Australopithecus
definition: genus of human ancestors that lived in Africa, now extinct
significance: earliest human ancestor, provides insight into early human development
Homo Erectus
definition: human ancestor that had upright skeletons, stronger builds than the Australopithecus, but smaller brains then H. Sapiens
significance: larger brain allowed for more movement, along with more successful living
Homo Sapeins
definition: current humans, larger brains allowed for more success than the H. Erectus
significance: developed modern tools and systems that are still used today
Paleolithic Age
definition: "old stone age," beginning of stone tools for convince, associated with foraging culture
significance: tools made with stone allowed for easier life and displayed early human ingenuity.
Hunting/Gathering Culture
definition: "foraging," groups follow game and plant in order to survive
significance: early survival tactics used to survive along with other tools
Cro-Magnon
definition: early modern humans (h. sapiens sapiens) found in the Old World
significance: modern human, similar values to modern day humans
Venus Figurines
definition: figures of women with enhanced sexual characteristics, thought to promote fertility
significance: showed that early humans were capable of religion, deep thought, self-reflection
Sympathetic Magic
definition: cave paintings left by Cro-Magnons
significance: showed structured religion, belief system, similar significance to Venus Figurines
Neolithic
definition: "new stone age" characterized by polished tools and the agricultural transition
significance: led to agriculture and permanent settlement
Agricultural Transition
definition: period of centuries in which humans transitioned from hunter/gathering culture to neolithic agriculture
significance: led humans onto a different route, allowed more humans to survive
Metallurgy
definition: metalworking, manipulation of metals into tools or jewelry
significance: allowed more useful tools for agriculture and was a specialization made possible by the agricultural transition
Venus Figurines
definition: figures of women with enhanced sexual characteristics, thought to promote fertility
significance: showed that early humans were capable of religion, deep thought, self-reflection
Gilgamesh
definition: a legendary Sumerian king who was the hero of an epic collection of mythic stories, reigned around 5700BCE
significance: king of Uruk, led many changes in the reigon
Sargon of Akkad
definition: a conqueror from Akkad, north of Sumer, who conquered all of Mesopotamia to create the first empire
significance: created the first empire and forced many city-states to subject
Hammurabi
definition: Babylonian king who codified the laws of Sumer and Mesopotamia
significance: Created the first code or laws for his land
Nebuchadnezzar
definition: a Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem and sent Jews into exile
significance: cause of the "babylonian captivity," overtook several empires
King David
definition: leaded and unified Israel
significance: unified Israel, created an empire similar to Sargon
King Solomon
definition: Son of King David, established Jerusalem
significance: established Jerusalem, now a holy site for many religions
Moses
definition: prophet who preached about Yahweh
significance: led a cultural transformation, broke off from Mesopotamian ideas
Epic of Gilgamesh
definition: collection of works glorifying Gilgamesh
significance: showed how contemporaries thought of Gilgamesh, many thought of him as a god or god-like
Mesopotamia
definition: site of the first empire, located between the Tigris and Euphrates
significance: first civilization, location of the invention of many ideas and technologies used today
Sumer
definition: southern Mesopotamia, also known as Sumeria
significance: the invention of city-states was exemplified here
Tigris
definition: a river in southwestern Asia; begins in eastern Turkey and joins the Euphrates river, border of the Mesopotamian society
significance: provided water to Mesopotamia
Euphrates
definition: a river that begins in Turkey, flows through Syria and Iraq, and empties into the Persian Gulf, border of the Mesopotamian society.
