Whap Q1 Terms 1

Confucianism

A belief system created by Confucius in the 6th BCE emphasizing duties and obligations within a social hierarchy.

filial piety

Loyalty and responsibilities towards one's family.

Taoism

A belief system developed in the 4th BCE that values natural living and harmony with nature.

Tao

The way of the universe, advocating living in harmony with the universe.

bodhisattva

Someone on the path of enlightenment in Buddhism.

empire

A unified state controlling a large amount of territory, typically through domination.

caliph

Title for Islamic rulers claiming to be the rightful leader of all Muslims.

Abbasids

A wealthy caliphate in the Middle East known for their jizya tax.

Dar al-Islam

The land considered part of the Islamic world in 1200.

House of Wisdom

A major library in Baghdad serving scholars of various beliefs and backgrounds.

Translation Movement

A movement that translated texts from Greek to Arabic.

Song Dynasty

A powerful Chinese empire known for intellectual and technological advancements.

gunpowder

A Chinese invention primarily used for fireworks during the Song Dynasty.

canals

Waterways in China facilitating quicker travel and trade.

champa rice

A drought and pest-resistant variety of rice.

Mandate of Heaven

A principle ruling family must meet the approval of the gods to remain in power.

Imperial Examination System

A system allowing individuals to become government officials based on merit.

Shi

The highest social class in the Chinese social hierarchy.

courtier

A king's assistant who assists and entertains the king with various tasks.

vizier

A king's advisor focusing on governmental and military issues.

Trans-Saharan/Gold-Salt Trade Routes

Trade routes across the Sahara, east to west and north to south.

Mali Empire

A powerful and wealthy empire dominating trade routes in its region.

Mansa Musa

The wealthiest man in history, known for his lavish spending.

Swahili city-states

City-states on the East African coast that blended Bantu and Arabic cultures.

Bantu migrations

The movement of Bantu peoples bringing agriculture and iron use across Africa.

griot

An African storyteller, historian, and musician.

Popol Vuh

A Mayan text narrating the history of the K’iche’ people.

Khmer Empire

An empire in Cambodia known for its Hindu origins and trade wealth.

Delhi Sultanate

A Persian empire in South Asia that contributed to Islamic architecture.

Bhakti Movement

A Hindu reform movement emphasizing devotion to god through various expressions.

Sufi

Islamic mysticism focusing on achieving closeness to Allah.

monasticism

A lifestyle of monks or nuns involving self-discipline and isolation.

Silk Road

A vast trade route across Asia, protected during Mongol rule.

caravan

Groups of travelers cooperating for protection on trade routes.

caravanserai

Motels for travelers on the Silk Road to rest and recover.

nomadic pastoralist

Groups that move frequently with livestock, such as the Mongols.

khanate

A political entity ruled by a khan, similar to a kingdom.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire who united various clans.

trebuchet

A siege weapon used by the Mongols to launch projectiles.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability across Asia under Mongol rule.

Yassa

The Mongol civil and military code ensuring equality before the law.

Yam system

A messaging system using outposts for rapid communication.

Kublai Khan

Genghis Khan's grandson who completed the conquest of the Song Dynasty.

Yuan Dynasty

The Mongol-led dynasty in China established after the fall of the Song.

Timurid Empire

An empire founded by Timur that aspired to emulate Genghis Khan.

decentralization

The distribution of power among several groups rather than a single ruler.

manorialism

A system where lords control land and serfs labor in exchange for protection.

feudalism

The social structure of medieval Europe based on land ownership and obligations.

Roman Catholic Church

The major branch of Christianity that split from Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Eastern Orthodox Church

The branch of Christianity distinct from Roman Catholicism.

Crusades

Military campaigns undertaken by Christians to regain control of the Holy Land.

Mesoamerica

The region extending from southern North America to Central America.

Mayan city-states

Independent city-states in Mesoamerica known for trade and warfare.

Mayan calendar

An advanced calendar marking important dates for the Mayans.

Mexica

Also known as the Aztecs, a civilization that settled in central Mexico.

Tenochtitlan

The Aztec capital city that became modern-day Mexico City.

chinampa

Floating gardens used by the Aztecs for agriculture.

tributary state

A state that pays tribute to a more powerful state to avoid conquest.

Inca

An Andean empire known for polytheism and extensive territorial control.

mit’a

An Inca labor tax requiring public service contributions.

andenes

Terraced farming systems developed by the Inca to increase productivity.

royal roads

A network of roads constructed by the Inca connecting various regions.