Studied by 6 people
Black Death
A devastating pandemic in the 14th century that killed millions in Europe and Asia.
Marco Polo
Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled to Asia in the 13th century.
Ibn Battuta
Moroccan traveler and scholar who explored Africa, Asia, and Europe in the 14th century.
Margery Kempe
English mystic and author known for her pilgrimages in the 15th century.
lateen sails
Triangular sails mounted on a mast, allowing for better navigation.
astrolabe
An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and position.
Samarkand
An ancient city in Uzbekistan, known for its cultural and historical significance.
Mali
West African empire known for wealth and culture.
Sundiata
Founder of Mali, united tribes.
Mansa Musa
Wealthy emperor of Mali, known for pilgrimage.
Timbuktu
Center of trade and learning in Mali.
trans-Saharan trade
Trade route across the Sahara for gold, salt, and goods.
Malacca (Melaka)
historical city in Malaysia that was a vital trading port for spices and other goods in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a center of trade for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, influencing maritime trade routes and cultural exchanges in Southeast Asia. Its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca facilitated the spread of Islam and the interaction of diverse cultures, impacting regional trade dynamics and contributing to the development of modern Southeast Asian nations.
Calicut
city in India that emerged as a major trading hub for spices in the 14th century. It was the center of the spice trade and attracted European explorers, including Vasco da Gama, which led to the establishment of European colonialism in India. The city's prominence in trade influenced global economic patterns and contributed to the integration of India into the world economy.
Spice Islands
now part of Indonesia, famous for their production of valuable spices like nutmeg and cloves during the Age of Exploration. These islands were sought after by European powers, leading to intense competition and colonization efforts. The quest for spices significantly shaped global trade routes and economic systems, influencing culinary practices and trade relationships that persist today.
Monsoon winds
seasonal winds that significantly influence the climate and agriculture of the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions. These winds enabled maritime trade by providing predictable sailing conditions for ships in the Indian Ocean. The understanding of monsoon patterns facilitated trade expansion, agricultural productivity, and cultural exchanges, shaping economic activities in the region and influencing global trade networks.
Lateen sails
triangular sails that allowed ships to sail more efficiently against the wind, revolutionizing maritime navigation. This innovation emerged in the Mediterranean and spread to the Indian Ocean, enhancing trade capabilities and maritime exploration. The use of lateen sails contributed to the expansion of trade networks and the globalization of commerce, impacting the development of international trade practices.
Diaspora
dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland to various parts of the world. The Indian Ocean diaspora involved the movement of communities, particularly traders and laborers, across the ocean, leading to cultural exchanges and the establishment of new communities. This phenomenon has shaped global cultural landscapes, influencing social dynamics, economic practices, and identity formation in diverse societies.
Zheng He
Chinese explorer and admiral during the Ming Dynasty who led seven maritime expeditions between 1405 and 1433. His voyages expanded Chinese influence across the Indian Ocean, establishing trade networks and diplomatic relations with various kingdoms. Zheng He's expeditions facilitated cultural exchanges and contributed to the globalization of trade, leaving a lasting impact on maritime exploration and international relations.
Mongols
nomadic group originating from the Central Asian steppes, known for their vast empire and impact on Eurasian history. They united under Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, creating one of the largest contiguous empires in history, which facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas across Europe and Asia.
khan
title of nobility in Central Asia, historically used by rulers and military leaders among Mongol and Turkic peoples. The title denotes authority and governance, influencing leadership structures in various societies and contributing to the establishment of empires, such as the Mongol Empire.
kuriltai
traditional Mongolian assembly or council, primarily used for decision-making and leadership selection among the Mongols. It was instrumental in the rise of Genghis Khan and shaped Mongolian governance, impacting political organization and unity among nomadic tribes.
Genghis Khan
born as TemĂĽjin, was the founder of the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century. His innovative military strategies and unification of Mongol tribes led to unprecedented territorial expansion, influencing trade routes and cultural exchanges across Eurasia, laying the groundwork for modern globalization.
khanate
political entity ruled by a khan, often a subdivision of a larger empire. The establishment of various khanates after Genghis Khan's death facilitated regional governance and cultural diversity, shaping the political landscape of Central Asia and influencing modern nation-states.
Pax Mongolica
period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries, allowing for safe trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. This era significantly impacted economic development and cultural interactions between East and West, fostering globalization.
Golden Horde
Mongol khanate that ruled over a significant portion of Russia and parts of Eastern Europe from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Its dominance facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between East and West, influencing the development of Russian principalities and shaping the region's history.
Il-khanate
Mongol state that ruled over Persia and parts of the Middle East in the 13th and 14th centuries. It facilitated cultural and intellectual exchanges between East and West, contributing to the spread of knowledge and the eventual rise of the Persian Renaissance.
Kublai Khan
grandson of Genghis Khan and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China during the 13th century. His reign marked the first time a foreign power ruled all of China, leading to significant cultural and economic exchanges that shaped Chinese history and influenced global trade routes.
Yuan Dynasty
first foreign dynasty to rule China, established by Kublai Khan in the late 13th century. It facilitated cultural exchange and economic growth, influencing Chinese society and governance, and its legacy can still be seen in modern Chinese culture.
Uyghur alphabet
script used by the Uyghur people, developed in the 8th century from the Old Turkic script. Its use facilitated the spread of literature and culture among Turkic peoples, influencing written communication and cultural identity in Central Asia.
White Lotus Society
religious and political movement in China that emerged in the late Ming Dynasty, advocating for social reform and rebellion against oppressive regimes. Its activities contributed to significant uprisings, influencing Chinese society and political dynamics in subsequent centuries.
Samarkand
One of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, located in present-day Uzbekistan, and a key city on the Silk Road. Samarkand thrived from the 7th century AD, becoming a center for trade, culture, and scholarship. Its role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange contributed to the spread of knowledge and innovations, shaping the intellectual landscape of the medieval world.
caravanserai
Roadside inns built along trade routes to provide shelter and services for travelers and merchants. They became prominent during the 9th century, particularly in the Islamic world. Caravanserais facilitated trade by providing safe havens for goods and travelers, promoting commerce and cultural exchange, which were essential for the development of trade networks and economic growth.
flying cash
An early form of paper currency used in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). It allowed merchants to conduct transactions without carrying heavy coins. Flying cash revolutionized trade by increasing transaction efficiency, leading to the development of more complex economic systems and the eventual spread of paper money globally.
Hanseatic League
A commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and towns in Northern Europe, active from the 13th to 17th centuries. It facilitated trade across the Baltic and North Seas. The League established trade networks and economic cooperation, influencing the development of modern trade associations and regional economic integration.
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