significance: provided water to Mesopotamia
Akkad
definition: northern Mesopotamian city state, where Sargon led his army to create the first empire
significance: starting point of Mesopotamia
Hammurabi's Code
definition: set of laws set forth my Hammurabi
significance: first laws formally set forth
Lex talionis
definition: law of retaliation "an eye for an eye"
significance: created a punishment similar to today, "the punishment fits the crime
Assyrians
definition: a group of people to take over the Fertile Crescent
significance: a violent group that took over much land
New Babylonia
definition: new Babylonian empire after much turmoil
significance: leaders in this periods were selectd beacause of their merit
Bronze
definition: an alloy of copper and tin
significance: led to stronger tools and weapons, a major advancement in metallurgy
Iron
definition: an alloy made of iron and copper
significance: led to cheaper and even stronger tools and weapons over bronze, another advancement in metallurgy
Patriarchy
definition: a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
significance: led to males having many significant roles in the government and household
Cuneiform
definition: an ancient wedge-shaped script used in Mesopotamia and Persia
significance: a standardized writing system that lead to advances in technology, math, and science
Hebrews
definition: one of the first groups of people to believe in one God
significance: led a change in culture, broke away from Mesopotamian beliefs
Palestine
definition: former name of the area that today includes Israel
significance: is now a holy site, demonstrates the violent struggle for power in the era
Israel
definition: northern part of the Palestine empire
significance: result of turmoil in the region
Judea
definition: southern part of the Palestine empire
significance: result of turmoil in the reigon
Ten Commandments
definition: list of rules made by Yehwah, presented by Moses
significance: structured rule to life, similar to Hammurabi's Code
Torah
definition: book of scriptures made by Jewish prophets
significance: book of religion for the Jews
Phoenicians
definition: sailing and trading people who had many colonies on the Mediterranean coast
significance: best boating technology, went to far off distances to get materials
Indo-Europeans
definition: group of languages that extends from southern Asia to the Iberian Peninsula
significance: demonstrates movement patterns throughout history
Hittites
definition: peoples from Anatolia (modern day Turkey)
significance: Made advancements in technology and metallurgy
India
definition: modern day country, land of the Aryans, Dravidians, and Harappan Society
significance: center of trade, religious development, and technology
Aryans
definition: Indo-European speaking nomads who entered India from the Central Asian steppes between 1500 and 1000 BC
significance: influenced Indian beliefs and language greatly
Dravidians
definition: a settled, well-organized people who built cities in India
significance: formed cities and governments in India
Harappan Society
definition: first Indian civilization
significance: made technological inventions such as sewage
Indus River
definition: river near pakistan that creates a fertile plain (Indus River Valley)
significance: formed fertile areas for agriculture and encouraged growth
Harappa
definition: large ancient city of the Indus civilization, created in present-day Pakistan
Mohenjo-Daro
definition: early Indian settlement, laid out in a grid pattern with irrigation and sewage
significance: structured layout and modernly-used inventions
Sanskrit
definition: sacred language by the Vedas in India, mainly for religion
significance: shows distinctions made with every day life and religion
Prakrit
definition: ordinary language used in India, but still formal enough for writing
significance: shows distinctions made with every day life and religion
Vedas
definition: Sanskrit writings, earliest known of Hinduism
significance: showed self-thought and philosophical ideas
Rig Veda
definition: first Vedas scripture, deals with spirituality, science, etc
significance: laid out the principles for thought and development in India
Raja
definition: title given to an Indian prince or king
significance: demonstrates a government
Punjab
definition: area between Indus and Ganges river
significance: where the Aryan's first conquered
Ganges River
definition: important river in India, supplied water
significance: allowed for development of agriculture and cities in India
Caste
definition: Hindu social rank based on wealth and profession
significance: social distinctions made by settling down due to agriculture
Varna
definition: class of which a person was placed into according to Hindu law at birth
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Brahmans
definition: first level of Varna, priest class of Indian society
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Kshatriyas
definition: second level of Varna, warrior class of Indian society
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Vaishyas
definition: third level of Varna, merchant class of Indian society
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Shudras
definition: fourth level of Varna, servant class of Indian society
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Jati
