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Mayans

An ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for their advanced achievements in architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and art.

Mayan Civilization

Located in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Mayan Accomplishments

Included the development of a complex writing system, accurate calendar, impressive pyramids, and intricate artwork.

Mayan Civilization Emergence

Unlike river valley civilizations, the Mayans developed in a region without major rivers, relying on cenotes for water.

Mayan Writing System

Hieroglyphic script used by the Mayans to record historical events, rituals, and dynastic information.

Japan's Geography

An island nation with limited arable land, prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Shintoism and Japanese Emperor

Shintoism regards the Japanese emperor as a divine figure.

Shogun

A military commander who ruled Japan in the emperor's name during the feudal period.

Daimyo

Feudal lords in medieval Japan who held vast land estates and had military control.

Samurai

Warrior class in feudal Japan who served the daimyo and followed a strict code of honor known as Bushido.

Medieval Japan Social Structure

Feudal system with the emperor at the top, followed by shogun, daimyo, samurai, and peasants.

Japanese Culture and China

Japan adopted aspects of Chinese culture such as writing, Buddhism, Confucianism, and art.

Heian Japan

Period characterized by peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing in Japan.

Lady Murasaki

Author of "The Tale of Genji," considered the world's first novel.

Geisha

Traditional Japanese female entertainers skilled in various arts like dance, music, and conversation.

Angkor Wat

A temple complex in Cambodia, built as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist site.

Cambodia's Location

Located between Thailand and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.

Cambodia's Religion

Initially Hindu, then transitioned to Buddhism as the predominant religion.

Korea

Located on the Korean Peninsula, characterized by mountainous terrain and limited arable land.

Confucianism in Korea

Spread to Korea through Chinese influence, shaping its social and political structures.

Hangul

The Korean alphabet created under King Sejong's reign to improve literacy among the Korean people.

Tang Dynasty Officials

Selected through a merit-based civil service examination system.

Great Buddhist Persecution

A period in Tang Dynasty China when Buddhism was suppressed due to political and economic reasons.

Tang and Song Dynasty Inventions

Included gunpowder, printing, paper money, and the magnetic compass.

Foot-binding

A practice in China where women's feet were tightly bound to prevent growth, seen as a symbol of beauty and status.

Tang and Song Dynasty Poets

Flourished due to the peace, prosperity, and cultural patronage of these dynasties.

Meritocracy in China

Tang and Song Dynasties promoted officials based on merit and performance rather than noble birth.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical movement blending Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist elements.

Serfdom

A feudal system where peasants were bound to the land and had limited rights, leading to economic exploitation.

Charlemagne

King of the Franks who united much of Western Europe and was crowned Emperor of the Romans.

Charlemagne's Coronation

Wanted to be crowned by the pope to legitimize his rule and establish a connection to the Roman Empire.

Carolingian Empire

Fragmented after Charlemagne's death due to internal divisions and external invasions.

Viking Longships

Scandinavian ships known for their speed, flexibility, and ability to navigate shallow waters.

Viking Conquests

Vikings raided and settled in areas across Europe, originating from present-day Scandinavia.

Viking Religion

Initially pagan, Vikings gradually converted to Christianity during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Great Schism

Split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 due to theological and political differences.

Norman Conquest

Invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066, leading to Norman rule in England.

English Language Development

Norman Conquest introduced French influences into the English language.

William the Conqueror

Duke of Normandy who won the Battle of Hastings, becoming King of England and reshaping English history.