1. The Classical Era Unit 2 Introduction

2. 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

3. Classical China Major Empire –Han Dynasty Belief Systems Developed –Confucianism –Daoism (Taoism)

4. Zhou Dynasty

5. Era of the Warring States

6. Qin Dynasty

7. Han Dynasty

8. Classical India Major Empire –Gupta Dynasty Belief Systems Developed –Hinduism –Buddhism

9. Vedic Period

10. Hinduism and Buddhism

11. Mauryan Empire

12. Gupta Empire

13. Classical Mediterranean Major Empire –Roman Empire Belief Systems Developed –Judaism –Christianity

14. Persian Empire

15. The Greek World

16. Roman Republic

17. Pax Romana

18. Judaism and Christianity

19. Interregional Contacts

20. Inter- regional Contacts

21. 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