definition: sub Varna, groups for economic development
significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion
Patriarchy
definition: a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
significance: led to males having many significant roles in the government and household
Lawbook of Manu
definition: guidelines formed based on Hindu beliefs
significance: set of laws to bring order, first ones to be based on religion
Sati
definition: ritual requiring women to commit suicide at their husband's funeral
significance: showed belief in afterlife
Varuna
definition: god thought to view people from the heavens, also god of the sky and creation
significance: mixing of the Aryan and Indian cultures
Soma
definition: the body, according to tradition
significance: demonstrates religion and self-thought about origins
Upanishads
definition: group of peoples that contributed to older Vedas
significance: theological advancement
Brahman
definition: the Universal spirit of which we are all made
significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation
Samsara
definition: idea of reincarnation back into suffering
significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation
Karma
definition: idea that a person's actions determined their incarnation
significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation
Moksha
definition: idea that a person can break Samsara to join Brahman
significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation
Land Bridges
definition: exposed land masses that appeared when most of the world was covered in ice, used as passages to new lands
significance: allowed migration to other areas of the world
Olmecs
definition: earliest known Mexican civilization, developed calendar and constructed public buildings and temples
significance: first civilization of the area, influenced other civilizations in the region
Maya
definition: civilization in Guatemala and the Yucat�n Peninsula, about A.D. 250 to 900
significance: advanced society that led to many technological inventions
Tikal
definition: largest ancient Mayan city in Guatemala
significance: demonstrates abilities of Mayan engineering
Chich�n Itz�
definition: Mayan kingdom that attempted to bring political stability to the region by forcing other city states to subject to its power and rule
significance: attempt to create a unified empire, like Sargon
Popol Vuh
definition: Mayan creation epic, taught that god created humans out of maize and water
significance: explanation for most of their sacrificial and gory rituals
Ball game
definition: team sport in Mesoamerica, losers were sacrificed to the gods
significance: demonstrated the need for sacrifices in Mayan society
Teotihuacan
definition: a powerful city-state in central Mexico, with over 150000 inhabitants at its peak
significance: powerful city with much attraction, may have led to Mayan downfall
Chav�n
definition: a culture that thrived in the Andean region from about 900 B.C. to 200 B.C.
significance: first culture in the Andes
Mochica
definition: Andean society with much technology but no writing, known for their detailed works of art
significance: a major culture in the Andes that influenced the Incas.
Austronesians
definition: people who began to explore and settle islands of the Pacific Ocean basin
significance: led to the transfer of technologies from the mainland to smaller islands (like agriculture, etc)
Lapita
definition: Austronesian population that emerged from Taiwan
significance: demonstrated migration patterns
Sima Qian
definition: Chinese astronomer, scholar, historian, wrote historical records for China
significance: wrote some of the most important historical records of early China
Confucius
definition: political and ethical philosopher from China
significance: very influential philosopher, his ideas and sayings are still used today
Mencius
definition: Confucius's greatest disciple, wrote Analects
significance: recorded Confucius's ideas
Xunzi
definition: Confucian follower, suggested humans are lazy and required a totalitarian government to make them good
significance: advocate of Leagalism, mesh of leaglism and confucianism
Laozi
definition: wrote the philosophical ideas of Taosim, advocated humility and piety
significance: An important idea that influence China
Shang Yang
definition: founder of legalism, idea that proposed government and expanding borders over everything else
significance: An important idea that influence China
Han Feizi
definition: advocate of strict legalism
significance: An important idea that influence China
Qin Shi Huang
definition: unified China, major engineering projects such as canals and roads, standardized measurements and money
significance: unified China
Liu Bang
definition: Overthrew Qin dynasty, first emperor of Han dynasty
significance: founder of a new dynasty
Han Wudi
definition: most prominent and important Han dynasty empire, created public school system
significance: public school idea still used today
Wang Mang
definition: Confucian scholar, overthrew Liu family to create Xin Dynasty, tried to help the poor and implement land reforms
significance: called a "socialist" emperor, one of the first "socialist" leaders
Confucianism
definition: the teachings of Confucius, emphasized kindness and love
significance: collection of teachings of Confucius, still used today, impact throughout history
