Developments in Europe, the Mongol Empire, and Dar al-Islam

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical terms, political structures, religious events, and empires from medieval Europe, the Mongol Empire, and Dar al-Islam.

Great Schism

The split of the Christian church into two branches: the Roman Catholic Church (spanning most of Europe) and the Orthodox Church (spanning from Greece to Russia).

Crusades

Wars undertaken at God's command and authorized by the pope, most famously aimed at claiming Jerusalem and holy places associated with the life of Jesus from Islamic control.

Primogeniture

The inheritance practice where the eldest son in a family inherited the entire estate, leaving younger sons with little access to land and wealth.

High Middle Ages

A period from 1000 to 1300 marked by expansion, agricultural growth, increased trade, and a return to cities, supported by security from ended invasions and a warming trend after 750.

Feudalism

A decentralized political and military arrangement in medieval Europe and Japan where lords granted land to retainers in exchange for mutual obligations of defense and loyalty.

Vassals

Lesser lords who received protection and aid from greater lords and in return owed military service, payments or goods, and advice.

Serfdom

A form of coerced labor in which agricultural workers were bound to the land and passed along with it as chattel rather than bought and sold individually.

Manorialism

The economic and social system governing relations between landlords and their personal laborers, organized around virtually self-sufficient agricultural estates called manors.

Three-field system

An agricultural practice developed in medieval Europe where only a third of the land was left unplanted each year in order to regain soil fertility.

Genghis Khan

The Mongol leader born Temujin who united nomadic clans north of the Gobi Desert through alliances and ruthless tactics before expanding eastward against the Jin Empire.

Pax Mongolica

A period of Mongol peace established by Genghis Khan that secured trade routes, promoted religious tolerance, and emphasized centralized governance and infrastructure development.

Golden Horde

The Mongol army led by Batu, a grandson of Genghis Khan, that pushed westward into Russia and established tributary relationships.

Hulegu

A grandson of Genghis Khan who led the Mongol invasion into Abbasid territories, culminating in the destruction of Baghdad.

Yuan Dynasty

The ruling dynasty established in China by Kublai Khan, characterized by cultural exchange, religious tolerance, and the promotion of foreigners in government.

Umayyad Rule in Spain

An era of Islamic governance that fostered tolerance and prosperity while creating cultural exchanges that influenced European development.