The Classical Era

Unit 2 Introduction

What is the “Classical Era”?

• Roughly 600 BC to 600 AD• Noted for the development of complex empires in

three key regions in world history: China, India, and the Mediterranean

• Popularly considered a “golden age” of culture and learning for these societies

• Witnessed the rise of the religious and philosophical systems that still dominate the globe to this day (with one BIG exception)

• First major interregional trade routes developed during these centuries

Classical China

• Major Empire– Han Dynasty

• Belief Systems Developed– Confucianism– Daoism (Taoism)

Zhou Dynasty

Era of the Warring States

QinDynasty

Han Dynasty

Classical India

• Major Empire– Gupta Dynasty

• Belief Systems Developed– Hinduism– Buddhism

Vedic Period

Hinduism and Buddhism

Mauryan Empire

Gupta Empire

Classical Mediterranean

• Major Empire– Roman Empire

• Belief Systems Developed– Judaism– Christianity

Persian Empire

The Greek World

Roman Republic

Pax Romana

Judaism and Christianity

Interregional Contacts

Inter-regional Contacts

Coach Lerch’s Final Thoughts

• The rise of empire in these three regions contributed to the development of social, economic, political, technological, intellectual, and cultural features that still impact the ideological descendants of these groups