unit 8 UT world history

Buddhism

A religion of eastern and central Asia that is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha.

Bureaucracy

An administrative policy-making group; a government characterized by specialization of functions, adherence to fixed rules, and a hierarchy of authority.

Caravanserais

An inn surrounding a court in eastern countries where caravans rest at night.

Civil Service Exam

A test to get a job in the civil service (the administrative part of the government).

Daoist

A Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu that stresses loving simply and honestly and in harmony with nature.

Dynasty

A family of rulers who rule over a country for a long period of time.

Golden Horde

A body of Mongols that overran eastern Europe in the 13th century and dominated Russia until 1486.

Grand Canal

A canal about 1000 miles long in China from Hangzhou to Tianjin.

Jurchen

A group of people who inhabited the region of Manchuria until the 17th century.

Kurultai

A political and military council of ancient Mongol chiefs and khans.

Mangonels

A military device used for throwing stones and other missiles.

Pax Mongolica

A phrase used to describe the stabilizing effects of the conquests of the Mongol Empire on the social, cultural and economic life of the inhabitants of the empire.

Sericulture

The production of raw silk by raising silkworms.

Silk

A smooth, soft, and shiny cloth that is made from thread produced by silkworms.

Silk Road

Ancient trade route that extended from China to the Mediterranean Sea.

Steppes

A large, flat area of land with grass and very few trees, especially in eastern Europe and Asia.

Stirrups

One of two loops that are attached to a saddle for the rider’s feet.

The Great Tang Code

A penal code that was established and used during the Tang Dynasty in China.

Tribute

Something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone.

White Lotus Society

A sect of Buddhism in China.

Yurts

A circular domed tent of skins or felt stretched over a collapsible lattice framework and used by pastoral peoples of inner Asia.