Unit 4 Study Guide: Trans-regional Trade Networks

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa that facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Last from around 130 BCE to 1453 CE.

Trans-Saharan Trade Route

A trade network that connected sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa. Facilitated the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods from around 300 CE to the 1600s.

Indian Ocean Trade Route

A maritime trade network connecting East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Facilitated the exchange of spices, textiles, and other goods from around 200 BCE to the 1500s.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs from one group to another. Often facilitated by trade and interaction among different societies.

Dhow

A traditional sailing vessel used in the Indian Ocean trade. Characterized by its lateen sails and ability to navigate shallow waters.

Monsoon

Predictable winds that blew eastward during summer months and westward during winter months, crucial for maritime navigation in the Indian Ocean.

Sahara Desert

The largest hot desert in the world, located in North Africa, which played a significant role in trans-regional trade routes, particularly for the exchange of goods like gold and salt.

Five Pillars

The 5 main rules in Islam. These pillars outline the basic acts of worship of a Muslim's faith, including the declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Monotheism

The belief in one god.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that a Muslim must perform at least once in their life.

Muhammed

The founder of Islam and the last prophet.

Mecca

The holiest city in the Islam religion.

Shar’ia Law

A system of Islamic law that governs the moral and ethical conducts of Muslims.

Allah

The Arabic word of God for Islams. He is the only deity in Islam.

Qur’an

The religious text of Islam

Arabic

The language of the Arab people and Muslims.

Animism

A religion in which spirits play an important role in regulating daily life. The ideology that spirits exist in animals, plants, souls of ancestors, and natural forces.

Griot

An African storyteller who passed down stories in order to keep their history alive. They did this orally only; without the use of written language.

Stateless Society

A society where there is no government; lineages share power and solve problems together.

Lineage

A group of people who share an ancestor

Mansa Musa

A king who converted to Islam and built mosques.

Mali

Wealthy Kingdom formed from trade in West Africa.

Ghana

Wealthy Kingdom formed from trade in West Africa.

Timbuktu

City that held many Islamic universities. Scholars and religious figures are welcomed by Mansa Musa.

Swahili

A Bantu language spoken in East Afria.

Kilwa