Empires, Travelers, and Dynasties

Mongol Empire

The largest contiguous land empire in history founded by Genghis Khan. It connected Eurasia through conquest and trade.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire who united Mongol tribes and expanded across Asia.

Kublai Khan

Genghis Khan’s grandson who ruled China and established the Yuan Dynasty.

Pax Mongolica

A period of stability and peace under Mongol rule that increased trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Ibn Battuta

A Muslim traveler from Morocco who documented cultures and societies across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Marco Polo

A Venetian merchant whose travels to China increased European interest in Asia.

Zheng He

A Chinese admiral during the Ming Dynasty who led large naval expeditions across the Indian Ocean.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for technological innovations such as gunpowder, paper money, and printing.

Yuan Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty established by the Mongols under Kublai Khan.

Ming Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for restoring Chinese rule, expanding trade, and sponsoring Zheng He’s voyages.

Gunpowder

A Chinese invention used for weapons and warfare.

Movable Type

A printing technology that allowed faster production of books and spread knowledge.

Civil Service Exam

A test used in China to select government officials based on merit and Confucian learning.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing respect, education, family loyalty, and social order.

Mansa Musa

The ruler of Mali famous for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mali Empire

A powerful West African empire enriched by trade in gold and salt.

Timbuktu

A major trading and learning center in Mali known for Islamic scholarship.

Hajj

The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca required of Muslims if possible.