Medieval Civilizations and Empires

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, empires, and concepts from the provided lecture notes on medieval civilizations.

Song Dynasty

A 'golden age' in China (10th-13th centuries) characterized by a large patriarchy, the beginning of foot binding, Confucian philosophy, and influencing Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures.

Economic Revolution (Song Dynasty)

Began in the 12th century, marked by significant economic growth and the introduction of Champa rice.

Hangzhou

The capital city of China during the Song Dynasty.

Hangul

The unique Korean script created by the Koreans themselves.

Chu Nom

A Vietnamese script heavily influenced by Chinese characters.

Bushido

Meaning 'way of the warrior,' a code of conduct emphasizing bravery, loyalty, and martial skill.

Abbasid Caliphate

An Arab dynasty that theoretically ruled over the Arab world (Middle East), beginning to decline in power in the 8th century.

Seljuk Turkic Empire

An empire (11th-12th century) formed by Turks from Central Asia who gained political and military power as the Abbasid Caliphate declined; their ruler was the first to be called a 'sultan'.

Ottoman Empire

A Muslim Turkish empire (14th-20th century) encompassing the Anatolian Peninsula, North Africa, and most of the Balkans; it was the longest-lasting and biggest Islamic empire, powerfully influenced by its trade location.

Vijayanagar Empire

An empire that thrived in Southern India from the 13th to 16th century, noted for the coexistence of Muslim and Hindu communities.

Schism of 1054

The historical split between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communities due to disagreements and political conflict.

Byzantine Empire

An empire that claimed Roman heritage, spoke Greek, declined around 1200, and fell in 1453.

Serfdom

A system of servitude or 'slavery' that was part of the feudal structure of society.

Feudalism

A political and economic system in medieval Europe where land (a fief) was granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty, military service, or labor, establishing a hierarchical structure.

Inca Empire

A prominent American empire.

Al-Andalus

The Muslim name for Spain, which was a center of significant cultural influence.

Sultanate of Delhi

Established in India in 1206, marking the beginning of Muslim rule and known for the violent destruction of Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Cyrillic Alphabet

A script used by Kievan Rus (Russia) for writing Slavic languages starting in the 9th century.

Manoralism

A European economic system where society was structured into thousands of self-sufficient manors ruled by lords, closely tied to feudalism.

Roman Catholic Church

A powerful religious institution in medieval Europe that wielded political power, could crown kings, and was led by a Pope.

Eastern Orthodox Church

A Christian community predominantly practiced in Central and Eastern Europe, characterized by caesaropapism (the king holding authority over the church) and led by a Patriarch instead of a Pope.