Unit 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to Major Civilizations (1200-1450)

China (Song to Yuan Dynasties) Key Developments

Agricultural advances, introduction of fast-ripening rice, innovations like gunpowder, the compass, and printing technology.

China (Song to Yuan Dynasties) Geographical Context

Vast river systems like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers supported agricultural development.

China (Song to Yuan Dynasties) Geographical Context 2

Eastern coastline facilitated maritime trade.

Japan (Kamakura to Muromachi Periods) Key Developments

Establishment of the shogunate system.

Japan (Kamakura to Muromachi Periods) Key Developments 2

Rise of samurai culture.

Japan (Kamakura to Muromachi Periods) Key Developments 3

Spread of Zen Buddhism.

Japan (Kamakura to Muromachi Periods) Geographical Context

Mountainous archipelago isolated Japan, fostering a unique culture.

Japan (Kamakura to Muromachi Periods) Geographical Context 2

Proximity to the sea shaped defensive strategies.

Middle East (Abbasid Caliphate and it’s Fragmentation) Key Developments

Islamic Golden Age under the Abbasids.

Middle East (Abbasid Caliphate and it’s Fragmentation) Key Developments 2

Rise of successor states post-Mongol conquests.

Middle East (Abbasid Caliphate and it’s Fragmentation) Geographical Context

Tigris and Euphrates rivers nurtured Mesopotamian civilizations.

Middle East (Abbasid Caliphate and it’s Fragmentation) Geographical Context 2

Arid climate and deserts influenced settlement and trade.

North Africa (Ayyubid and Mamluk Sultanates) Key Developments

Military organization.

North Africa (Ayyubid and Mamluk Sultanates) Key Developments 2

Architecture, like Cairo’s Al-Azhar University.

North Africa (Ayyubid and Mamluk Sultanates) Geographical Context

Sahara Desert facilitated trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, and slaves.

Delhi Sultanate Key Developments

Consolidation of Muslim rule.

Delhi Sultanate Key Developments 2

Administrative innovations.

Delhi Sultanate Key Developments 3

Indo-Islamic culture and architecture.

Delhi Sultanate Geographical Context

Fertile plains of the Ganges and Indus rivers supported dense populations.

Delhi Sultanate Geographical Context 2

Himalayas provided a natural defense barrier.

Mali Empire Key Developments

Control of gold mining and trade routes.

Mali Empire Key Developments 2

Notable rulers like Mansa Musa enhanced the empire’s status.

Mali Empire Geographical Context

Positioned on trans-Saharan trade routes.

Mali Empire Geographical Context 2

Niger River supported agriculture and urban centers like Timbuktu.

Western Europe/ Byzantine Empire Key Developments

Rise of feudalism, urbanization, universities, and Gothic architecture.

Western Europe/ Byzantine Empire Geographical Context

Diverse landscape influenced political and cultural developments.

Western Europe/ Byzantine Empire Geographical Context 2

Coastlines facilitated trade and military ventures like the Crusades.