Ren
definition: Confucian virtue of benevolence, stating that a person will make the correct choice regardless of outcome
significance: collection of teachings of Confucius, still used today, impact throughout history
Li
definition: Confucian virtue of reverence
significance: collection of teachings of Confucius, still used today, impact throughout history
Xiao
definition: Confucian idea that one should respect parents and ancestors above all others
significance: idea used in modern religions in Asia
Daoism
definition: philosophy based from works from Laozi, that one should be pious and humble
significance: demonstrates ideas made years ago are still used today
Wu Wei
definition: idea that we should know what to do and when
significance: demonstrates ideas made years ago are still used today
Legalism
definition: idea that proposed government and expanding borders over everything else
significance: idea led to Chinese development and influence
Qin Dynasty
definition: first Dynasty, built Great Wall, unified China, established standards, constructed canals and roads
significance: first Chinese empire
Han Dynasty
definition: Dynasty that increased its power and borders, second to the Qin Dynasty
significance: brought more land and power to China
Xiongnu
definition: confederation of nomadic tribes in Central Asia
significance: threatened China, in response China created the Great Wall of China
Sericulture
definition: production of raw silk by raising silkworms
significance: form of domestication
Yellow Turban Uprising
definition: revolt in China over land management disputes in second-century CE
significance: led to the downfall of the Xin Dynasty
Chandragupta Maurya
definition: founded India's first empire, was an Indian prince who conquered a large area in the Ganges River valley soon after Alexander invaded western India
significance: founder of India's first empire
Kautalya
definition: Advisor of Chandragupta who wrote ancient political handbook known as the Arthashastra, a manual offering detailed instructions on the uses of power and the principles of government
significance: wrote ancient political handbooks, aided future
Ashoka
definition: grandson of Chandragupta Maurya; completed conquests of Indian subcontinent; converted to Buddhism and sponsored spread of new religion throughout his empire
significance: spread Buddhism, an influential religion
Kanishka
definition: one of the greatest leaders of the Kushan Empire in India
significance: creation of arts and philosophy made possible by Kanishka
Chandra Gupta
definition: the founder and ruler of the Gupta Empire
significance: led to the golden age of India
Vardhamana Mahavira
definition: Indian ascetic philosopher and the principal founder of Jainism
significance: created Jainism, an influence for Buddhism and Hinduism
Siddhartha Gautama
definition: founder of Buddhism; born a prince; left his father's wealth to find the cause of human suffering; also know as Buddha
significance: created Buddhism, an influence for Hinduism and India culture
Kingdom of Magadha
definition: located in the central portion of the Ganges plain, most important state in northeastern India during the Mauryan dynasty
significance: led to the Gupta dynasty
Maurya Empire
definition: Indian empire founded by Chandragupta, beginning with his kingdom in northeastern India and spreading to most of northern and central India
significance: unified the Indian subcontinent
Bactria
definition: in Northwestern India, and ruled by Greek-speaking descendants of Alexander's campaigns, modern day Afghanistan
significance: influenced Indian culture and development
Kushan Empire
definition: located in Northern India/Central Asia, maintained Silk Road
significance: one of the first emerging territories from Bactria
Gupta Dynasty
definition: ruling family in India during its golden age, responsible for many achievements in math and science
significance: made many achievements in science and math, golden age of India
White Huns
definition: nomadic invaders from central Asia; invaded India; disrupted Gupta administration
significance: led to the downfall of the Gupta administration
Caste
definition: a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth
significance: pivotal point in the development of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism
Jainism
definition: a religion that branched off from Hinduism and was founded by Mahavira; its belief is that everything has a soul, and its purpose was to cleanse the soul, some were extreme aesthetics
significance: a religion that influenced both Buddhism and
Buddhism
definition: a world religion or philosophy based on the teaching of the Buddha and holding that a state of enlightenment can be attained by suppressing worldly desire
significance: one of the foundations for Hinduism, an influential religion that still ex
Nalanda
definition: a famous Buddhist university and monastary located in the eastern Ganges Valley
significance: helped in the spread of Buddhism through Asia, one of the first formalized instruction centers
Hinduism
definition: a religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms
significance: influential and popular religion of classical India
Homer
definition: ancient Greek epic poet who is believed to have written down the Iliad and the Odyssey
