Animism
The attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena
Domesticate
To tame an animal for the benefit of humans and keep it as a pet or for farming purposes
Nomad
A person who has no permanent home and travels from place to place
Pastoralist
A person who raises herd animals
Sedentary
A person who lives in the same location throughout their life
Society
A group of people living in the same territory that share common traditions, interests, or activities
Surplus
More than what is needed or used; an excess
Technology
The application of knowledge, experience, and/or tools in response to a human need or want
Anthromorphic
Being human-like or having human attributes
City-state
A city and its surrounding territory that forms an independent nation
Civilization
A complex society that is characterized by its advanced state of cultural and social development
Codify
Arranging laws or rules into a systematic code
Complex Institutions
Systems of organization that provide order to society (ie government, religion, etc.)
Epic
A long poem, typically narrating the deeds of a heroic figure in the history of a nation
Polytheism
The belief in or worship of more than one god
Scribe
A person who copies documents
Social Hierarchy
A system of social organization in which some individuals enjoy a higher social status than others
Bureaucracy
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives
clan
A group of close-knit people who share a common ancestor
Dynasty
A line of rulers that have the same heredity or family
Egalitarian
A system where all people are equal
Filial Piety
Having reverence or honor to parents and ancestors
Loess
A loosely compacted yellow sediment that is high in nitrogen
Mandate of heaven
A belief in China that the emperor had a divine right to rule in China
Monsoons
A seasonal wind that is found on the Indian Ocean