Social Studies Mongols China Japan

Savanna

A large flat area of land with very few trees specifically in Africa

Caravan

A group of people or animals traveling together, often for a long journey

Quran

Islamic holy text

Trans-Sahara

Travel across the Sahara

Islam

A monotheistic faith and the belief in Muhammed and his teachings

Muhammad

Man responsible for beginning/spreading Islamic religion

Ghana

Became wealthy by taxing traders and using money to create a stronger army

Mali

More territory and people than Ghana, led by Mansa Musa

Songhai

Conquered by Mali, most impactful ruler was Asia Muhammad

Niger River

River that ran through West African kingdoms

Timbuktu

Most valuable city

Salt & Gold

Two most valuable goods traded Trans-Sahara

Mansa Musa

Leader of Mali, famous pilgrimage to Mecca

Yurt

Circular tent of felt/skin on collapsible framework

Nomad

People with no permanent home, follow food and water

Steppe

Large flat area of land with very few trees in Asia

Clan

A group of close knit and interrelated families

Gobi Desert

Vast desert in northern China/Mongolia

China & gunpowder

Mongols wanted to conquer China due to advancements such as gunpowder

Genghis Khan

Leader of Mongol Empire at its peak

Marco Polo

Venetian explorer who wrote “ll Milione” about his experiences with the Mongols

Archipelago

A chain of islands

Bushido

Feudal Japanese code of conduct for samurai

Samurai

Feudal Japanese warrior

Feudalism

Political and social system where land is exchanged for services

Yayoi

First inhabitants of Japan

Origami

Paper folding art popularized in Japan

Shogun

Feudal Japanese military leader

Where was the Silk Road?

Through Asia, from the east coast into Western Europe

What was traded on the Silk Road?

All types of goods: silk, slaves, spices, ideas, and religion

Why was the Silk Road significant?

Allowed new ideas to be spread from one area of the world to another