Mongol Rule, Global Impact, and the Indian Ocean Sea Roads

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Mongol conquest and indirect rule of Russia (Golden Horde), the global diplomatic and commercial impacts of the Mongol Empire, the spread of the Black Death, and maritime trade across the Indian Ocean Sea Roads.

Golden Horde

The Mongol khanate controlling present-day Russia, characterized by indirect rule from the steppe through fear, violent raids, and heavy taxation rather than direct governing.

Moscow

The Russian city that emerged as the core of Russia because the Mongols chose it as their primary tribute and tax collection center.

Gold brocade

A luxury textile made from silk in China and gold from other regions woven together in India, illustrating the multi-regional goods made possible by Mongol trade circuits.

Diplomatic mission

The practice instituted by the Mongols of sending official representatives to other regions to negotiate, discuss treaties, and prevent direct warfare.

Black Death

A massive pandemic that originated in Mongol-controlled China, was transmitted by fleas on rats, and became the death knell of European feudalism.

Sea Roads

The Indian Ocean trade network that functioned as the world's largest sea-based system of communication and exchange, moving bulk common goods alongside luxury items.

Junk

A massive wooden cargo ship developed in China featuring large square sails, designed to carry heavy common and luxury goods in bulk.

Dhow

A style of ship developed in China and used across the Indian Ocean that utilized a triangular lateen sail for speed and steering.

Lateen sail

A triangular sail utilized on dhow ships that allowed sailors to maneuver and guide their vessels against the wind.

Monsoon winds

Predictable seasonal wind patterns in the Indian Ocean that blew west from November to February and east from April to September, dictating maritime navigation and trade schedules.

Archipelago of towns

A descriptive term for the interconnected chain of coastal trading posts and port towns established along the rim of the Indian Ocean.

Fulcrum (of Indian Ocean trade)

The central geographic balancing role played by India, serving as the primary midway point where merchants exchanged goods between the East and the West.

Thalassocracy

An empire or state whose power and territory are primarily maritime or overseas, exemplified historically by Srivijaya.

Strait of Malacca

A vital, strategic waterway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, essential for direct maritime access to China.

Swahili civilization

A network of independent, commercial East African city-states shaped by cultural diffusion between Arabic and African dialects and characterized by orthodox, Islamized governance.

Kilwa

A prominent commercial city-state and major maritime trading hub located along the East African Swahili coast.