The Classical Era:
A time of Great Empires and Ideas.
600BCE- 900CE
During the Classical Era, world saw many big changes. This was a time when people started building larger societies and creating new ways of thinking. Some of these civilizations achieved enough power to conquer their neighbors and create giant empires. This was a time when civilizations also began to reflect more on morality and the meaning of life. As a result, many of the world’s major religions emerged.
These same civilizations developed institutions, systems of thought and cultural styles that still influence us today. Their art, music, and literature set the standards against which later works would be judged. People still admire the marble statues of Greek sculptors and read Greek playwrights and philosophers, more than 2,000 years later. For these reasons, we refer to these as the “classical civilizations, meaning of the highest class or rank.
One of the most important things that happened during this time was the growth of big empires. As groups of people got stronger, some were able to take over nearby lands. This led to the creation of huge empires that covered large areas. Some famous empires from this time were:
1. The Persian Empire in the Middle East
2. The Mauryan Empire in India
3. The Han Dynasty in China
These empires did more than just take over land. They also created new ways of running their governments, set up trade routes to connect different places, and shared their cultures with others.
The Classical Era was also a time when people started thinking about big questions. They wondered about things like:
· What does it mean to be a good person?
· Why are we here?
· How does the world work?
This led to the creation of new religions and ways of thinking. Some important ideas that came from this time include:
· Buddhism and Hinduism in India
· Confucianism and Taoism in China
· The growth of Judaism, which later led to Christianity
People during this time also made many discoveries and created beautiful things. They learned more about math, the stars, and medicine. They also made amazing art, wrote stories, and built impressive buildings. For example, the ancient Greeks wrote plays and made sculptures that people still enjoy today.
We call this time the "Classical Era" because many of the things created then are still considered some of the best ever made. The ideas from this time have had a big impact on how we live today. We can see their influence in our governments, our art, and many other parts of our lives.
The Classical Era was a very important time in history. It was when big empires grew, new religions started, and people created many things that we still value today. The ideas and discoveries from this time continue to shape our world, making it a key part of human history.
Copy each question and give the correct answer.
What time period does the Classical Era cover?
a) 500 BCE to 1000 CE
b) 1000 BCE to 500 CE
c) 1 CE to 1000 CE
d) 500 CE to 1500 CE
Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a major empire during the Classical Era?
a) Persian Empire
b) Mauryan Empire
c) Roman Empire
d) Han Dynasty
What new ideas developed during the Classical Era?
a) New religions and philosophies
b) New types of food
c) New sports and games
d) New musical instruments
Why is this period called the "Classical Era"?
a) Because it was a time of classical music
b) Because it was very old
c) Because many achievements from this time are considered of the highest quality
d) Because it was a time of many classes in schools
Which of these was NOT mentioned as a contribution from the Classical Era?
a) Advancements in mathematics
b) Creation of impressive architecture
c) Development of computer technology
d) Writing of influential literature
Here are 5 free response questions based on the content about the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras: answer one of the questions below, and you must write the question.
Explain why the Classical Era is considered an important period in human history. Give at least two reasons in your answer.
Name one of the major empires that existed during the Classical Era and describe two ways it influenced the areas it controlled.
What were some of the big questions people started thinking about during the Classical Era? How did these questions lead to new ideas or beliefs?
Describe two contributions made by civilizations during the Classical Era that still have an impact on our world today.
Why do you think the ideas and achievements from the Classical Era have had such a lasting influence on human society? Provide an example to support your answer.