World History Developments (c. 1200–1450) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical terms, concepts, and developments in East Asia, Dar al-Islam, South/Southeast Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe from c. 1200 to 1450.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960-1279 CE) known for technological innovation, economic growth, and cultural achievements.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing moral conduct, social harmony, and hierarchical relationships.

Filial Piety

Respect and devotion to parents and ancestors.

Neo-Confucianism

A "rebirth", but blend of Confucian and Buddhist thought, dominant in Song China.

Champa Rice

Fast-ripening rice from Vietnam that boosted agricultural productivity.

Grand Canal

Major waterway linking northern and southern China, aiding trade.

Meritocracy

Government system selecting officials based on ability via civil service exams.

Abbasid Caliphate

Pre-1200 Islamic, Arab-led dynasty focused on administration and cultural preservation. Overtime, fragmented into three different non-Arab factions.

House of Wisdom

Baghdad learning center preserving and translating classical works.

Proselytize

To convert to attempt to convert others to your religion.

Sufism

Mystical Islamic tradition seeking personal union with God.

Syncretism

Blending of cultural or religious traditions.

Delhi Sultanate

First Islamic government in India, controlling the north.

Bhakti Movement

Hindu spiritual movement emphasizing personal connection to one deity. Did not discriminate against women or those of low social status.

Theravada Buddhism

Oldest branch of Buddhism, focused on original teachings.

Cahokia

Largest Mississippian mound.

Chinampas

Aztec floating gardens for farming.

Mit'a system

Mandatory public service.

Theocracy

Government type - rule by religious leader(s).

Swahili

Language in Africa which was a blend of Bantu and Arabic.

Griots

Storytellers.

Feudalism

Political system of land exchange for loyalty.

Vassal

Person granted land in return for allegiance.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal.

Manorialism

Economic system of self-sufficient estates.

Serf

Agricultural laborer bound to a lord's estate.

Three-Field System

Crop rotation method to restore soil nutrients.

Magna Carta

Document limiting power of Kings.

Crusades

Christian military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land.

Renaissance

Revival of classical Greek and Roman art, culture, literature, and civic virtue in Europe.

Great Schism

Split between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960–1279 CE) known for technological innovation, economic growth, and cultural achievements.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing moral conduct, social harmony, and hierarchical relationships.

Filial Piety

Respect and devotion to parents and ancestors.

Neo-Confucianism

A "rebirth", but blend of Confucian and Buddhist thought, dominant in Song China.

Champa Rice

Fast-ripening rice from Vietnam that boosted agricultural productivity.

Grand Canal

Major waterway linking northern and southern China, aiding trade.

Meritocracy

Government system selecting officials based on ability via civil service exams.

Abbasid Caliphate

Pre-1200 Islamic, Arab-led dynasty focused on administration and cultural preservation. Over time, fragmented into three different non-Arab factions.

House of Wisdom

Baghdad learning center preserving and translating classical works.

Proselytize

To attempt to convert others to your religion.

Sufism

Mystical Islamic tradition seeking personal union with God.

Syncretism

Blending of cultural or religious traditions.

Delhi Sultanate

First Islamic government in India, controlling the north.

Bhakti Movement

Hindu spiritual movement emphasizing personal connection to one deity. Did not discriminate against women or those of low social status.

Theravada Buddhism

Oldest branch of Buddhism, focused on original teachings.

Cahokia

Largest Mississippian mound.

Chinampas

Aztec floating gardens for farming.

Mit'a system

Mandatory public service.

Theocracy

Government type based on rule by religious leader(s).

Swahili

Language in Africa which was a blend of Bantu and Arabic.

Griots

Storytellers.

Feudalism

Political system of land exchange for loyalty.

Vassal

Person granted land in return for allegiance.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal.

Manorialism

Economic system of self-sufficient estates.

Serf

Agricultural laborer bound to a lord's estate.

Three-Field System

Crop rotation method to restore soil nutrients.

Magna Carta

Document limiting power of Kings.

Crusades

Christian military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land.

Renaissance

Revival of classical Greek and Roman art, culture, literature, and civic virtue in Europe.

Great Schism

Split between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.