Unit 2 Trade Networks 1200-1450

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major trade networks, technologies, and social impacts from the period 1200-1450.

Silk Roads

Trade routes connecting China, the Middle East, and Europe that specialized in luxury goods such as silk, porcelain, and spices.

Indian Ocean Trade

Sea routes linking East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia that utilized monsoon winds for navigation and focused on bulk goods like cotton and spices.

Trans-Saharan Routes

Trade networks connecting West Africa to North Africa, primarily known for the trade of gold and salt and the spread of Islam.

Cultural Diffusion

The process by which religions (like Buddhism and Islam), languages, arts, food, and technology spread through trade networks.

Black Death

A disease spread via trade routes that killed millions in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, leading to labor shortages and social and economic changes.

Camel Saddle

A technological innovation that improved travel across desert environments.

Caravanserai

Designated rest stops for traders located along trade routes.

Lateen sails

A maritime technology that improved ship navigation.

Magnetic compass

A key technology that improved navigation for sea travel.

Paper money

An innovation originating from China that made trade transactions easier.

Pax Mongolica

A period of stability created by the Mongol Empire that protected and encouraged trade routes.

Major Trade Cities

Cities such as Baghdad, Malacca, and Samarkand that grew wealthy and significant due to their locations on trade networks.

Monsoon winds

Seasonal weather patterns used by sailors for navigation within the Indian Ocean trade routes.