Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (1200 - 1450)

Crusades

A series of religious wars in the late 11th century that helped expand trade networks between Europe and Asia.

Silk Roads

Ancient trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture.

Abbasid Empire

A significant Islamic caliphate that revived trade routes of the Silk Roads during the 8th and 9th centuries.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire that allowed trade to flourish.

Caravanserai

Inns along the Silk Roads that provided resting places for travelers and their animals.

Hanseatic League

A commercial alliance formed by European cities to control trade routes in Northern Europe.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire, known for his brutal military tactics and unification of the Mongol tribes.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of different cultural practices, seen in regions like Swahili Coast due to trade.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean that were crucial for maritime navigation.

Zheng He's Voyages

Ming Dynasty maritime expeditions that showcased Chinese power and promoted cultural exchange.

Champa Rice

A drought-resistant rice variety from Vietnam that significantly boosted agricultural production in China.

Mansa Musa

The grand-nephew of Sundiata, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and for establishing wealth in the Mali Empire.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

Trade routes across the Sahara desert that facilitated the exchange of goods, especially gold and salt.

Gunpowder

A technological advancement from China that had significant implications for warfare, brought to Europe through trade.

Spice Islands

An area in Southeast Asia known for its rich export of spices, crucial for trade networks.

Diasporic Communities

Merchant settlements that developed in port cities, facilitating cultural exchange and trade.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, often through trade.

Boulevard de la Villette

The canal district in Paris known for its historical significance in trade and culture.

Flying Cash

An early form of paper currency developed in China that facilitated trade and transactions.

Ivory Coast

A region in West Africa where trade in goods like ivory flourished, especially in trade with the Arabic world.

Hinduism and Buddhism Spread

The transmission of Indian religions to Southeast Asia, influencing local cultures and societies.