Chapter 2 book

Civilization

A complex human society characterized by the development of cities, social stratification, and a form of government.

Daoism

An ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao, or the fundamental nature of the universe.

Tributary Relationship

A system where one nation or state acknowledges the superiority of another by paying tribute, often seen in relations between China and its neighbors.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty from 960 to 1279 known for its economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and advancements in technology and education.

Foot Binding

A Chinese custom practiced on young girls, involving tightly wrapping their feet to modify their shape, which signified beauty and social status.

Bushido

The code of honor and morals developed by the Japanese samurai, emphasizing loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honor.

Swahili Civilization

A series of city-states along the East African coast that developed from trade with Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants, featuring a blend of African, Arab, and Islamic cultures.

Aztec Empire

A powerful Mesoamerican empire that flourished from 1345 to 1528, known for its military conquests, tribute system, and practice of human sacrifice.

Inca Empire

A vast and highly organized civilization in the Andes Mountains from 1438 to 1533, known for its bureaucracy, architectural achievements, and the mita labor system.

European Renaissance

A cultural movement in Europe from the 14th to the 17th centuries emphasizing classical learning, art, and humanism, marking a renewed interest in ancient Greece and Rome.

Byzantine Empire

The continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, noted for its capital Constantinople and its significant cultural and religious influence in Europe and Asia.

Jizya

A tax historically levied on non-Muslims in an Islamic state, as a form of protection and acknowledgment of their religious status.

Medieval Serfdom

A condition of unfree labor in feudal Europe where serfs were bound to a lord's land and required to provide labor and services.

Mita System

An Incan labor system requiring citizens to work on government projects as a form of tribute, differing from the Aztec tribute system of goods.

Islamic Golden Age

A period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the history of Islam, from the 8th to 14th centuries, marked by great advances in various fields of knowledge.

Kievan Rus

A historical state that existed in Eastern Europe founded by Slavic tribes in the 9th century, associated with the establishment of Orthodox Christianity in the region.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting East and West, facilitating not only commerce but also cultural, technological, and religious exchanges.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening rice variety introduced to China from Vietnam, contributing to agricultural productivity and population growth during the Song dynasty.

Ottoman Empire

A powerful and long-lasting empire founded by Turkish tribes in the 14th century that expanded to cover parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Al-Andalus

A Muslim-ruled region in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, characterized by cultural interactions between Muslims, Christians, and Jews.