to fight in public.
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Word Republic
A form of government in which the people elect, or choose, their leaders. In most countries with this system, the people elect the Definition head of the government, such as a president. They also elect other people, called representatives, to make laws.
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Word Mosaic
A decoration on a surface made by setting small pieces of glass, stone, or tile of different colours into another material to make Definition patterns or pictures.
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Word Arch
Used heavily by the Ancient Romans in their buildings, this design Definition would help spread weight evenly and allow for domed roofs.
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Word Chariot
A two or four-wheeled cart pulled by horses that carried people along. This would have been used for both military purposes and Definition in entertainment for racing.
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Word Hypocaust
The Ancient Roman central heating system with underground furnace and tile flues to distribute the heat. This would be found Definition in the homes of the rich rather than the poor.
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Word Tunic
A loose, white piece of clothing that was worn by men and women. It was usually belted, knee length and could be worn Definition with sleeves or without.
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Word Aquila
A prominent symbol used in Ancient Rome, especially as the standard of a Roman legion. A legionary known as an aquilifer, or Definition eagle-bearer, carried this standard. Each legion carried one eagle.
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Word Pantheon
Definition A temple dedicated to all of the gods.
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Word Testudo
A tight and effective military formation based on the tortoise Definition shell that protected soldiers from arrows and incoming objects.
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Word Circus Maximus
Used for chariot racing and to hold religious festivals. This was the largest stadium in the entire Roman Empire and could hold Definition around 250,000 people.
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Word Legionary
A Roman soldier who belonged to a legion, which contained Definition between 3000 to 6000 soldiers.
Home Anglo-Saxons Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Angles Hengest and Horsa vocabulary list Saxons Monk Jutes Illumination Mead Manuscript Rune Weregeld Reveal Hide Wattle-and-daub Athelstan • Click to start learning Thatch Christianity or testing the Farmer-warrior Augustine vocabulary Sutton Hoo Alfred the Great Lindisfarne Aethelred the Unready
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Word Angles
One of the main groups who settled in England. They came from Definition Denmark and northern Germany.
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Word Saxons
One of the main groups who settled in England. They came from Definition northern Germany.
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Word Jutes
One of the smaller main groups who settled in England. They Definition came from Denmark.
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Word Mead
A drink, like wine, but made with honey instead of grapes. This Definition was cleaner than water but not as strong as beer or wine today.
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Word Runes
These were used to form the alphabets of Germanic people. There may have been slight variations with different groups of Definition people. This was before they adopted Latin.
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Word Thatch
Dried plant material (like leaves or straw) that was used to make Definition roofs.
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Word Wattle-and-daub
A mixture of wooden sticks and strips that was held together with sticky soil, clay, sand, straw or animal dung. This formed the basis Definition for most walls on buildings.
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Word Farmer-warrior
Most Anglo-Saxons were referred to as this as these were the two main occupations. Fighting was often less important than Definition providing food for your family, especially in preparation for winter.
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Word Sutton Hoo
An archaeological site in Suffolk, England where a ship-burial was discovered along with exquisite treasures from the 6th and 7th Definition centuries including jewellery, tools and helmets.
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Word Lindisfarne
The site of one of the first major attacks on Anglo-Saxon England in 793AD by the Vikings. The monastery there was raided and lots Definition of precious valuables were stolen.
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Word Hengest and Horsa
Two Saxon brothers who were said to have been invited to England to help defend against the Picts and Scots. They fought Definition them off but ended up taking a huge chunk of land in the South East and invited lots of people from back home over to England.
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Word Monk
A person who works and lives in a Christian church or monastery and serves God by writing, performing chores and spreading the Definition word of Christianity. They were taught to read and write which meant they were some of the only educated people at the time.
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Word Illumination
Pieces of text that have been decorated or illustrated with pictures and patterns. These were generally done by monks and Definition would have taken a long time to create.
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Word Manuscript
A piece of work that has been hand-written before the Definition development of printing.
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Word Weregeld
Under Anglo-Saxon law, this was money paid to the family and the King for committing crimes against someone else’s family. Definition Smaller crimes would cost less and bigger crimes would cost more.
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Word Athelstan
Became the first King of a united England after defeating the Definition Vikings in York in 927AD.
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Word Alfred the Great
An Anglo-Saxon King who fought back against the Vikings and managed to control most of England. He championed education Definition and reorganised the military to make it more effective.
