Aryabhata. 476-550. Hindu astronomer. Explained eclipses, earth’s rotation.

Aryans. 2000BC. Nomads from Steppes spread to India. Founded Indus Civilization, 3240-2750BC. Hyksos Empire in Syria, 1720-1550BC. Introduced horse chariots. Basis for all Indo-European languages.

Ascension. Jesus’ rise to heaven 40 days after Resurrection.

Asceticism. Self denial of sensual and material pleasures. Advocated by many religious sects.

Asclepius. Greek god of healing. Killed by Zeus to prevent immortality of man. Son of Apollo.

Asculum, Battle. 279BC. “Pyrrhic” victory of Pyrrhus over Romans.

Asgard. Scandinavian abode of the gods.

Ashanti Empire. 17-19C Ghana kingdom. Supplied slaves to traders.

Ashcan. 20C US school of modern art.

Ashkenazi. 1534-72. Cabalistic Jewish scholar. Established Safed center of learning, Palestine.

Aske, Robert. -1537. Led Pilgrimage of Grace against Henrician Reformation.

Asoka. 269-232BC. Indian Maurya Emperor. Buddhist convert, missionary.

Asquith, Herbert. 1852-1928. Liberal Prime Minister of England, 1908-16: Pensions and unemployment insurance. Parliament Act.

Assad, Hafiz al-. 1928-2000. Syrian President 1971-. Supports Qadaffi, PLO. Anti-Israel.

Assandum, Battle. 1016. Danes defeat English in Essex.

Assassins. 1124-1270. Secret Moslem order who murdered all enemies.

Assaye, Battle. 1803. British win in 2nd Maratha War.

Assignats. French legal tender, 1789-96. Overissue caused inflation. Became worth 1% of face value.

Astarte. Semitic goddess. =Aphrodite.

Aston, Francis. 1877-1945. English physicist. Mass spectrograph.

Asturias. Former Spanish kingdom. 3-2C BC Rome. 5C Visigoth. 718-910 Only Christian kingdom on Iberia. 910 + León.

Aswan Dam. 1902. High Dam 1955-70.

Atatürk (Mustafa Kemal). 1881-1938. Turkish founder, first president, 1923. 1919-22 drove Greeks out. Major reforms to modernize Turkey.

Ate. Greek goddess of mischief.

Athanagild. ~567. Visigoth King of Spain. Ended persecution of Catholics.

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