East Asia

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960-1279) known for economic prosperity, urban growth, and cultural achievements like art, literature and technology.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian, blending Buddhist and Daoist ideas, emphasizing morality, education, and social harmony.

Filial Piety

Confucian virtue of respect and obedience toward one's parents and ancestors

Civil Service Exam

Merit-based test system in imperial China used for selecting government officials, based on Confucian

Sinification

The process by which non-Chinese societies adopted Chinese culture, political systems, and traditions

Champa (wet field) rice

Fast-ripening rice from Vietnam that allowed two or more harvests a year, boosting China's population

Tribute System

Chinese policy where other states paid tribute in exchange for trade rights and protection

Grand Canal

Large man-made waterway connecting norther and southern China, facilitating trade and grain transport

Foot Binding

The practice of tightly binding girls' feet to keep them small, symbolizing beauty and social status in elite families.

Woodblock Printing

Printing technique where text of images were carved into wood, inked and pressed onto paper

Emperor

Supreme ruler of an empire, seen in China as the "Son of Heaven"

Dynastic Rule

Political system where power passes down through a family line until the dynasty loses the Mandate of Heaven

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that heaven grants emperors the right to rule, which can be lost through corruption or disaster

Scholar Gentry

Educated landowning class in China who gained status through Confucian exams and government service.

Eunuch

Castrated male servant or official in imperial courts, often trusted for palace duties

Ming Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (1368-1644) know for maritime exploration, rebuilding the Great Wall, and a strong centralized rule

Koryo

Korean dynasty (918-1392) known for cultural achievements and maintaining independence under Chinese influence

Heian Period

Japanese era (794-1185) known for court culture, literature and rise of samurai influence

Fujiwara

Powerful Japanese's aristocratic family that dominated politics during the Heian period through marriage alliances

Shogun

Military ruler of Japan who held real political power, while the emperor was a figurehead.

Samurai

Japanese warrior class who served lords (daimyo) under a code of honor called bushido