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Aethelred the Word Unready
An Anglo-Saxon King whose name means ‘bad counsel’ because he was given bad advice. He had to fight off the Vikings for most Definition of his life. He tried to pay them to stop attacking with something called Danegeld, but this didn’t work very well.
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Word Augustine
A monk sent to Britain by the pope to convert the Britons to Christianity in 597AD. He successfully converted King Ethelbert Definition and the ideas started to spread after that until Britain became Christian.
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Word Christianity
The religion brought to Britain by Augustine around 597AD. It would take some time to convert the entire set of countries as Definition not everyone wanted to convert.
Home Viking Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Longboat Runes vocabulary list Longhouse Farmer-warrior Chieftain Pagan Berserker Danelaw Danegeld Asgard Reveal Hide Thing Jarl • Click to start learning Feast Karl or testing the Raid Figurehead vocabulary Trade Chainmail Yggdrasil Valhalla
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Word Longboat
A type of Viking ship that pioneered many of the design features still used today. Different types could be used for fighting, trading or exploring. Some could get up smaller rivers which meant that Definition they could surprise people who were waiting by the coast instead of inland.
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Word Longhouse
A type of Viking building that generally consisted of one room and was rectangular in shape. There was little furniture and the roofs were thatched. They were mostly made using wattle-and- Definition daub (sticks, mud, clay and animal poo) and would have an entire family living in there.
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Word Chieftain
Definition The head of a tribe or clan.
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Word Berserker
A Scandinavian warrior who whipped themselves into a frenzy for Definition battle. They couldn’t be contained and fought furiously.
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Word Danegeld
Money paid to the Vikings by the Anglo-Saxons to stop them from attacking. This didn’t work and the Vikings attacked anyway and Definition then demanded more money.
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Word Thing
An early justice and administration system where people would Definition meet to set new laws, discuss politics and settle disputes.
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Word Feast
A gathering where lots of food and drink was consumed. This might include celebrations of marriage, a return from a raid or Definition for a religious festival.
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Word Raid
A sudden attack where precious items might be stolen or destroyed or people killed. The attackers then head back to Definition where they came from or move on to somewhere else.
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Word Trade
Buying, selling or exchanging goods or services between two or more groups of people or countries. This often helps economies Definition grow and be able to make more money. This could be in exchange for more goods or for money.
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Word Yggdrasil (igg-dra-sil)
The name of the Norse ‘World Tree.’ This was the idea that the entire world was made up of 9 different worlds that were all connected through a tree. These worlds included elves and Definition giants. There were also many animals that lived in the tree such as snakes, eagles and a squirrel.
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Word Runes
These were used to form the alphabets of Germanic people. There may have been slight variations with different groups of Definition people. This was before they adopted Latin.
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Word Farmer-warrior
Most Vikings were referred to as this as these were the two main occupations. Fighting was often less important than providing Definition food for your family, especially in preparation for winter.
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Word Pagan
The belief system or religion that believes in many Gods or Definition Goddesses, who may have control over different aspects.
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Word Danelaw
An area of land that the Vikings controlled in England by law. This Definition was roughly between London and the river Mersey.
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Word Asgard
The home of the Viking gods. This was one of the 9 worlds on the Definition World Tree and had a rainbow bridge leading up to it.
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Word Jarl
A powerful Viking who owned land, employed people to work for them and may have kept slaves. They were more powerful than Definition others, but not as powerful as a King or Chieftain.
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Word Karl
The Viking name for everyday people likes farmers, craftsmen, Definition sailors and warriors.
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Word Figurehead
This was placed on the front and/or back of the longboats and could often be taken off. A scary one (usually a dragon) might be Definition put on to scare the spirit of an enemy away, or a simple design put on to show that they came in peace.
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Word Chainmail
A type of armour used by some Viking warriors. This consisted of lots of little metal rings all joined together. This would be quite Definition expensive and very heavy to wear though. Most warriors would have had a simple helmet, shield and an axe or sword.
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Word Valhalla
The Afterlife of the Vikings, where the dead could eat, drink and fight with the gods every day. Warriors had to die in battle or Definition heroically to enter or they would be sent to Helheim, which was agonising boredom.
Home Ancient Greeks Vocabulary
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Word Democracy
The word describes a form of government. The word comes from two Greek words that mean “rule by the people.” In this form of government, the people have a say in how the government is Definition run. They do this by voting, though there are usually rules about who can vote. They are different from dictatorships.
