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