significance: Great Greek poet who is still read today
Solon
definition: Athenian reformer of the 6th century; established laws that eased the burden of debt on farmers, forbade enslavement for debt
significance: great leader of Athens, prevented rebellion
Perciles
definition: led rebuilding of Athens for more than 30 years from 461BCE to 429BCE
significance: Leader of the Peloponessian war
Philip of Macedon
definition: father of Alexander of Macedon, unified the warring Greek city-states
significance: unified Greece
Alexander of Macedon
definition: also known as Alexander the Great, by 331 BCE, controlled Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia; invaded Persian homeland and burned Persepolis; crossed the Indus by 327
significance: Created Bactria which influenced India, helped diffuse Greek ideas
Sappho
definition: Greek poet who wrote about human emotions, lived on island of Lesbos
significance: Classic example on the male dominance in Greece
Socrates
definition: philosopher who believed in an absolute right or wrong; asked students pointed questions to make them use their reason, later became Socratic method
significance: influence to Plato, and as a result, Aristotle
Plato
definition: considered the greatest philosopher, student of Socrates, known for his Ideas theory
significance: influence to Aristotle
Artistotle
definition: prominent Greek philosopher, noted for his philosophically based thoughts of "science"
significance: his ideas were used in the Catholic Church for years by Thomas Aquinas
Euripides
definition: writer of several tragedies involving war and its misery
significance: greek playwright
Aristophanes
definition: an ancient Greek dramatist remembered for his comedies
significance: greek playwright
Minoan society
definition: society that inhabited Crete, created an undeciphered script, fell to invaders around 1100 BCE
significance: beginnings of Greece, its fall led to poleis
Knossos
definition: prominent ancient town on Crete where Bronze Age culture flourished from about 2000 BC to 1400 BCE
significance: "capital" of Minoan society
Linear A
definition: an undeciphered writing system used in Crete in the 17th century BCE
significance: showed the intuitive ability of the early Indo-Eurpoeans
Mycenaean society
definition: Greek civilization created by Indo- Europeans that lasted from 1600- 1100 BCE, during which large palaces were made, wars fought, trade established; earthquakes and invaders caused it to finally collapse
significance: beginnings of Greece, its
Linear B
definition: the modern name for the script, composed of signs and pictures, in which Mycenaean Greeks kept records on tablets of clay
significance: shows influence of the Minoans and also demonstrates how society changed through time
Trojan War
definition: war (around 1200 B.C.), in which an army lead by Mycenaean kings attacked the city of Troy in Anatolia (trojan horse!)
significance: part of the epic the Illiad, led to the fall of the Myceanean Society
Polis
definition: general Greek city-state, including the city and the land around it
significance: brought about Sparta and Athens, two influential and powerful city-states
Sparta
definition: Greek city-state that was ruled by an oligarchy, focused on military, used slaves for agriculture, discouraged the arts
significance: encourage a powerful army that influenced Greece
Athens
definition: powerful city in Ancient Greece that was a leader in arts, sciences, philosophy, democracy and architecture
significance: encouraged a flexible government that influenced Greece and the world
Persian War
definition: conflict between Persia and Greece; Persia wanted to punish Athens for helping another city-state
significance: Led to the Delian league and the fall of Athens
Delian League
definition: alliance of city-states with Athens as leader, made to keep fighting Persia
significance: led to the fall of Athens
Peloponnesian War
definition: a war in which Athens and its allies were defeated by the league centered on Sparta
significance: led to the fall of Athens, and in the end, Sparta
Macedon
definition: ancient kingdom of Philip II and Alexander of Macedon in the southeastern Balkans
significance: origin of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great
Hellenistic Age
definition: period between the death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) and the conquest of Egypt by Rome (30 BCE), marked by migrations to the newly conquered areas
Antigonid empire
definition: the area of Macedon and Greece, the smallest of the Hellenistic empires; cities such as Athens and Corinth flourished during the Hellenistic age and cities were overpopulated
significance: center of Greece, most influential
Ptolemaic empire
definition: The empire in the Egyptian area after the breakup of Alexander's empire
significance: had the Megalopolis of Alexandria, many ports, helped trade
Seleucid empire
definition: the largest kingdom that came of the division of Alexander's empire
significance: helped diffuse Greek culture and ideas
Olympic games
definition: one of the panhellenic rituals observed by all Greek city-states; involved athletic competitions and ritual celebrations
significance: helped unify the many poleis
Forms or Ideas
definition: term used by Plato to refer to traits in physical objects, ex: manly, beauty, etc.
