2.5 - Cultural Consequences of Connectivity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the cultural consequences of connectivity during the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.

Mongol Empire

A historical empire that existed during the 13th and 14th centuries, known for its vast territorial expanse and influence over trade routes, providing stability and protection to merchants.

Diffusion

The process by which different cultures, ideas, technologies, and religions spread from one area to another.

Syncretic Faith

A religious system that blends elements from different belief systems; for example, Chan Buddhism incorporates Daoist principles.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical and religious movement that integrates Confucian thought with Buddhist and Daoist elements; it became prominent during the Song Dynasty.

Swahili Language

A Bantu language that incorporates many Arabic words, resulting from cultural exchanges along the East African coast.

Black Death

The pandemic that struck Europe in the mid-14th century, leading to the deaths of millions and significant social and economic changes. Labor shortage changed feudal system.

Cultural Exchange

The process through which different cultures share ideas, traditions, practices, and innovations.

Gunpowder

A chemical mixture used in firearms and explosives, which spread globally as a technological innovation during the connected era.

Marco Polo

A Venetian merchant traveler whose accounts of China and other regions stimulated interest and trade between Europe and Asia.

Ibn Battuta

A Moroccan Muslim scholar and traveler who documented his extensive journeys across the Islamic world and beyond in the 14th century.

Champa Rice

A fast-maturing rice variety that allowed for increased agricultural productivity, originally from present-day Vietnam.

Lateen Sail

A triangular sail that allowed for better maneuverability and speed in sailing, contributing to advancements in maritime technology.

Margery Kempe

An English Christian mystic and writer, best known for her autobiographical work, 'The Book of Margery Kempe', which is one of the earliest in the English language.

Urdu

An Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly in Pakistan and India, known for its influence from Persian and Arabic.

Lateen Sail

A triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast, allowing for better maneuverability and efficiency in sailing.

Stern Rudder

A type of rudder mounted at the rear of a ship, providing improved control and navigation.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars.

Magnetic Compass

A navigational instrument that shows directions relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.

Hangzhou

A major city in eastern China, historically known for its rich culture and as a trade center during the Song dynasty.

Samarkand

An ancient city located in Uzbekistan, known for its historical significance along the Silk Road. Center of of Islamic scholarship, bustling markets, and sources for fresh water and plentiful food for merchants traveling the Silk Roads.

Kashgar

A city in Xinjiang, China, historically an important trading post on the Silk Road. Center of of Islamic scholarship, bustling markets, and sources for fresh water and plentiful food for merchants traveling the Silk Roads.

Constantinople

Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and a major trade hub, known for its strategic location and rich history.