World History (Unit 1) 1200-1450

Vocabulary

Pastoralists

semi

nomadic herders of domesticated animals

Patriarchy

a system of society in which men hold the power

Social Stratifcation

a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy

Metallurgy

the science of working with metals

Monotheism

belief in one god

Polytheism

belief in more than one god

Shamanism

The practice of identifying special individuals (shamans) who will interact with spirits for the benefit of the community.

Animism

The belief that bodies of water, animals, trees, and other natural objects have souls

Judaism

A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people. Developed written scriptures and an ethical code (Torah, 10 Commandments) over time.

Vedas

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.

Hinduism

A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms

Monasticism

A way of life in which men and women withdraw from the rest of the world in order to devote themselves to their faith (as monks and nuns)

commodity

valuable product

Legitimacy

the popular acceptance of an authority, like a King or ruler

Caste System

a set of rigid social categories that determined not only a person's occupation, but also his or her position in society

Mandate of Heaven

an ancient Chinese belief and philosophical idea that tiān (heaven) granted emperors the right to rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.

Reincarnation

the rebirth of a soul in a new body.

Eightfold Path

In Buddhism, the path to nirvana. Comprises eight aspects in which an aspirant must become practiced: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Confucianism

A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society and stresses a moral code of conduct.

Buddhism

the teaching of Buddha that emphasizes that life is filled with suffering caused by desire and that suffering ceases when desire ceases. Through right conduct, wisdom and meditation one can end the cycle of rebirth and reach Enlightenment.

Christianity

A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament, emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior.

State

a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.

Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

Means "Enlightened One." He is said to have renounced his worldly possessions and taught of a way to overcome suffering.

filial piety

In Confucian thought, one of the virtues to be cultivated, a love and respect for one's parents and ancestors.

ancestor veneration

Veneration of the dead or ancestors is based on the beliefs that the dead have a continued existence, and may possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living

syncretic religion

Combines two religious traditions into something distinctly new, while containing traits of both

Silk Roads

trade routes stretching from China to the Mediterranean, which allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas from China to the Roman Empire

Mediterranean Sea Lanes

Trade routes that connected the Mediterranean civilizations together. The need for a sea rout for trade in the region. Trade increased and diffusion of cultures occurred

tribute system

payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission, notably used by Chinese dynasties

Bureaucracy

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials

commercial exchange

the buying and selling of goods

epidemic

A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease.

monsoon winds

These seasonal winds carried ships on the Indian Ocean between India and Africa

Missionaries