significance: part of the deviation from Socrates
Cult of Dionysus
definition: cult based on Dionysus, had many rituals involving orgies and drinking, later transitioned to a more civilized cult
significance: one of the cults that emerged with the Greek religion
Stoicism
defitinion: philosophical system of the Stoics (person who can tolerate pain) following the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno
significance: philosophical ideas influence Europe
Romulus
definition: Founder of Rome; twin of Remus; killed his own twin brother Remus over disputes on the building of Rome
significance: Original founder of Rome
Gracchi Brothers
definition: Tried to equally distribute land but upper classes did not want to give up land; were both assassinated
significance: Showed that a republic was not meant for a growing empire, showed that Rome was flawed
Marius
definition: A general that advocated redistribution of land; he took down his political enemies and died the next year
significance: Laid the foundation for his successor Sulia
Sulia
definition: Took over after Marius died and posted lists of his enemies ("Enemies of the State") that were to be killed on the spot if found; killed about 10,000 people by the time her died
significance: Weakened lower classes and strengthened wealthy
Julius Caesar
definition: Conquered Rome and made himself dictator for life; gave building jobs to those of the lower classes; was stabbed to death by elite class members who found him a tyrant
significance: Made a centralized imperial form of government in Rome and it
Augustus Caesar
definition: Nephew of Julius; original name Octavian; defeated Mark Anthony and Cleopatra; ruled for 45yrs; Senate gave him the name Augustus (divine nature of its holder); developed a monarchy disguised as a republic
significance: Organized Rome and stab
Cicero
definition: Roman statesman and orator remembered for his mastery of Latin prose
significance: helped spread stoicism
Jesus
definition: Teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth
significance: prominent figure of Christianity
Paul of Tarsus
definition: Supported Christianity and was put to death for it
significance: Helped to spread Christianity and it eventually became the official religion of the Roman Empire
Etruscans
definition: People who dominated most of Italy; built successful cities; had many alliances; traded frequently; had bronze, iron, gold, and silver; defeated by Greeks
significance: Influenced early Rome
Roman Senate
definition: A council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city's leaders
significance: Indirectly helped govern the Roman Empire
Punic Wars
definition: Fought between Rome and Carthage over Sicily and Mediterranean trade
significance: Rome won and conquered Carthage; annexed possessions like grain, oil, wine, silver, and gold
Twelve tables
definition: The basic law code for citizens of the early republic
significance: First of written laws in the Roman Empire
Roman roads
definition: Were built for easy transportation and communication; had curbs; had drainage; were topped with stone; were 2-8 meters (6-26ft) wide depending on the location; had postal stops along the roads
significance: Helped link all of the conquered lan
Colosseum
definition: Marble stadium and sports arena that had seating for 50,000 people; had an awning to protect spectators from weather
significance: Was a place for Romans to gather and watch different events
Patricians
definition: the wealthy class in Roman society; landowners
significance: influenced most of the early decisions in the Roman Senate
Plebeians
definition: Members of the lower class of Ancient Rome including farmers, merchants, artisans and traders
significance: cause of most of the civil conflict in Rome
Stoicism
definition: Idea that there are moral laws governing the universe; followers are generally indifferent to pain and pleasure.
