Cram Packet 1

Tang Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty (618 – 906) known for its merit-based bureaucracy, recruiting educated and efficient government officials, similar to the Han Dynasty.

Mongols

Nomadic group from Central Asia who established the largest empire in history, disrupting major trade routes but eventually bringing peace (Pax Mongolica).

Caliphate System

A theocratic system where the religious and political leader are the same, including Sharia (Islamic Law).

Silk Road

Trade route connecting China to the Middle East, spreading Buddhism and Christianity, and sparking European interest in finding a water route to China.

Genghis Khan

Mongol leader who unified clans under his leadership, conquered much of Asia, and organized warriors into effective military units.

Dar al-Islam

Unifying cultural and economic force in Eurasia and Africa, characterized by Islam, Arabic language, and art with geometric designs.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade route across the Sahara bringing gold, ivory, and slaves from below the Sahara with salt, cloth, and metalware from the Sahara.

Indian Ocean Trade

Trade route connecting East Africa and Asia, trading slaves, ivory, gold, and porcelain, facilitated by monsoons and leading to the rise of African trading cities.

Economic Revolutions of Tang and Song Dynasties

Chinese economic growth through agricultural advancements like rice cultivation, irrigation systems, and population increase from 45 million to 115 million by 1200 CE.

Urbanization

The process of established cities growing and new ones being created due to factors like agricultural success, trade, and population growth.

Technological innovations

Discoveries and advancements in technology, such as producing porcelain, iron, steel, gunpowder, movable type printing, and seafaring aids, during the Tang and Song dynasties in China.

Financial inventions

Developments like paper money, letters of credit ("flying cash"), and checks by Chinese merchants as alternatives to coins for trade and commerce.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical development during the Song Dynasty in China that reconciled Confucianism with Buddhist beliefs, influencing philosophical thought in East Asia.

Feudalism

A social and political system that emerged in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, characterized by a hierarchical structure with kings, knights, and the Church playing significant roles.

Division of Christendom

The split in the Christian Church in 1054 into the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, leading to differences in religious practices and leadership.

Nomadic migrations

Movements of nomadic groups like the Aztecs, Mongols, Turks, Vikings, and Arabs, impacting Afro-Eurasia and the Americas through cultural exchanges and political changes.

Plague pandemics

Major disease outbreaks in the 14th century causing significant population loss, economic changes, and social disruptions in affected regions.

Growth of cities

Urban centers like Canton, Samarkand, Timbuktu, Cairo, and Venice becoming hubs of trade, education, and cultural diffusion during this period.