History key terms

Elite Macedonian infantry, also called shield-bearers, who were more mobile than the sarissa-bearing phalanx.

An extremely rapid, uncontrolled rise in prices that sharply reduces the purchasing power of money.

A possible explanation that can be tested against evidence.

The International Atomic Energy Agency: the international organisation whose inspectors investigated whether Iraq had revived its nuclear weapons programme.

An approach to medicine that used chemistry to explain bodily processes and develop remedies.

The ‘House of Worship’ built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575, where he hosted religious discussions.

The peninsula in south-western Europe occupied mainly by modern Spain and Portugal.

An intercontinental ballistic missile: a long-range missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads between continents.

The deliberate destruction or removal of religious images.

The images and symbols used on an object to communicate identities, beliefs or claims.

Presenting someone with enhanced or perfect qualities rather than necessarily showing their ordinary appearance or behaviour.

A portrayal that emphasises how people or institutions ought to behave rather than recording the full variety of actual experiences.

People's sense of belonging and their understanding of who they are, shaped by experiences, traditions and relationships with others.

A set of beliefs about how society, government and the economy should be organised.

The Elizabethan label for people judged capable of working but unwilling to do so; it could unfairly include people who could not find employment.

An improvised explosive device: a makeshift bomb, often concealed and used to attack troops or vehicles.

A person described as born outside a legally recognised marriage. Disagreement over the validity of Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn led some people to question Elizabeth’s right to rule.

A person who moves into a country to live there.

The movement of people into a country or territory to live there.

Rules governing who may enter a country and under what conditions they may stay.

A limit on the number of immigrants allowed to enter a country.

An elite Persian infantry force described as numbering 10,000 men.

Protection against a particular disease; people who recovered from smallpox were protected against catching it again.

A medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system, helping prevent it from attacking a transplanted organ.

Medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system, helping prevent it from attacking a transplanted organ.

A process through which the House of Commons accused someone of serious wrongdoing, with the House of Lords hearing the case.

A Latin title meaning ‘commander’, used as an acclamation recognising a victorious Roman commander.

The desire to extend a country’s power overseas by claiming territory, establishing colonies or controlling trade.

The ruler’s power to command obedience and enforce decisions across an empire.

The extension of a state's power over additional territories and peoples, through conquest or other forms of control.