Unit 1: Geography, Religions, Renaissance

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts from Unit 1, including major world empires, religions, and terminology related to the Renaissance and trade routes.

Mughal India

Also known as the Mongol Empire, it was established in India in the 1500's.

Songhai Empire

A West African Islamic kingdom that conquered Mali in the late 1400's and served as the salt/gold trading center in Africa.

Renaissance

Meaning "rebirth" of classical knowledge, this era followed the Middle Ages, began in Italy, and led to the birth of the modern world.

Humanism

A belief in the value of the human rather than the supernatural (magical/godly).

Empire

A group of states or territories under the sovereign power of an emperor or government.

Republic

A system of government in which officials are elected.

Buddhism

A religion/philosophy founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), anchored by the belief in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus with belief in the New Testament (Bible), Heaven/Hell, and the Holy Trinity.

Hinduism

An Indian-born religion with no founder; beliefs include the Caste System, reincarnation, karma, and dharma, with the Vedas and Upanishads as holy books.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad where Allah is the supreme god; followers (Muslims) follow the Quran and the Five Pillars.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion founded by Abraham in the Middle East; followers (Jews) follow the Torah and believe the messiah has not yet come.

Maritime routes

Sea trade routes located along the Indian Ocean.

Silk roads

Routes from East Asia used by traders to carry silk and other goods to the Mediterranean Basin.

Trans-Saharan routes

Roads traveled across the Saharan area of Africa.

Advancements

Scientific and technical progress or improvements.

Fresco

A painting done directly on wet plaster on a wall, which dries as the plaster dries.

Vernacular

The commonly spoken language or dialect of a specific place or group of people.

Patron

A rich person who supports an artist or writer, usually with money.

Secular

Not religious; not connected to or controlled by a church.

Dissemination

The distribution or spread of something, such as ideas.