Kingdoms and Empires - 9th Grade World History Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key people, civilizations, religious traditions, concepts, and trade networks from the Kingdoms and Empires study guide.

Catholic Church

An institution in Medieval Europe that became an important source of leadership, education, and unity.

Monasteries

Religious communities that helped preserve knowledge and ideas from the past in Medieval Europe.

Feudal System

A medieval system in which land was exchanged for loyalty and services.

Serfs

Peasants who worked the land and were positioned at the bottom of the feudal system.

Magna Carta (1215)

An English document issued in 1215 that limited the power of the English king.

Crusades

Religious wars fought by Christians to gain control of the Holy Land.

Black Death

A deadly disease that killed about one-third of Europe's population and spread along trade routes.

Charlemagne

King of the Franks who was crowned Emperor in 800 A.D. and supported education and learning.

Chichen Itza

A famous city of the Maya civilization in Mesoamerica.

Tenochtitlan

The capital city of the Aztec civilization located in central Mexico.

Chinampas

Floating gardens built by the Aztecs to adapt to life near a lake and grow crops.

Machu Picchu

A famous city of the Inca civilization located in the Andes Mountains of South America.

Terrace Farming

An agricultural adaptation used by the Incas to grow crops on steep hillsides and mountain slopes.

Quipu

Knotted strings used by the Inca civilization to keep records.

Mansa Musa

Ruler of Mali who became famous for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed gold and attracted traders, scholars, and architects.

Timbuktu

A city in the Mali Empire that became an important center of learning, with schools and libraries.

Genghis Khan

Leader who united the Mongols and conquered a large empire.

Compound Bow

A weapon that helped Mongol soldiers shoot accurately while riding horses.

Pax Mongolica

A period when Mongol rule made trade along the Silk Road safer.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

Trade routes crossing the Sahara Desert, primarily known for trading gold and salt.

Silk Road

A major trade route connecting China with areas of Asia and Europe, largely controlled by the Mongols during the 1200s.

Indian Ocean Trade Route

A maritime trade route known for the exchange of spices, gems, cotton, and textiles.

Western European Trade Route

A trade route known for the transport of wool, salted fish, olive oil, and weapons.

Northern European Trade Route

A trade route connected to the Black Sea that was known for the exchange of furs and amber.

Ottoman Empire

A major empire located across parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe around 1500.

Buddhism

A religion founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama that teaches desire is a cause of suffering.

Islam

A religion whose followers believe in one God and follow the Five Pillars.