Chapter 3: Becoming “The World,” 1000–1300

Themes of the period from 1000 to 1300 CE

Trade grew along coastal areas and sea-based routes. Four major cultural spheres. The Mongol Empire controlled land in many areas, integrating many of the world's cultural spheres.

Four major cultural spheres

the Islamic world, China, Europe, and India

Technological advancements improved trade

Chinese invention of magnetic compass. cogs (Atlantic), dhows with triangular sails (Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean), and junks (South China seas) assisted sailors with carrying more cargo

Maritime traders were protected by political authorities

Song Dynasty's navy protected traders and their ships going in and out of harbors. Fatimid caliphate (Egypt) defended from pirates, escorted ships, and regulated ocean traffic

Entrepots thrived as centers of maritime trade

Located near ports where ships could anchor. Each port contained a mix of unique goods, peoples, and ideas due to trade networks and improved technology

Three regions in the Islamic world

East (central Asia, Iran, eastern Iraq): remnants of the Abbasid state, caliphs, and Turkish military leaders. Core (Egypt, Syria, Arabian Peninsula): Arabic as the primary language, non-Arab military men in power. West (North Africa): Arab rulers, influence from Berbers

Sufism

Devotional and mystical form of Islam

Power of the Islamic world

-Most people in North Africa and Southwest Asia were Muslim, Arabic became more popular

India

-Located at the intersection of trade routes, Divided among rajas, Caste system and Hinduism were continuities

Song Dynasty

Controlled by Zhao Kuangyin, Northern nomadic tribes stopped China from being fully unified, Mongols brought the end

Economic and political developments

Millet, wheat, and rice fields, Iron plows and water buffalo aided crop production, Invention of gunpowder, Production of porcelain and clothing/fibers