Silk Roads and Networks of Exchange

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms related to the Silk Roads and networks of exchange.

Arabian Sea

A body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and India, significant in ancient trade.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting East and West known for the exchange of silk and luxury goods.

Caravanserai

Roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover from their journeys along trade routes.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the bodhisattva path.

Trans-Saharan trade routes

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert, facilitating trade between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Compass

An instrument for determining direction, aiding navigation in trade.

Astrolabe

A device used to make astronomical measurements, refining navigation techniques.

Luxury goods

High-value items such as silk and spices, highly demanded in trade.

Nomadic groups

Pastoral people who moved frequently and played a key role in sustaining trade networks.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Islam

A major monotheistic religion that spread through trade and conquest in the early centuries CE.

Vikings

Norse explorers known for their trade and exploration, impacting European trade networks.

Buddhism

A religion that spread along trade routes, integrating with local beliefs like Zoroastrianism.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern Roman Empire known for trade and cultural exchanges, particularly with Islam.

Silk production

The process predominantly controlled by women in China, crucial for the silk trade.

Barter economy

An economy where goods and services are traded directly without the use of money.

Money economy

An economy in which goods and services are bought and sold using currency.

Astrolabe

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

Black Death

The pandemic that affected Europe in the 14th century, significantly reducing population.

Caravan organization

The system of coordinating groups of merchants for trade expeditions.

Interregional trade

Trade that occurs between different regions, enhancing cultural and economic exchanges.