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Word Acropolis
Most Greek cities were built around a fortress on a hill. The highest part of that was named after this. The most famous one Definition was in Athens and was home to the Parthenon.
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Word City-state
An independent city that had its own form of government, laws and rules. Ancient Greece had lots of these within the same Definition country, meaning that laws in one place could be different from those of another. ‘Polis’ was another word for this.
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Word Parthenon
Definition The main temple of Athena, built on the Acropolis in Athens.
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Word Marathon
Relates to a battle of the same name where a Greek soldier ran a Definition great distance to get help against an invading army.
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Word Olympics
A festival that was held every four years to honour the god Zeus. The first recorded version of this was in 776BC in a place called Definition Olympia.
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Word Citizen
A person within the population who has certain rights and Definition responsibilities. They would have more rights than a slave.
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Word Philosopher
Someone who thinks about the world around them and uses reasoning to explain what is happening, rather than relying on Definition religion.
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Word Alphabet
The Greeks had their own language with their own symbols and meanings and many people could read and write if they had Definition access to education.
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Word Tragedy
A type of Greek play where something dramatic or sad would Definition happen. Other types were comedies and satire.
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Word Agora
An open-air market and gathering place in many Greek city- Definition states.
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Word Hellenistic
Definition Meaning that it relates to Greek language, culture or history.
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Word Phalanx
An effective military formation where ranks of soldiers with long spears would stand side-by-side, protecting the man next to Definition them. Their long spears made it hard for the enemy to get close to them.
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Word Aristocrat
Relates to someone who is wealthy and/or has lots of power. Definition Comes from the Greek words meaning ‘best’ and to ‘rule’.
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Word Mythology
A set of stories that often describe how things were created or of heroic deeds. It is often tied into a civilisation’s religion and most Definition of it is considered to be untrue.
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Word Column
They invented 3 types of these to help support large buildings: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Each one had a slightly different Definition decorative style to it.
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Word Hoplite
The name for a citizen-soldier of Greece. He would often be armed with a spear and fight in the phalanx. These soldiers were Definition usually heavily armed and armoured.
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Word Peninsula
A body of land surrounded by water on three sides. This would provide good defence and also offer means for trading and Definition travelling.
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Word Oracle
Someone who is believed to be able to speak with Gods and Definition Goddesses, to translate what they say to humans.
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Word Terraced
Relating to the farming methods in Ancient Greece as the soil and land was not always good for growing crops. The hilly nature of Definition Greece also made it difficult. Farmers would separate their land into flat sections to make it easier to farm.
Home Ancient Sumer Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the City-state Gilgamesh vocabulary list Cuneiform Code of Hammurabi Cylinder seal Shekel Scribe Marduk Ziggurat Domesticate Reveal Hide Lyre Shrine • Click to start learning Stylus Cultivate or testing the Akkadian Aqueduct vocabulary Dynasty Whitewash Irrigation Muskinu
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Word City-state
An independent city that had its own form of government, laws and rules. Ancient Sumer had lots of these within the same Definition country, meaning that laws in one place could be different from those of another. Examples are Ur, Urduk and Eridu.
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Word Cuneiform
A wedge-shaped type of writing. This was thought to be one of, if Definition not, the first written languages.
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Word Cylinder seal
Definition A form of signature to prove who sent a document.
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Word Scribe
Someone who could read and write. They were well-respected in Definition society.
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Word Ziggurat
Definition A multi-layered pyramid with a flat roof.
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Word Lyre
Definition A stringed musical instrument that looked like a small harp.
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Word Stylus
A writing tool made from a reed that would be used to make Definition symbols on a clay tablet.
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Word Akkadian
A language spoken by most people in the area of Mesopotamia. It Definition replaced Sumerian as the primary language.
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Word Dynasty
Refers to the continuation of powerful leaders within the same Definition family over a period of time.
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Word Irrigation
Watering crops through man-made channels such as ditches and canals. The ancient Sumerians are thought to have invented this Definition process.
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Word Gilgamesh
A legendary King who sought eternal life. His story is the oldest Definition example of a epic literature, meaning a long poem.
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Word Code of Hammurabi
A written code of law from 1772BC. This is thought to be one of Definition the oldest detailed recordings of a code of law in world history.
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Word Shekel
Definition A standard unit of weight used in Mesopotamia.
