UNIT 1 AMSCO

Song Dynasty

A major Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for wealth, political stability, vibrant arts, and significant innovation in technology and manufacturing.

Mongol Empire

The largest land empire in history founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, known for unifying vast territories and facilitating cross-Eurasian trade.

Tributary System

A system in which foreign states were required to pay tribute to China in exchange for trade and political legitimacy.

Meritocracy

A system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, notably used in the civil service examinations of the Song Dynasty.

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice from Champa (modern Vietnam) that allowed for double-cropping and significantly increased agricultural productivity in China.

Foot Binding

A tradition in which young girls' feet were tightly bound to prevent growth, symbolizing status and affecting women’s mobility in Chinese society.

Neo-Confucianism

A syncretic system that combines Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, focusing on ethics and social behavior, which influenced governance and education in East Asia.

Buddhism

A religion that originated in India and spread to China and other parts of Asia, emphasizing personal spiritual growth and promoting doctrines like compassion and enlightenment.

Civil Service Exam

An examination based on Confucian texts that enabled Chinese citizens to qualify for government positions, promoting official selection based on merit.

Urbanization in Song China

The process during the Song Dynasty where there was significant growth in cities, leading to increased commerce, culture, and demographics.

Ming Prohibition Ordinance

Policies initiated in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) aimed at regulating commerce and moral conduct in East Asia.

Sufi

A mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes a personal connection to the divine and often blends local cultural practices in its teachings.

Abbasid Caliphate

A major Islamic empire (750–1258) known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age.

The Tale of Genji

Considered the world's first novel, written by Murasaki Shikibu in Japan during the Heian period, depicting court life.

Great Schism

The split of Christianity into Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy in 1054, which significantly shaped religious and political dynamics in Europe.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire, known for his military strategies and unification of Mongolian tribes into the largest contiguous empire in history.

Mansa Musa

The ruler of the Mali Empire during its peak in the 14th century, known for his extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca and promotion of education and Islam.

Hinduism

A major religious and cultural tradition originating in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a diversity of beliefs and practices.

Jizya

A tax historically levied on non-Muslims living in an Islamic state, particularly during the period of the Delhi Sultanate.

Chivalry

The medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious code emphasizing bravery, honor, and respect toward women.

Zheng He

Chinese explorer and diplomat during the Ming Dynasty known for leading seven maritime expeditions to establish trade and diplomatic relationships.

Mongolian Conquests

A series of military campaigns led by Genghis Khan and his successors that expanded the Mongol Empire across Asia and into Europe.

Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes connecting East and West, crucial for cultural, commercial, and technological exchange.