Unit 1-2 Vocab Flashcards

Definitions (and some broader scopes hope they right lmfao)

Neo-Confucianism (culture)

A philosophical movement that emerged in medieval China, blending Confucian thought with Buddhist and Daoist principles, emphasizing moral integrity and the importance of education. (An ADAPTATION from the Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, was important to the structure and culture of China)

Eastern Orthodox Church (culture)

A major branch of Christianity that developed in the Eastern Roman Empire, characterized by its continuity with the apostolic church, its liturgical traditions, and its recognition of the Byzantine Emperor as the supreme authority in religious matters. (Seen majorly in Russia, Eastern Europe, Balkans, parts of Central Asia; Eastern Othrodox believed in Papal System = Pope authority over all)

Shi’a (culture)

A major branch of Islam that holds that Muhammad's successor should be from his family, Ali. Rejects first three Sunni caliphs. Shi’a Muslims emphasize the role of Imams as spiritual leaders. SAFFAVIDDDDSSS

Sunni (culture)

A major branch of Islam that believes in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs following Muhammad's death. Sunni Muslims emphasize community consensus and the role of scholars in interpreting Islamic teachings. OTTOMANNNNN

Chinampa (Americas)

A type of Mesoamerican agriculture involving the creation of floating gardens on the lakes and wetlands, used by the Aztecs to increase crop production. Rectangular plots of landd. Corns, beans, chilis, squas, tomatoes

Mit’a System ( Americas)

A labor system used by the Inca Empire that required subjects to provide a certain amount of work for the state in exchange for access to land and resources. This system was essential for agricultural production and infrastructure development. (Do nto confuse with mita which was used by conquistadors in the former Inca Empire)

Mandate of Heaven (East Asia, China)

A Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the Emperor, asserting that heaven grants the right to govern based on the ruler's ability to maintain harmony and prosperity. (The Mandate of Heaven states that the emperor's right to rule is contingent on their governance, and if they fail to do so, they may lose this divine approval.)

Champa Rice ( (East Asia, China)

A fast-maturing and drought-resistant rice variety originally from the Champa Kingdom in Vietnam, which helped to increase agricultural yields in China during the Tang and Song dynasties. Increased population significantly

Grand Canal (East Asia, China)

A large-scale waterway system in China that was constructed to facilitate trade and transportation, notably linking the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. It played a crucial role in economic development during the Sui and Tang dynasties. (Allowed grain to ship easily)

Al-Andalus (Islamic Golden Age)

The name given to the parts of the Iberian Peninsula that were under Muslim rule during the Middle Ages, known for its cultural, scientific, and philosophical advancements.

Astrolabe (Islamic Golden Age)

An instrument used historically for solving problems related to time and the position of celestial bodies. It was significant for navigation and astronomy during the medieval period.

Trans-Saharan trade (Islamic Golden age

Refers to the historical trade routes across the Sahara Desert, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and textiles between North and West Africa, significantly impacting cultural and economic landscapes.

Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of silk, spices, and other goods, as well as cultural, technological, and religious ideas.

Indian Ocean Trade

A historical maritime trade network that connected regions such as East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, enabling the exchange of goods like spices, textiles, and precious metals, along with cultural interactions. (Came with many technological advances such as the Junk, lateen sail, astrolabe, compass, and navigational charts.)

Feudalism (Europe 1300-1500)

A social and economic system in medieval Europe where society was structured around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service and protection, characterized by the hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs. This system defined land ownership and duties, with lords granting land to vassals in return for military service, while serfs worked the land, bound by obligation.

Bills of Exchange (Europe 1300-1500)

A financial instrument used in medieval trade to facilitate payments, allowing merchants to transfer money and make transactions without the physical exchange of currency, thus enhancing trade efficiency.

Crusades (Europe 1300-1500)

A series of religious wars undertaken by European Christians from the 11th to the 13th centuries aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim rule, leading to significant cultural and economic exchanges between Europe and the Middle East.

Ottomans (Nomadic Empires)

Group of Anatolian Turks who, in their dedication to Islam, attacked the weakening Byzantine empire and captured Constantinople 1453. Collapsed after WW1.

Mongols (Nomadic Empires)

Nomadic tribes known for their exceptional horseback riding skills and their vast empire that emerged in the 13th century under Genghis Khan, unifying a large portion of Asia and Europe through conquest and trade.

Ghengis Khan

The founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, he united the Mongol tribes and led a series of military campaigns that expanded the empire across much of Asia and into Europe.

Mansa Musa (civilization in Africa)

The ninth emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, known for his immense wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and promotion of education and trade, significantly influencing the economy and culture of West Africa.

Swahili city-states (civilization in Africa)

Independent coastal city-states that developed along the East African coast, known for their trade with Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants, and their unique blend of African and Islamic cultures. Swahili hybrid language !!

Melaka (economic + cultural exchange)

A historic trading hub in Southeast Asia that facilitated economic and cultural exchanges between various regions, including China, India, and the Middle East, significantly impacting trade routes and local cultures.

Bubonic Plague (economic + cultural exchange)

A deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which spread through trade routes in the 14th century, leading to significant demographic changes, economic disruption, and cultural shifts across Europe and Asia.

Ibn Battuta (economic + cultural exchange)

A Moroccan explorer and scholar who traveled extensively across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in the 14th century. His accounts provide valuable insights into the cultures, societies, and economies of the regions he visited.

Marco Polo (economic + cultural exchange)

A Venetian merchant and adventurer known for his travels to Asia in the 13th century, whose detailed accounts inspired exploration and contributed to European knowledge of the East.

Renaissance (recovery + renaissance, Asia + Europe)

A period of artistic and scientific self-discovery and relearning of classical wisdom, particularly from the 14th and through the 16th centuries; stimulated by the Crusaes and soldiers’ exposure to Muslim advances in math, science, and the arts; also led to questioning of the nature of religion and natural phenomena