Studied by 1 person
Kashgar
An ancient city located in China, historically significant as a key hub on the Silk Road. It has served as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between East and West. Known for its rich history, diverse population, and well-preserved Islamic architecture, it has been an important site for merchants and travelers for centuries.
Uyghur Script
A writing system developed in the 8th century and is based on the Old Turkic script. The script was adopted by the Mongol Empire and became a lingua franca across Central Asia, facilitating communication among diverse cultures and languages.
Paper Money
Also known as flying money, the first was invented in China.
Banking Houses
Institutions that handle currency transactions, especially during medieval Europe.
Bills of Exchange
Financial Instruments used in international trade during the medieval and modern periods, similar to a check. Commonly used along the Silk Road.
Khanates
The region ruled by a Khan. Had a significant positive impact on trade along the Silk Road because they provided stability and protection for merchants traveling these routes.
Yuan Dynasty
First foreign-ruled dynasty in China
Golden Horde
Western part of the Mongol Empire, the people of this region were a mix of Turks and Mongols.
The Bubonic Plague
Bacterial infection that spread across the world from China to Europe and killed up to 60% of Europe’s population.
Swahili City-States
Series of independent city-states located along the East African coast. They served as vital commercial hubs in the Indian Ocean Trade Routes; connecting African, Arab, Persian, and later European merchants.
Sultanate of Malacca
Malay dynasty that ruled the great entrepot of Malacca. Its dependencies provided Malay history with its golden age. It attracted Muslim traders from various parts of the world and became a center of Islam, spreading the religion throughout Maritime Southeast Asia.
Diasporic Communities
Groups of people who have migrated or settled in a different location from their homeland, while actively preserving their cultural identity and traditions. These communities often have a significant influence on the cultural, economic, and social landscapes of their new locales. Merchants, for example, may establish these communities to facilitate trade and maintain connections with their cultural roots, often creating vibrant enclaves that reflect their heritage in food, language, and customs.
Zheng He
A Chinese explorer and diplomat during the early Ming Dynasty, he embarked on multiple maritime voyages between 1405 and 1433. He commanded a fleet of large ships, known as treasure ships, that were some of the largest wooden ships of their time. His expeditions aimed to establish trade relations, promote Chinese interests abroad, and display the power of the Ming Dynasty. His journeys took him to various regions, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa. He played a significant role in the maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between China and the countries he visited. HIs voyages are notable not only for their scale but also for the diplomatic missions and the establishment of Chinese influence across the Indian Ocean.
Ibn Battuta
A Moroccan explorer and scholar from the 14th century, renowned for his extensive travels through the Islamic world and beyond. He documented his journey across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, covering approximately 75,000 miles over nearly three decades. His travelogue, known as the 'Rihla,' provides profound insights into the cultures, societies, and economies of the regions he visited. His accounts include experiences in the Maldives, India, China, and the great empires of Mali and the Ottoman Empire. His journey not only mirrors that of Marco Polo but also highlights the interconnectedness of the medieval trade networks, depicting the vibrant exchange of knowledge, goods, and ideas.
Marco Polo
Traveled the entire length of the Silk Road and documented his journey.
Camel Saddle
Saddle that made it much easier to ride camels.
Caravans
A group of people traveling together, often used in trade and commerce to transport goods over long distances.
Margery Kempe
Wrote an autobiography as an English religious mystic that challenged traditional roles within the content of medieval society.
White Lotus Society
A secret religious and political movement that emerged in China during the late Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). It promoted spiritual beliefs centered around the worship of the Buddha and certain prophetic ideas, and it gained a significant following among disenfranchised peasants and those disillusioned with the Mongolian rule. The society is famous for its role in instigating rebellions, particularly the Red Turban Rebellion, which contributed to the weakening and eventual overthrow of the Yuan dynasty. Its ideology often emphasized themes of justice and the restoration of the rightful Chinese rule under the Han ethnic group. The society not only played a critical role in the sociopolitical landscape of that era but also laid the groundwork for subsequent secret societies in Chinese history.
Timbuktu
A significant trading and economic hub in Mali during the medieval period. It became a vital center for trade, education, and Islamic scholarship; connecting various regions across the Sahara and influencing the spread of Islam in West Africa.
Monsoon Winds
Seasonal winds that significantly impact weather patterns in South Asia. These winds shift direction based on the time of year, bringing heavy rainfall during the summer months and dry conditions during the winter. Historically, people began to harness the power of monsoon winds for maritime trade, timing their voyages according to the wind patterns to optimize sailing times. This knowledge facilitated trade routes across the Indian Ocean, allowing merchants to connect regions such as India, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa more effectively.
Lateen Sail
Sail that helped ships travel faster.
Stern Post Rudder
Rudder that made ships easier to maneuver and turn.
Astrolabe
An instrument used by sailors to determine their location by observing the position of the stars and planets.
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