WHAP Unit 1 Vocabulary

Khitans

Khitans

Nomadic peoples of Manchuria who founded the Liao dynasty, rivaling the Song dynasty in the 11th century.

Neo-Confucians

Philosophy in Song-dynasty China that revived Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist elements, emphasizing morality.

Xi Xia

Kingdom of Tangut people north of Song China, draining resources and burdening the peasantry.

Wang Anshi

Song dynasty chief minister who introduced Legalist reforms, facing opposition from Confucian ministers.

Jurchens

Founders of the Jin kingdom, forcing the Song dynasty to flee south, leading to the Southern Song dynasty.

Southern Song

Rump state of Song dynasty known for cultural peak, Neo-Confucian revival, and economic expansion.

Champa Rice

Quick-maturing rice allowing two harvests, leading to agricultural expansion in Tang and Song dynasties.

Grand Canal

Built during the Sui dynasty, linking northern China with the Yangtze river basin, aiding agricultural and commercial growth.

Foot binding

Tang-Song era practice constricting women's feet, symbolizing China's patriarchal society.

Samurai

Japanese military class protecting Shoguns and Daimyos, promoting warrior values during the Bakufu era.

Gempei Wars

Five-year conflict between Taira and Minamoto families leading to the establishment of the Bakufu military government in Japan.

Daimyo

Warlord rulers of small states in Japan, stabilizing village life and supporting rural communities.

Sinification

Adoption of Chinese culture in regions like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, influencing language, Confucianism, and art.

Koryo Dynasty

Korean kingdom that led to cultural advancements like Buddhism expansion and metal moveable printing press.

Mamluks

Muslim slave warriors who established a dynasty in Egypt, defeating the Mongols and halting their advance.

Al-Tusi

Islamic scholar who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and trigonometry.

House of Wisdom

Academic center in Baghdad fostering scholarly growth, preserving ancient knowledge, and advancing academia.

Astrolabe

Muslim astronomical instrument aiding navigation and determining prayer times.

Sunnism

Islamic faith supporting the first four caliphs and following Muhammed's example, leading to conflicts with Shia.

Sufism

Muslim mystics seeking communion with God through meditation and rituals, contributing to the spread of Islam.

Delhi Sultanate

First Islamic government in India (1206-1520) centered in Delhi, ruled by a Sultanate, maintaining social structure, and establishing customs like sati and ban on widow remarriage.

Theravada Buddhism

Branch of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, close to original principles, emphasizes individual enlightenment over gods.

Mahayana Buddhism

Branch of Buddhism in China, Japan, and Central Asia, focuses on reverence for Buddha and bodhisattvas, significant developments in Buddhist doctrines.

Tibetan Buddhism

Doctrine in Tibet and China, combines Indian and shamanistic elements, influenced politics, arts, and social norms.

Sultanate of Malacca

Portuguese trade town in Malayan peninsula, controlled trade in Malay Archipelago, center for commercial activity and trade.

Sundiata

"Lion Prince" of Mali Empire, created unified state, established basic rules of Malinke society, and influenced Mali's government.

Griots

Oral historians in Mali Empire, keepers of traditions and advisors to kings, began epic histories like Sundiata.

Ibn Battuta

Arab traveler describing African societies, spreading information about African society and trade routes.

Timbuktu

Flourishing city in Western Sudan for trade and academic exchange, with Muslim universities and mosques.

Songhay

Successor state to Mali, dominated Niger valley, fusion of Islamic and pagan practices, remained powerful until the 16th century.

Mansa Musa

Mali emperor known for pilgrimage to Mecca, cultivating Islamic studies and faith.

Sharia

Islamic sacred law, outlines customs of Muslims, contrasts with Sudanic states' matrilineal customs.

Swahili City-States

Flourishing Muslim city-states along the Swahili Coast, traded ivory, gold, slaves, and exotic animals.

Kongo

Agricultural kingdom on Congo River, ruled by hereditary monarchy, advanced in weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing.

Great Zimbabwe

Bantu confederation in Southern Africa, center for international trade, developed advanced architectural monuments.

Camel Saddles

Device for efficient camel travel, promoted trade along Silk Road and Arabian Peninsula.

Monsoon Winds

Tropical winds in Southeast Asia, influenced overseas trade and transportation.

Luxury Goods

Expensive, desired goods like silk and jewelry, boosted economies and trade along Silk Road.

Caravans

Groups traveling together for protection, re-established trade routes without fear of robbery.