History Section 3 Test Terms

Justinian Byzantine emperor (r. 527–565 CE); sought to restore Roman Empire; built Hagia Sophia; issued Corpus Juris Civilis.

Iconoclastic Struggles Religious conflicts (730–787, 814–842 CE) over use of icons; emperors Leo III & V opposed, John of Damascus defended.

Anna Comnena Byzantine historian (1083–1153 CE); daughter of Alexius I; wrote The Alexiad about her father’s reign.

Muhammad Founder of Islam (570–632 CE); received revelations from Gabriel; led Hijra to Medina (622 CE).

Quran Islamic holy book meaning 'recitation'; revealed to Muhammad; composed of 114 suras.

5 Pillars of Islam Core Islamic practices: faith, prayer, charity, fasting in Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sunni-Shi’a Split Division after Muhammad’s death (661 CE); over rightful caliph—Sunni backed community choice, Shi’a supported Ali.

House of Wisdom Learning center in Baghdad (Abbasid era); scholars translated and preserved ancient texts.

Battle of Talas 751 CE battle where Muslims defeated Chinese; led to paper-making knowledge spreading to Islamic world.

Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi Persian mathematician (780–850 CE); founder of algebra; wrote The Compendious Book on Calculation.

Sak Early form of check used in Islamic trade; allowed safe money transfer without carrying coins.

Ethiopia Christian kingdom (from 300s CE); converted under Frumentius; known for rock-hewn churches.

Frumentius Christian missionary (325 CE); converted Aksum/Ethiopia to Christianity.

Ghana West African kingdom (750–1076 CE); traded gold and salt; matrilineal succession system.

Mali West African empire (1235–1468 CE); wealthy from gold; capitals included Niani and Timbuktu.

Mansa Musa Mali ruler (r. 1312–1337 CE); made famous Hajj (1324 CE); promoted education and trade.

Swahili East African coastal culture; city-states (e.g., Kilwa); mix of African and Arabic influences.

Heian period Japanese era (794–1185 CE); peak of court culture; Lady Murasaki wrote The Tale of Genji.

Shogun Military ruler of Japan; held power over emperor during feudal period (from 1185 CE).

Samurai Warrior class in feudal Japan; followed Bushido code; used katana and practiced seppuku.

Japanese Theater Forms include Noh, Kyogen, Kabuki, and Bunraku; reflected cultural and dramatic traditions.

Teotihuacan Ancient Mesoamerican city (100 BCE–750 CE); large urban center with pyramids and chinampas.

Aztecs Mesoamerican empire (1248–1521 CE); founded Tenochtitlan; practiced human sacrifice.

Incas Andean empire (1197–1572 CE); capital Cusco; used mita labor system and advanced engineering.

Mahmud of Ghazni Ruler of Ghazni (r. 997–1030 CE); led Islamic invasions into India; 'Sword of Islam'.

Delhi Sultanate Muslim kingdom in India (1206–1526 CE); established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak; precursor to Mughals.

Qutb-ud-din Aybak Founder of Delhi Sultanate (r. 1206–1210 CE); former slave and general under Muhammad Ghori.

Muhammad Tughluq Delhi Sultan (r. 1325–1351 CE); known for ambitious but failed reforms and moving capital.

Timur Central Asian conqueror (1336–1405 CE); founded Timurid Empire; known as Tamerlane.

Attila the Hun Leader of the Huns (r. 434–453 CE); invaded Europe; called 'Scourge of God'.

Clovis Frankish king (r. 481–511 CE); united the Franks and converted to Christianity.

Charlemagne Frankish ruler (r. 768–814 CE); crowned Emperor of the Romans (800 CE); revived learning and law.

Treaty of Verdun 843 CE treaty dividing Charlemagne’s empire into three parts for his grandsons.

Vikings Scandinavian raiders (800s–1000s CE); explored, traded, and settled in Europe and beyond.

Those who … Medieval social order: those who fight (nobles), pray (clergy), and work (peasants).

Feudalism Medieval system of land exchange for loyalty; lords, vassals, knights, and serfs.

Battle of Manzikert 1071 CE battle; Seljuk Turks defeated Byzantines, leading to call for Crusades.

Pope Urban II Pope (r. 1088–1099 CE); called First Crusade at Council of Clermont (1095 CE).

1st Crusade 1096–1099 CE; Christian knights captured Jerusalem from Muslims.

Crusader States Territories formed after First Crusade; included Jerusalem, Antioch, and Edessa.

Salah ad-Din Saladin (1138–1193 CE); Muslim leader who recaptured Jerusalem (1187 CE).

3rd Crusade 1189–1192 CE; led by Richard the Lionheart, Philip II, and Frederick Barbarossa vs. Saladin.

4th Crusade 1201–1204 CE; diverted to sack Constantinople, weakening Byzantium.