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Word Marduk
The primary god of the Babylonians. He was the god of justice, Definition compassion, healing, regeneration, magic, and fairness.
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Word Domesticate
The process of making use of animals for things like farming or to have as a pet. This turns them from a wild animal who fears Definition humans to something that is more comfortable around humans.
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Word Shrine
An alter, temple or some other sacred place dedicated to a god or Definition goddess.
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Word Cultivate
To prepare the ground for raising crops. The Sumerians helped develop this and other systems of agriculture such as mono- Definition cropping (growing the same crop on the same place every year) and organised irrigation.
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Word Aqueduct
A system to carry fresh water from one place to another. This could have been underground through a pipe or tunnel or over Definition ground on a bridge.
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Word Whitewash
A mixture, such as lime and water, used for whitening walls. This would be to help reflect the heat from the sun away from houses Definition and other buildings to help keep them cool.
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Word Muskinu
The most common level of society, including all non-slave Definition labourers and craftsmen.
Home Indus Valley Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Harappans Floodplain vocabulary list Aryans Barter Nomadic Sanskrit Vedas Brahman/Brahmin Gana Ganges Reveal Hide Raja Mauryan • Click to start learning Caste system Buddhism or testing the Guru Dharma vocabulary Dhoti Stupa Monsoon Citadel
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Word Harappans
A group of people who were skilled artists and musicians who Definition also erected beautiful temples.
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Word Aryans
Definition A group of nomadic people who mixed with the Harappans.
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Word Nomadic
Either an individual or a group of people who have no permanent home and move around for a variety of reasons. This could Definition include food, weather or shelter.
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Word Vedas
The most sacred set of four Holy books of the Hindu religion, Definition written in Sanskrit. The word translates to ‘knowledge.’
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Word Gana
A collection of people who had their own territory and was ruled Definition by a raja.
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Word Raja
Definition A prince, King or ruler in India.
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Word Caste system
A system of society that determined your place at birth. If your family was poor, then you would be too. There were 4 levels ranking from: priests and scholars; rulers and military leaders; Definition merchants, traders and farmers and then craftspeople, workers and slaves.
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Word Guru
A personal spiritual teacher. They would orally pass on the Vedas to students. Now it usually means someone who is an expert at Definition something or who is very knowledgeable.
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Word Dhoti
Definition A type of loincloth worn by men in India.
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Word Monsoon
The season in Southern Asia that brings fierce winds and Definition torrential rainfall.
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Word Floodplain
A flat piece of land next to a river or stream. As it is flat, it can flood very easily. This can lead to lots of damage, but it can also Definition make the soil rich in nutrients which is good for farming.
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Word Barter
A system used to exchange goods without using money. Traders would estimate the worth of something compared to something Definition else.
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Word Sanskrit
An ancient Indian language which is now thought to be used only Definition for religious purposes.
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Word Brahman/Brahmin
The highest class in Hindu society. They developed new ideas, including the idea that women should be strictly controlled. The Definition term can also mean many different things such as a god or the source of the universe.
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Word Ganges
The river that flows between India and Bangladesh. It provides Definition water for those along its banks and is a spiritual place for many.
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Word Mauryan
Relating to an empire that stretched from the Ganges river to the most of Afghanistan. Chandragupta, the first leader of this Definition empire, was not afraid to kill anyone who went against his ideas.
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Word Buddhism
A type of Indian religion that states that killing is wrong and that Definition all people are equal and deserve respect.
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Word Dharma
Definition A set of laws that were often carved onto stupas.
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Word Stupa
Domed buildings that had carvings to show laws on how to Definition behave. They were thought to represent Buddha.
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Word Citadel
The name for a huge city. This would often offer protection Definition during battles and sieges.
Home Ancient Egypt Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Pharaoh Mummification vocabulary list Scarab Irrigation Papyrus Shaduf Scribe Sphinx Amulet Oasis Reveal Hide Canopic jar Egyptologist • Click to start learning Sarcophagus Ankh or testing the Tomb Pyramid vocabulary Afterlife Barter Hieroglyphics Rosetta Stone
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Word Pharaoh
The supreme leaders of the land. These could be either Kings or Definition Queens.
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Word Scarab
A type of beetle found in Egypt that was sacred to the Egyptians. They believed that the life these beetles led represented the Definition cycle of rebirth.
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Word Papyrus
A type of ancient paper used by the Egyptians. This was made Definition from plants, similar to how paper today is made from trees.