Mithraism
definition: ancient Persian religion that was later adapted to values of courage, honor, etc
significance: example of Roman adaptation; became popular among solders
Cult of Isis
definition: Was a cult devoted the Egyptian goddess Isis. It allowed both men and women into the cult. They felt she was a protective goddess who neutered her worshipers and helped them coped with the stress. It also offered Salvation
significance: Bigges
Essenes
definition: Religious group which believed the temple of worship was impure
significance: Led to Baptism, demonstrated political instability in Rome
Judaism
definition: Monotheistic religion of the Jews having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud
significance: led to Christianity
Christianity
definition: Monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
significance: modern religion, considered a "threat" to Rome
New Testament
definition: The collection of books of the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline and other Epistles, and Revelation
significance: basis of Christian teachings, proof of Jesus
Sermon on the Mount
definition: The first major discourse delivered by Jesus
significance: Summarizes the Christian fate, I have to learn it for catechism class
Latifundia
definition: Farming plantations for the wealthy
significance: Wealthy land owners had these and pressured smaller farmers
Pax Romana
definition: "Roman Peace" Augustus created a time of peace that lasted for 2 and 1/2 centuries
significance: no more civil conflict in Rome led to increased trade in the empire and travel b etween Mesopotamia and the Atlantic ocean
Mare nostrum
definition: "Our Sea," started to call the Mediterranean the Roman Lake
significance: Was used for trade routes
Pater familias
definition: "Father of the Family"; had the authority to arrange marriages, determined duties, and punish; had rights to sell them into slavery and execute them
significance: Demonstrated Roman patriarchal society
Zhang Qian
definition: on expedition; sent by Wudi in 139 BC; general and explorer; 13 years later his troops went back nearly wiped out by barbarian attacks and were in captivity for 10 years
significance: "father" of the silk road
Han Wudi
definition: most prominent and important Han dynasty empire, created public school system
significance: public school idea still used today
Gregory the Wonderworker
definition: a tireless missionary with a reputation for performing miracles and who popularized Christianity in central Anatolia
significance: Helped promote Chirstianity, prominent missionary
Mani
definition: self characterized as Apostle of Christ, originally part of judaizing christian community, Book of Mani's life and teachings was found in small book in Egypt, 216-274
significance: Founder of Manichaeism
Diocletian
definition: He was a Roman general turned emperor who introduced reforms
significance: Tried to stable the Roman empire, and managed to keep it on its feet for another fifty years
Constantine
definition: Emperor of Rome who adopted the Christian faith and stopped the persecution of Christians
significance: allowed the public to practice Christianity
Attila
definition: Leader of the Huns who put pressure on the Roman Empire's borders during the 5th century
significance: led to the downfall of Western Rome
Odoacer
definition: A Germanic general who deposed the Roman emperor in 476, marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire
significance: sacked the Western Roman Empire
St. Augustine
definition: Scholar that later converted to Christianity, helped explain history and science from a Christian point of view.
significance: helped appeal Christianity to the higher classes
Silk roads
definition: a system of ancient caravan routes across Central Asia, along which traders carried silk and other trade goods.
significance: facilitated the transfer of ideas and cultures
Monsoon system
definition: rainy season in southern Asia when the southwestern monsoon blows, bringing heavy rains
significance: facilitated trade in the Indian area
Rhapta
definition: principal commercial center on east African coast, contributed ivory, tortoise shell, and slaves and dominated East African trade
significance: principal trading port
Buddhism
definition: a world religion or philosophy based on the teaching of the Buddha and holding that a state of enlightenment can be attained by suppressing worldly desire
significance: influenced Chinese development, helped us monitor progress along the silk
Hinduism
definition: a religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms
significance: prominent Indian religion that spread along the silk road
Christianity
definition: Monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
significance: religion that spread to many parts of the Silk Road
Nestorians
definition: Christian sect found in Asia; tended to support Islamic invasions of this area in preference to Byzantine rule; cut off from Europe by Muslim invasions
significance: influenced the Asian world
Manichaeism
definition: formed with a combination of Christianity, Zoroastriaism, Buddhism, and Judism
significance: sought to explain the ultimate truth
Epidemic
definition: a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease
significance: led to the collapse of China and Rome
Yellow Turban
definition: a rebellion in the Han dynasty by peasants that brought down the dynasty because of unequal distribution of land
significance: led to the collapse of China
Barracks emperors
definition: generals who seized power, held it briefly, and they lost it when they were displaced by rivals or their own mutinous troops
significance: led to turmoil in Rome
Visigoths
definition: member of the western Goths that invaded the Roman Empire in the fourth century A.D. and settled in France and Spain, establishing a monarchy that lasted until the early eighth century
significance: led to the collapse of the Western Roman emp
Huns
definition: people who migrated from Eastern Europe into territory controlled by Germanic tribes, forcing them to move into areas controlled by Rome
significance: forced the Visigoths into Rome
Edict of Milan
definition: issued by Constantine in 313, ended the "great persecution" and legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire
significance: allowed Christianity to gain ground in Rome
Council of Nicaea
definition: Christian council that met in 325 to determine the question of the trinity; decided on the divinity of all three persons.
