Nomadic Societies in Central Asia

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to nomadic societies in Central Asia, focusing on their lifestyle, social organization, and interaction with surrounding settled societies.

Nomad

A person who moves from place to place in search of food and grazing land for their livestock.

Central Asian Steppe

A large area of grassland in Central Asia characterized by limited rainfall and lack of fertile soil for large-scale agriculture.

Yurt

A semi-permanent dwelling used by nomadic peoples that can be assembled or disassembled for movement.

Seasonal Migration

The practice of moving to different locations at different times of the year based on resources and climate.

Clan-based Society

A social structure where groups are organized into clans based on extended family ties and common ancestry.

Cavalry

Soldiers who fight on horseback, which were essential to the military strategy of nomadic societies.

Merit-based Leadership

A system where leadership and authority are determined by skill and ability rather than hereditary status.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes connecting East and West, significantly influenced by nomadic peoples trading while they migrated.

Herding

The practice of caring for and managing large groups of domesticated animals.

Khan

A title for a leader or military commander in some nomadic societies.