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Word Scribe
The name for someone who could read and write. This was usually men, but some women may have had this opportunity Definition too. These were well respected in ancient Egypt.
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Word Amulet
A small object worn or carried by someone in the name of a god Definition as that person believed that they would receive protection.
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Word Canopic Jar
Small containers that would hold the internal organs of a mummy. They would have the head of a baboon, human, cow or Definition a falcon, which represented Horus’ four sons.
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Word Sarcophagus
A stone container for a body. These were usually beautifully Definition decorated as they often belonged to important people.
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Word Tomb
A place where a body would be buried or laid to rest. These were usually reserved for important people and might include details Definition about their lives painted on the walls.
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Word Afterlife
Relating to the time after a person’s death. The Egyptians Definition believed that death was a mere interruption.
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Word Hieroglyphics
A system of writing that used pictures and symbols instead of Definition letters and numbers.
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Word Mummification
The process of preserving the skin and flesh of a body by Definition embalming it and drying it out.
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Word Irrigation
Watering crops through man-made channels such as ditches and canals. The ancient Sumerians are thought to have invented this Definition process.
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Word Shaduf
An Egyptian pump that lifted water. This could be for irrigation or Definition to collect water for a purpose.
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Word Sphinx
A mythical being that had the body of a lion or cat and the head Definition of a human.
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Word Oasis
An area of desert that has a freshwater supply and plants and Definition trees can grow around it.
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Word Egyptologist
Someone who studies the ancient Egyptians. One of the most Definition famous examples was Howard Carter.
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Word Ankh
Definition The Egyptian hieroglyphic character which meant ‘life.’
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Word Pyramid
A four-sided structure that was built by the Egyptians. Although lots of people believe that they were built by slaves, most were Definition actually farmers who could not farm at that point and were paid, or at least didn’t have to pay taxes, to help build these structures.
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Word Barter
A system used to exchange goods without using money. Traders would estimate the worth of something compared to something else. The Egyptians would sometimes use a weight called a Definition ‘deben’ if they could not agree to trade, and weigh an item on some scales and count the number of debens.
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Word Rosetta Stone
A stone slab found with identical Egyptian and Greek writing, meaning that the hieroglyphics could be decoded and Definition understood.
Home Shang Dynasty Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Dynasty Peasant vocabulary list Hu Artisan Acupuncture Diviner Bamboo Sacrifice Buddhism Ancestor Reveal Hide Pagoda Millet • Click to start learning Confucius Rural or testing the Oracle bones Yellow River vocabulary Ding Ritual Terracotta Bronze
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Word Dynasty
Refers to the continuation of powerful leaders within the same Definition family over a period of time.
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Word Hu
A pear-shaped wine vessel that had a long neck and narrow Definition mouth.
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Word Acupuncture
The Chinese practice of inserting fine needles into the skin to Definition relieve pain or illness.
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Word Bamboo
A type of plant used for clothing, food, transportation, housing, Definition music and even weapons.
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Word Buddhism
The belief system of doing good deeds to achieve good rewards and ignoring bad deeds, as those will warrant bad consequences. Definition The fundamental theory is that of an endless cycle of life, death and rebirth.
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Word Pagoda
A tower in eastern Asia usually with upward curving roofs with Definition several stories and built as a temple or memorial.
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Word Confucius
A Chinese philosopher whose principles are based on love, kindness and respect. His ideas and style of living style impact on Definition Chinese people today.
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Word Oracle Bones
Taken from an ox or the shell of a turtle, writing was carved onto Definition them to try and predict the future.
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Word Ding
An ancient Chinese cauldron, standing upon legs with a lid and Definition two facing handles.
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Word Terracotta
Definition A type of ceramic pottery used for bricks, pipes or sculptures.
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Word Peasant
A class of people who had little money or possessions. They generally farmed or worked on farms. They are often thought to Definition be unsophisticated and uneducated.
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Word Artisan
A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft. This might include metal, stone or woodwork and their creations Definition could be highly valuable due to how intricate it was.
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Word Diviner
A special interpreter of the gods who would pass on the Definition messages to the King.
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Word Sacrifice
To offer or give something up. Generally referred to in the context of religion, where something is given to please a God or Definition Goddess.
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Word Ancestor
A member of your family who you have descended from. Generally more distant than a grand-parent, someone who lived Definition a few generations ago.
