World 2

The Analects

A collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius and recorded by his followers.

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant variety of rice introduced to China from Vietnam that helped increase food production and population.

Confucius

Chinese philosopher who taught that society should be based on morality, education, respect, and proper relationships.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing morality, education, respect for elders, family loyalty, and social order.

Dao

Literally 'the Way'; the natural path or order of the universe in Chinese philosophy.

Daoism

Chinese philosophy and religion emphasizing harmony with nature, simplicity, and following the Dao.

Foot Binding

Chinese custom of tightly wrapping young girls' feet to keep them very small; associated with beauty and social status.

Genghis Khan

Founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire who united the Mongol tribes and began large-scale Mongol conquests.

Grand Canal

Large Chinese canal system linking northern and southern China and allowing food and goods to be transported efficiently.

Il Khan

Title of the Mongol ruler of the Ilkhanate, the Mongol state that controlled Persia and surrounding areas.

Jagadai / Chagatai

Son of Genghis Khan whose descendants ruled the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia.

Khanate of the Golden Horde

Mongol state that controlled much of Russia and Eastern Europe.

Khanate of the Great Khan

Mongol-controlled region centered in China and eventually ruled by Kublai Khan as the Yuan Dynasty.

Kowtow

Chinese practice of kneeling and touching one's forehead to the ground to show deep respect or submission.

Laozi

Ancient Chinese philosopher traditionally considered the founder of Daoism.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy arguing that strong government, strict laws, and harsh punishments were necessary to maintain order.

Liao Empire

Dynasty established by the Khitan people that controlled parts of northern China before the Mongol period.

Magnetic Compass

Navigation instrument that uses Earth's magnetic field to show direction and improved long-distance sea travel.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that a ruler's authority came from heaven and could be lost if the ruler governed badly.

Mencius

Confucian philosopher who taught that human beings were naturally good.

Middle Kingdom

Traditional Chinese idea that China was the cultural center of the civilized world.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian ideas during the Song Dynasty that incorporated elements of Buddhism and Daoism.

Oracle Bones

Animal bones or turtle shells used in ancient China for divination and communication with ancestors.

Pax Mongolica

'Mongol Peace'; period of relative stability under Mongol rule that encouraged trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Scholar-Gentry

Educated Chinese social class whose members often gained government positions through the civil service examination system.

Sericulture

The raising of silkworms for the production of silk.

Sinicization

Process by which non-Chinese peoples adopt Chinese language, culture, customs, and traditions.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty from 960–1279 known for economic growth, technological innovation, urbanization, and expanded trade.

Stirrup

Device attached to a saddle that supports a rider's feet and improves stability while riding and fighting.

Sui Dynasty

Short-lived Chinese dynasty that reunified China and began major construction of the Grand Canal.

Tang Dynasty

Chinese dynasty from 618–907 known for territorial expansion, trade, cultural achievement, and cosmopolitan cities.

Temujin

Birth name of Genghis Khan.

Wu Zhao

Also known as Wu Zetian; the only woman to rule China officially as emperor.

Yam System

Mongol system of relay stations that provided horses, supplies, and lodging for messengers and officials.

Yin-Yang

Chinese concept describing opposite but complementary forces that together create balance in the universe.

Yuan Dynasty

Mongol dynasty that ruled China from 1271–1368 under Kublai Khan and his successors.

Yurt

Portable round tent traditionally used by nomadic peoples of Central Asia.