Trade Routes, Mongol Empire, and Cultural Exchanges in World History

Caravanserai

Roadside inn along trade routes where travelers and merchants could rest and resupply.

Caravan

A group of merchants and travelers journeying together, usually with pack animals, for safety and trade along routes like the Silk Road.

Porcelain

High-quality, white ceramic made in China, widely traded across Eurasia.

Jade

Green precious stone valued in China for art, jewelry, and ritual items.

Samarkand

Major Silk Road city in Central Asia, known for trade and Islamic culture.

Kashgar

Silk Road trading city at an oasis, important hub for goods and travelers.

Bubonic plague

Deadly disease spread through fleas on rats in 1347-1348, caused massive death (around 75 million)

Black Death

Widespread outbreak of the bubonic plague in Europe during the 14th century.

Steppes

Vast grasslands in Central Asia, home to nomadic peoples like the Mongols.

Khan

Title for Mongol rulers or chiefs.

Chagatai

Central Asian region ruled by descendants of Genghis Khan (the Chagatai Khanate).

Golden Horde

Mongol khanate that controlled Russia and parts of Eastern Europe.

Uyghur Script

Writing system adopted by the Mongols for administration.

Ilkhanate

Mongol khanate that ruled Persia and parts of the Middle East.

Kublai Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan, founded the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Hulagu Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan, led the conquest of Persia and Baghdad.

Chagatai Khan

Son of Genghis Khan, ruled the Central Asian Chagatai Khanate.

Karakorum

Capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan.

Yam system

Mongol relay network of stations for communication and trade.

Paiza

Mongol-issued passport that gave merchants and officials safe passage.

Caravan

Group of traders and animals traveling together on trade routes.

Sacking of Baghdad

Mongol invasion in 1258 that destroyed the city and ended the Abbasid Caliphate.

Fulcrum of Trade

Central point where trade routes converge, enabling exchange.

Gyres

Large circular ocean currents that influenced navigation and trade.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean that guided maritime trade.

South Pointer

Early Chinese compass used for navigation.

Lateen sail

Triangular sail that allowed ships to sail against the wind.

Chinese Junks

Large, sturdy Chinese trading ships with advanced sails and rudders.

Arab Dhows

Lightweight Arab ships with lateen sails used for Indian Ocean trade.

Astrolabe

Navigational tool that calculated latitude using stars.

Malaccan Sultanate

Southeast Asian kingdom that controlled Strait of Malacca trade.

Gujarat

Indian trade region known for textiles and Indian Ocean trade.

Calicut

Major Indian port city, center of spice trade.

Camel Saddles

Innovations that allowed camels to carry heavier loads in deserts.

Oases

Fertile spots in deserts where trade cities often developed.

Mali

West African empire known for gold trade and Mansa Musa.

Sundiata

Founder of the Mali Empire.

Djenne

Important Mali trade city and Islamic learning center.

Gao

Trade city on the Niger River, later capital of Songhai.

Songhai Kingdom

West African empire that succeeded Mali, based on trade.

Askia

Title of Songhai rulers, most famous was Askia Muhammad.

Zen Buddhism

Form of Buddhism blending meditation with simplicity, spread to Japan.

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy focused on ethics, order, and filial piety.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucianism mixed with Buddhist and Daoist ideas.

Bantu Migration

Long migration of Bantu-speaking peoples across Africa, spreading language and farming.