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Word Millet
Definition The main crop grown in ancient China, along with rice and wheat.
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Word Rural
Refers to places outside of towns and cities, often the Definition countryside or agricultural and farming areas.
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Word Yellow River
One of the main bodies of water that the Shang Dynasty grew Definition alongside. This was used mainly to help grow crops.
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Word Ritual
A ceremony or action performed in a customary way. These were Definition often related to religion and could include death or sacrifice.
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Word Bronze
A type of metal made from combining tin and copper. The Chinese were excellent at using this metal to make various tools, Definition weapons, ornaments or art, even though it was hard to make and shape. It is stronger than both tin or copper though.
Home Early Islam Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Abbasid Caliphate Mongols vocabulary list Caliph Crusades Dinar Sultan Hadith Scholar Hajj Bazaar Reveal Hide Imam Mosque • Click to start learning Qur’an Caravan or testing the Calligraphy Tolerance vocabulary Mecca Baghdad House of Wisdom Algebra
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Word Abbasid Caliphate
A major dynasty that ruled over the Islamic Empire during its peak. The first one saw the rise of Islamic culture and the Golden Definition Age of Islam. The second was based largely in Cairo, Egypt.
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Word Caliph
Definition A religious and civil leader in a Muslim country.
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Word Dinar
Definition A type of gold coin.
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Word Hadith
Additional texts that describe the actions and sayings of Definition Muhammad that are not recorded in the Qur’an.
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Word Hajj
The annual journey to Mecca that all Muslims must make at least Definition once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able to.
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Word Imam
Definition The prayer leader of a mosque.
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Word Qur’an
The holy book where the sacred writings of Islam were revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Definition Medina.
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Word Calligraphy
Artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering. Being able to write beautifully was seen as an honour and talented people who Definition could do this could often reach high positions in society.
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Word Mecca
Definition The birthplace of Muhammad and the holiest city of Islam.
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Word House of Wisdom
Also known as the Grand Library of Baghdad, this became a significant research centre for a wide range of subjects like Definition mathematics, science and philosophy. It is thought of as one of the greatest intellectual centres in history.
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Word Mongols
A group of tribes from the grasslands of central Asia that sacked Definition Baghdad, killing thousands and destroying most of the great city.
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Word Crusades
A series of military expeditions made by Christian countries in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries to recover the Holy Land from the Definition Muslims.
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Word Sultan
Definition The name of an Islamic ruler or monarch.
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Word Scholar
Someone who studies and becomes an expert in what they do. Definition These were important jobs that were well respected.
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Word Bazaar
Definition A marketplace that has rows of small shops.
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Word Mosque
A place of prayer for Muslims, or followers of the religion of Definition Islam.
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Word Caravan
A group of people and animals or vehicles who travel together. Definition These are often found moving through deserts.
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Word Tolerance
The willingness to accept other people’s ideas and beliefs. Accepting people’s views and ideas form around the world Definition allowed Baghdad to become a cultural melting-pot that people flocked to to learn from.
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Word Baghdad
Also known as The Round City, this was a major city in the Early Islamic civilisation that linked Europe and Asia. It was important Definition for trading and exchanging ideas.
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Word Algebra
A form of mathematics that uses symbols and letters and was Definition heavily developed during the Golden Age of Islam.
Home Ancient Maya Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Ahau City-states vocabulary list Dynasty Terraced Maize Pyramid Codex Peasant Hieroglyphics Bloodletting Reveal Hide Stela Cacao • Click to start learning Scribe Cenote or testing the Haab Huipil vocabulary Jade Popol Vuh Sacrifice Tzolk’in
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Word Ahau
Definition The name for a Mayan king.
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Word Dynasty
Refers to the continuation of powerful leaders within the same Definition family over a period of time.
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Word Maize
This was the main crop ( as well as corn) grown by the Mayans and was used for porridge, flat-breads, tortillas and even Definition fermented to make beer.
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Word Codex
Definition An early type of book held together by some sort of stitching.
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Word Hieroglyphics
A system of writing that used pictures and symbols instead of Definition letters and numbers.
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Word Stela
An upright stone or slab with an inscribed or sculptured surface, Definition used as a monument.
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Word Scribe
A person who is able to read and write. They were considered Definition fairly important people in Mayan culture.
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Word Haab
The 365-day calendar used by farmers to time the planting and Definition harvesting of crops.
