Key Concepts of Medieval and Early African History

Cataract

Waterfall.

Mansa Musa

The greatest ruler of the Mali kingdom.

Bantu

A Variety of African languages from this root language.

Firdawsi

Persian poet best known for writing the Shah Namah (Book of Kings).

Quran

The holy book of Islam.

Janizaries

The elite fighting force of the Ottoman army.

Pope Innocent III

A powerful medieval pope who strengthened the papacy's influence, launched the Fourth Crusade.

Swahili

A Bantu language with Arabic influences spoken along East Africa's coast.

Potlatch

A ceremony where they trade surplus goods, and gaining wealth that was then shared.

Habeas Corpus

The principle that no person can be held in prison without first being charged a crime.

Capital

Money for Investment.

Louis IX

King of France who led the Seventh Crusade to the Holy Land and was canonized as a saint.

Pueblos

Multi-floor houses connected to one another by doorways and ladders.

Pope Urban II

Leader of the Roman Catholic Church at the time the Seljuk Turks were threatening the Byzantine Empire.

Mecca

Islam's holiest city and birthplace of Muhammad.

What was the basic unit of society in Medieval Africa?

The family, whether it was nuclear or extended.

How did Christianity make its way to North Africa?

It spread through Roman rule and early Christian missionaries during the first few centuries A.D.

What skill did the Bantu people share that the people of Benin displayed?

Metalworking, which was used for tools, weapons, and art.

Where did the Bantu Migrations begin and where did they end in Africa?

They moved from West Africa to the south and southeast Africa.

What was another name for the kingdom of Nubia?

Kush is another name for Nubia.

What was the importance of Salt in Africa?

It was scarce in some areas, but was needed to maintain health.

How did the people of West Africa Mine Gold?

It was found in the soil along rivers. (Panned it)

What important cultural contributions did Mansa Musa make?

He promoted Islamic Education, forged ties between Muslim States and shared his devotion for Islam, based government on the Quran.

Who influenced the Ottoman and Safavid Artists?

Persian Styles of Art.

What are some of the things that the Ottoman and Safavid empires shared?

Both based their government on Muslim traditions.

Why did the Sunni and Shiite split?

They disagreed over the choice of a Caliph.

What impact did the Mongols have on Russia after converting to Islam?

1. Heavy taxation, 2. Russian Orthodox church becomes more powerful, 3. Peace resulted in trade with China and Eastern Europe, 4. Women become subject to male authority, 5. Russia ruled by strong central government.

Who is Jan Hus and what impact did he have on reformation?

He was a Boehmian reformer who called for reforms in the church, viewed as a Heretic.

What is Louis the IX noted for?

He was known for persecuting Heretics, jews and leading 7th crusade.

Give me some description about the Middle Ages?

It was a time of political, economic and social decline in Europe.

What skills should a marriageable noblewoman expect to have?

They should know how to spin and weave cloth, raise children, manage household.

What was the importance of Venice, Italy in terms of trade?

It was a main port that received trade goods from Constantinople.

What were lords expected to get in exchange for a fief?

Lords were expected to get loyalty and military service in return for the land they gave away.

What did a Peasant's diet look like?

They had a poor diet because most of it was vegetables and grains with very little meat.

What roles did a Medieval Church play?

The church played many roles including as the social center for the town because it was the largest structure.

What was Charlemagne's legacy?

His legacy was the spread of Christianity.

What was the Hanseatic League?

Trade association that protected German trading interests along the Baltic Sea.

What happened to trade fairs during winter months?

Merchants would usually go to a town with a Bishop's Palace.

What was the most impressive thing created by the Olmecs?

The giant stone heads.

Inca, Chavin, Moche (what is the correct order)

Chavin, Moche and Inca.

What were the Incas known for building?

An extensive Road System.

What is Mesa Verde?

The largest of the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings.

What were some medical advancements of the Inca?

Anesthesia, brain surgery, set broken bones, antiseptics.

Who were the Adena and Hopewell and where did they emerge?

2 mound building groups that emerged on the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.

What were some of the similarities of the Maya and Aztecs?

Complex government, polytheistic, calendars, Mayans were city states with each having its own ruler, while the Aztecs had one ruler of the entire empire.

What is Tenochtitlán and how did they know to go there?

It was the Aztec capital and they knew when they saw an eagle.

How did the Inca differ from the Maya and the Aztecs?

For the Inca, trade was not a big part of their economy.

What farming methods did the Maya develop?

Used burn and clear method, and built Raised Fields.

Who is Avicenna (Ibn Sina)?

He is known for creating the Canon on Medicine (Medical Encyclopedia) at the age of 16.

How can you classify the Middle Ages in Europe? (What was going on)

There was a lot of turmoil during the middle ages, trade slowed, warfare was high, economy took a hit.