CENTRAL ASIA + WESTERN EUROPE STUDY DECK

How did geography impact Central Asia’s history?

Harsh steppe environment led to pastoral nomadism, mobility, weak centralized states, and frequent conflict with settled societies.

How did Turkic migrations change Central Asia?

Caused Turkification (language shift), spread Islam, and blended nomadic and Persian-Islamic cultures.

How did nomadic life help conquest?

Mobility, horse archery, independence from supply lines, and advanced battle tactics made nomads highly effective militarily.

What sped up Islamization?

Trade routes, Sufi missionaries, and rulers converting to Islam.

How did Genghis Khan differ from earlier leaders?

Broke tribal loyalties, promoted by merit, enforced law (Yasa), and created a unified military structure.

What allowed Genghis Khan to unite the Mongols?

Military success, loyalty networks, discipline, and reorganization of society.

What was the significance of Inju?

System of land/revenue assignment used to govern settled populations in the Chagatai Khanate.

What role did religion play in the Ilkhanate?

Initially tolerant, later conversion to Islam strengthened political legitimacy.

Why did Timur externalize violence?

To prevent internal conflict by directing aggression outward through conquest.

What were the foreign vs internal influences in Central Asia?

Both shaped the region—external (Islam, trade) and internal (nomadic traditions).

Should Afghanistan & Iran be considered Central Asia?

Similar due to Mongol conquest and Islam, but different due to stronger urban and Persian traditions.

Was nomadic vs sedentary conflict the main force?

Very important, but not the only factor (religion, trade, politics also mattered).

What is the legacy of Central Asian conquests?

Spread of trade, ideas, and cultural blending across Eurasia.

What is pastoral nomadism?

Mobile lifestyle based on herding animals.

What is the Silk Road?

Trade network connecting East Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.

What is Turkification?

Spread of Turkic language and culture.

What is Islamization?

Gradual spread of Islam across the region.

What is Sufism?

Mystical form of Islam that helped spread the religion.

What is the Yasaviyah Order?

Sufi movement influential in Central Asia.

What is the Naqshbandi Order?

Major Sufi order spreading Islam.

Who is Temujin (Genghis Khan)?

Founder of the Mongol Empire.

What is Yasa?

Law code established by Genghis Khan.

What is Quriltay?

Assembly of Mongol leaders to make decisions.

What is Qaghan?

Title meaning 'Great Khan.'

What is Ulus?

Territory or people ruled by a Mongol leader.

What is the Golden Horde?

Mongol state that ruled over Russia.

What is the Chagatai Khanate?

Mongol state in Central Asia.

What is the Ilkhanate?

Mongol state in Persia.

Who is Mahmud Ghazan?

Ilkhan ruler who converted to Islam.

Who is Batu?

Leader of the Golden Horde.

Who is Berke Khan?

Golden Horde ruler who converted to Islam.

Who is Hulegu Khan?

Founder of the Ilkhanate.

Who is General Subedei?

Brilliant Mongol general.

Who is General Jebe?

Mongol general known for strategic campaigns.

Who is Timur (Tamerlane)?

Conqueror who revived steppe warfare traditions.

What is Inju?

Land/revenue assignment system.

What is the nomad battle strategy?

Feigned retreat and ambush tactics.

What is the recurve bow?

Powerful composite bow used on horseback.

What is the Mongol horse?

Small, durable horse key to Mongol success.

What was the Battle of Talas River?

751 battle that limited Chinese expansion and boosted Islam.

Who are the Samanids?

Early Islamic dynasty in Central Asia.

What is Transoxiana?

Region between major rivers in Central Asia.

What is the Orkhon Steppe?

Mongol homeland.

Who held power in feudalism?

Local nobles/lords.

Why did towns grow in the 11th century?

Trade revival, agricultural surplus, and population growth.

Why did agriculture improve?

New technologies and the three-field system.

What were the results of Church reform?

Stronger papacy, less corruption, and conflict with rulers.

What did Pope Urban II call for?

The First Crusade.

How did Capetian kings strengthen power?

Expanded royal lands and built administration.

Why did Frederick Barbarossa & II fail in Italy?

Resistance from Italian city-states and the pope.

What was the Reconquista?

Christian reconquest of Muslim Spain.

What are the diet differences?

Nobles ate meat; peasants ate grains/vegetables.

What caused the Black Death?

Bubonic plague spread via trade routes.

Why did Genoese explore?

To find trade routes and wealth.

Why did Columbus think he could reach Asia westward?

Underestimated Earth’s size.

What is feudalism?

System of land-based power and obligations.

What is a fief?

Land granted in exchange for service.

What is a vassal?

Person granted land in return for loyalty.

What is the Magna Carta?

Document limiting the English king’s power.

What is the Investiture Controversy?

Conflict over who appoints church officials.

What is the Concordat of Worms?

Agreement resolving investiture conflict.

What is a Crusade?

Religious war to reclaim holy lands.

What are Crusader States?

Christian states formed in the Middle East.

What is the Black Death?

Pandemic that killed ~1/3 of Europe.

What is the Three-field System?

Crop rotation system improving agriculture.

Who are the Bourgeois?

Town middle class.

What is Parliament?

Representative assembly in England.

What is Cortes?

Spanish representative assembly.

What is the Avignon Papacy?

Period when popes lived in France.

What is the Great Schism?

Division within the Catholic Church.

What is Scholasticism?

Method of learning using logic and debate.

What is a University?

Higher education institution (Bologna, Paris, etc.).

What is Humanism?

Renaissance focus on human potential.

What is the Italian Renaissance?

Cultural revival starting in Italy.

What is a Portolan Chart?

Detailed navigation map.

What is a Population Sink?

Area where deaths exceed births (like cities pre-modern era).

What are Malthusian Limits?

Limits on population growth due to resources.