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Word Jade
Definition A green stone often used to make jewellery and other goods.
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Word Sacrifice
To offer or give something up. Generally referred to in the context of religion, where something is given to please a God or Definition Goddess.
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Word City-states
An independent city that had its own form of government, laws and rules. The Ancient Maya had lots of these within the same Definition country, meaning that laws in one place could be different from those of another. Examples are Chichen Itza, Palenque and Tikal.
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Word Terraced
Relating to the farming methods as the hilly nature of Mesoamerica made farming difficult at times. Farmers would Definition separate their land into flat sections to make it easier and to stop rainwater from running down hills and flooding the bottom.
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Word Pyramid
A structure similar to those of the Egyptians, but unlike the straight, sloped sides of the Egyptians, Mayan pyramids were Definition generally stepped and had flat roofs. These could be used for special ceremonies or as landmarks for navigation.
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Word Peasant
A class of people who had little money or possessions. They generally farmed or worked on farms. They are often thought to Definition be unsophisticated and uneducated.
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Word Bloodletting
Cutting a part of the body so that blood would come out. This Definition was usually done to try and communicate with the gods.
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Word Cacao
Referring to chocolate that the Mayans used to consume. This would have been very different to today’s sweeter version, as it would have been very bitter. The Mayans would have used this as Definition a drink rather than eating it, but could have also used it for currency too.
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Word Cenote
A natural pit or sinkhole where groundwater can be found. These Definition were sometimes used for sacrificial offerings.
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Word Huipil
Definition The traditional blouse worn by the women of Mayan cultures.
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Word Popol Vuh
The Mayan book that featured their Creation story about the Definition hero twins.
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Word Tzolk’in
The Mayan religious calendar which contained 260 days instead Definition of 365.
Home Kingdom of Benin Vocabulary
• Click to bring up the Animists Sacrifice vocabulary list Ogiso Ivory Guild Edo Brass Ife Elders Slave trade Reveal Hide Dynasty Ceremony • Click to start learning Yam Plaque or testing the Cowrie Shell Igodomigodo vocabulary Oracle Storyteller Oral culture Merchant
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Word Animists
Definition The belief that non-human objects and animals have souls.
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Word Ogiso
The first early rulers of the Kingdom. This term would then Definition become ‘Oba.’
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Word Guild
A group of people with a specialism who worked and lived together. There were over 40 guilds including craftsmen, Definition drummers and doctors.
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Word Brass
A type of metal that was used in Benin. One of the brass guilds was the most important and they were only allowed to work for Definition the king.
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Word Elders
Definition Experienced members of a village that would govern and rule.
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Word Dynasty
Refers to the continuation of powerful leaders within the same Definition family over a period of time.
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Word Yam
Definition The main crop grown in Benin, which was a sweet potato.
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Word Cowrie shell
Definition Sea snail shells used as a form of currency.
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Word Oracle
Someone who was believed to be able to receive messages from Definition the gods and translate them.
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Word Oral culture
The Kingdom of Benin had no formal education, everything was passed on by word of mouth. This is why we have limited Definition knowledge of the period and different interpretations.
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Word Sacrifice
To offer or give something up. Generally referred to in the context of religion, where something is given to please a God or Definition Goddess.
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Word Ivory
Elephant tusk that was used for trading and helped the Kingdom Definition of Benin become so powerful.
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Word Edo
Definition The original people and founders of the Kingdom of Benin.
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Word Ife
The holy city of the Yoruba people, who were closely linked to the Edo people. This remained an important religious centre in Definition the area.
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Word Slave trade
The Kingdom of Benin became powerful because they sold people to work for others and traded them with foreigners. Definition Slaves in Benin had more rights though and could work their way to freedom.
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Word Ceremony
An act or series of acts performed in some regular way according to fixed rules. These were usually religiously based and Definition performed by the Oba or Ogiso.
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Word Plaque
Ornamental pieces that could be used to decorate important buildings or show important messages. These were usually made Definition from brass and had intricate artwork on them.
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Word Igodomigodo
The original name for the Kingdom of Benin. This was the first Definition unified city.
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Word Storyteller
Someone who would provide entertainment and education by talking. These would be incredibly important in passing on the Definition history of the kingdom.
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Word Merchant
Someone who buys and sells goods, especially on a large scale or with foreign countries. The Kingdom of Benin traded with lots of Definition these to help it grow into a powerful empire.
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