WHAP SAQ definitions unit 1

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy focused on social harmony, proper relationships, and respect for authority.

Filial piety

Respect and obedience children owe to their parents and ancestors in Confucian thought.

Taoism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing living in harmony with the Tao, or 'the Way,' often focusing on nature and balance.

Tao

The 'Way' or natural order of the universe in Taoist philosophy.

Bodhisattva

In Mahayana Buddhism, an enlightened being who delays final nirvana to help others achieve salvation.

Gunpowder

A Chinese invention first used for fireworks, later adapted for weapons like bombs and cannons.

Canals

Man-made waterways, such as the Grand Canal in China, that boosted trade and transport.

Champa rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice from Vietnam that supported population growth in China.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that rulers held power as long as they had heaven's approval; loss of order meant loss of mandate.

Imperial Examination System

Chinese civil service exams based on Confucian classics used to select officials.

Shi

Scholar-officials in China who succeeded through the exam system.

Empire

A large political unit made up of many regions or peoples ruled by one authority.

Caliph

The religious and political leader of the Islamic community after Muhammad.

Abbasids

A major Islamic dynasty (750-1258) that ruled during the 'Golden Age of Islam.'

Dar al-Islam

Lands where Islam was practiced and Islamic culture spread.

House of Wisdom

A major center of learning in Baghdad where scholars advanced knowledge.

Translation Movement

Scholars translating Greek and other texts into Arabic, preserving and expanding knowledge.

Trans-Saharan/Gold-Salt Trade Routes

Trade networks linking West Africa with North Africa, exchanging gold, salt, and other goods.

Mali Empire

A wealthy West African empire known for trade and Islamic culture.

Mansa Musa

The ruler of Mali famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca and massive wealth.

Swahili city-states

Coastal East African trade hubs connected to Indian Ocean commerce.

Bantu migrations

Movements of Bantu-speaking peoples spreading language, ironworking, and agriculture in Africa.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful southern African city known for its massive stone architecture.

Griot

West African storytellers and oral historians who preserved traditions.

Popol Vuh

A Mayan creation story text.

Historical claim

An argument made using evidence from history.

Continuity

Things that stayed the same over time in history.

State-building

The process of creating and organizing political institutions and power.

Proselytize

To spread a religion and try to convert others.

Khmer Empire

A powerful Southeast Asian empire (800-1400s) known for Angkor Wat.

Delhi Sultanate

Muslim rule established in India (1206-1526).

Bhakti Movement

Hindu devotional movement focusing on personal connection to deities.

Sufi

Islamic mystics who spread Islam through personal devotion and missionary work.

Monasticism

The religious way of life where individuals live apart from society to focus on faith.

Silk Road

Major trade routes connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Caravan

Groups of traders traveling together across long trade routes.

Caravanserai

Roadside inns along trade routes that provided rest and safety for merchants.

Nomadic pastoralist

People who raise livestock and move with them for grazing.

Khanate

A political region ruled by a Mongol khan.

Genghis Khan

The founder and leader of the Mongol Empire.

Trebuchet

A powerful medieval siege weapon used by Mongols and others.

Pax Mongolica

The 'Mongol Peace,' a period of safety and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Yassa

Genghis Khan's legal code.

Yam system

A relay postal and trade communication system set up by the Mongols.

Kublai Khan

Mongol leader who founded the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Yuan Dynasty

Mongol dynasty that ruled China in the 13th-14th centuries.

Timurid Empire

Central Asian empire founded by Timur, blending Mongol and Islamic cultures.

Decentralization

Political power spread among many rulers or regions instead of one strong authority.

Manorialism

The medieval system where peasants worked land owned by lords in exchange for protection.

Feudalism

A political system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service in medieval Europe.

Roman Catholic Church

The dominant Christian institution in Western Europe during the Middle Ages.

Eastern Orthodox Church

Branch of Christianity centered in Byzantium/Eastern Europe after the Great Schism.

Crusades

Religious wars between Christians and Muslims to control the Holy Land.

Mesoamerica

Region of Mexico and Central America with advanced ancient civilizations.

Mayan city-states

Independent Mayan political centers like Tikal or Chichen Itza.

Mayan calendar

A complex calendar system based on astronomy and mathematics.

Mexica

Indigenous people later known as the Aztecs.

Tenochtitlan

Capital city of the Aztecs, built on an island in Lake Texcoco.

Chinampa

Aztec floating gardens used for farming on lakes.

Tributary state

A state that pays tribute to a stronger state for protection or recognition.

Inca

Powerful South American empire in the Andes.

Mit'a

Inca system of labor tax where people worked for the state.

Andenes

Terraces built into mountains for Inca agriculture.

Royal roads

Extensive road networks built by empires like the Inca to unify and control territory.