Key Historical Civilizations and Their Developments

These flashcards encompass essential vocabulary and key concepts related to historical civilizations, trade routes, economic systems, and cultural developments from the provided lecture notes.

Silk Roads

Trade routes connecting China, Central Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Mansa Musa

Ruler of the Mali Empire from 1307 to 1332, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade network that connected West Africa to North Africa, focusing on gold, salt, and enslaved people.

Songhai Empire

Successor to the Mali Empire, expanded under Sunni Ali and fell to Moroccan forces.

Mamluk Empire

Ruled Egypt starting from enslaved Turkish soldiers; known for cultural achievements in Cairo.

Ethiopia

Region practicing Coptic Christianity with significant historical sites, such as Lalibela.

Andean Civilizations

Civilizations in the Andes focused on agriculture, including the Inca Empire.

Quipu

A system of knotted strings used by Inca for record-keeping.

Feudalism

Social system in Europe based on land ownership and duties among lords and vassals.

Manorialism

Economic system of feudal Europe based on a self-sufficient estate.

Commercial Revolution

Period of economic expansion and trade growth in Europe.

Great Famine

A catastrophic crop failure in Europe between 1315 and 1322 leading to starvation.

Black Death

A plague epidemic that swept through Europe starting in 1347, causing massive population decline.

Renaissance

Period of revival of Classical learning and culture in Europe, beginning in Italy.

Medici Family

Powerful banking family of Florence who were major patrons of the arts.

Printing Press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, it revolutionized the production of books and increased literacy.

Renaissance Art

Characterized by realism, perspective, and a focus on individual human beings.

Michelangelo

Famous artist known for works like David and the Sistine Chapel.

Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance artist known for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Ottoman Empire

A major Islamic empire founded by Osman, known for military prowess and cultural achievements.

Genghis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire who united the tribes and created the largest land empire.

Kublai Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan who conquered China and established the Yuan Dynasty.

Hagia Sophia

Originally a cathedral, turned mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

Terrace farming

Agricultural practice used by the Inca to maximize arable land on mountainous terrain.

Cairo

Cultural center of the Islamic world during the Mamluk Empire.

Timbuktu

City in Mali famed for its mosques and universities.

Bantu culture

The traditional culture of the Bantu people influential in East Africa.

Swahili Coast

Eastern African region where Bantu and Arab cultures mixed due to trade.

Askia Muhammad

Leader of the Songhai who divided the empire into provinces and promoted Islamic learning.

Machu Picchu

An ancient Inca city located in the Andes mountains, renowned for its architectural beauty.

Agricultural innovations

Advancements that allowed civilizations like the Inca to thrive in various environments.

Psychological warfare

Methods used by the Mongols to instill fear and induce surrender without combat.

Mughal Empire

Muslim empire governing a large part of India, known for its rich culture and architecture.

Individualism

A principle of Renaissance thought focusing on the individual over the collective.

Code of Chivalry

A moral system of knightly behavior in medieval Europe emphasizing bravery and honor.

Gold and salt trade

Economic foundation of the Mali Empire through trans-Saharan commerce.

Pilgrimage to Mecca

A religious journey undertaken by Mansa Musa displaying his wealth and devotion.

Cultural center

A place known for the preservation and explosion of cultural knowledge and practices.

Knight

A mounted soldier of medieval Europe who was granted honor and land for military service.

Serfs

Peasants in the feudal system who were bound to work the land for their lords.

Guilds

Organizations of artisans and merchants in medieval towns that regulated trade.

Labor shortage

Economic condition resulting from population declines such as those of the Black Death.

Islamic learning

Education and scholarship under Islamic empires, prominent in cities like Timbuktu.

Florence

City in Italy recognized as the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Trade networks

Systems of interconnected routes facilitating commerce between different regions.

Ottoman conquest of Constantinople

The 1453 capture of the city by Mehmed II, marking a significant shift in power.

Psychological terror

Strategies used by Mongols, such as reputation for brutality, to subdue enemies.

Dhow

Traditional sailing vessel used in Indian Ocean trade.

Mali Empire

West African empire known for its wealth, trade, and cultural centers.

Silk

Luxury fabric that was a major trade item along the Silk Roads.

Olive oil

Important trade good exchanged for valuable commodities like silk.

Cultural achievements

Significant advancements and contributions to arts and sciences from civilizations.

Aristocracy

A form of government in which power is in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class.

Economic system

The means by which goods and services are produced and distributed within a society.

Psychological impact

Influence on a population's mindset due to events such as pandemics or warfare.

Labor relations

The dynamics and agreements between workers and their employers in various systems.

Manorial estate

A self-sufficient estate ruled by a lord and worked by serfs during the feudal period.

Knights Templar

Medieval Christian military order known for their role in the Crusades.

Cultural revival

Renewal and reinvigoration of art, philosophy, and learning in a society.

Islamic architecture

Distinct style of building that flourished in Islamic cultures, characterized by domes and minarets.