significance: demonstrated the size of the Christian Church
Procopius
definition: Wrote about the smuggling of silk worms and sericulutre techniques from China
significance: Demonstrated Chinese influence
Constantine
definition: Roman Emperor (4th century A.D.) who promoted tolerance to all religions in the Roman Empire and legalized Christianity
significance: founder of Constantinople and first leader of Byzantium
Justinian
definition: Byzantine emperor in the 6th century A.D., initiated an ambitious building program, including Hagia Sofia, as well as a new legal code
significance: led the creation of Hagia Sofia and corpus irius civilis
Theodora
definition: the wife of Justinian, originally a prostitute
significance: influenced Justinian who influenced the Byzantium empire
Belisarius
definition: Justinian's top general who reconquered much of Africa and tried to reconquer Europe
significance: demonstrated attempts to re-conquer the fallen Roman empire
Basil II
definition: Bulgar-slayer, using themes he moved west and destroyed the Bulgars
significance: Destroyed Bulgars, demonstrated theme system
Liudprand of Cremona
definition: an ambassador whom Otto sent on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople in 968, insulted Byzantium and its emperor
significance: strained relationships between the west and Byzantium
Arius
definition: theologist who didn't accept that Jesus was divine (Arianism) and was outlawed as a heretic
significance: demonstrated caesaropapism
Leo III
definition: imposed iconoclasm for fear that they were being worshiped as physical idols
significance: imposed iconoclasm
St. Simeon Stylites
definition: popular Pillar saint, influenced the creation of monastaries
significance: popular Pillar Saint, influenced the creation of monastaries
St. Basil of Caesarea
definition: urged reforms of monasteries that increased their efficiency
significance: helped spread Christianity by increasing efficiency
St. Cyril
definition: first of two popular missionaries that invented the Cyrillic alphabet and used that to explain the Bible
significance: invented Cyrillic alphabet, spread Christianity
St. Methodius
definition: second of two popular missionaries that invented the Cyrillic alphabet and used that to explain the Bible
significance: invented Cyrillic alphabet, spread Christianity
Vladimir of Kiev
definition: convert to Christianity, despite being a drunkard
significance: affirmed Byzantium's rule on Russia
Byzantion
definition: a modest market town turned military and economic center of the Byzantine empire
significance: led to the name "Byzantium
Constantinople
definition: the capital of the eastern Roman Empire and later of the Byzantine Empire
significance: The "heart" of Byzantium, once destroyed, so was Byzantium
Caesaropapism
definition: the doctrine that the state is supreme over the church in ecclesiastical matters
significance: used in Byzantium to decide on several ecclesiastical matters
Hagia Sophia
definition: the Cathedral of Holy Wisdom in Constantinople, built by order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian
significance: Demonstrated Byzantine intelligence, also influenced Russia
Corpus iuris civilis
definition: "Body of Civil Law," Justinian's codification of Roman law
significance: demonstrated Justinian influence, idea is used today
Greek fire
definition: a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries that would ignite
significance: facilitated battles and victories for Byzantine
Theme
definition: administrative division of the Byzantium empire in which generals would oversee aristocrats to keep the free peasantry strong
significance: allowed mobilizations of troops and tax revenue
Bezant
definition: Byzantine gold coin; the standard currency of the Byzantium empire
significance: standardized coinage facilitated trade
Hippodrome
definition: the Colosseum of the Byzantian empire where the Greens and Blues were held
significance: kept the masses entertained and distracted
Greens and Blues
definition: teams that fought in the Hippodrome and caused major social unrest
significance: caused social unrest, but also unity to protest taxes
Arianism
definition: doctrine stating that Jesus was not God but created by God, taught by Arius
significance: demonstrated caesaropapism
Iconoclasm
definition: deliberate destruction within a culture of the culture's own religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually for religious or political motives
significance: led to the schism of 1054 and several revolts
Pillar saints
definition: saints that prayed on pillars to demonstrate their aesthetic lifestyle
significance: promoted the creation of monasteries
Mount Athos
definition: an autonomous area in northeastern Greece that is the site of several Greek Orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century
significance: prominent monastary
Eastern Orthodox Church
definition: Christian followers in the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire); split from Roman Catholic Church and shaped life in eastern Europe
significance: product of the Schism of 1054
Crusades
definition: series of holy wars from 1096-1270 AD undertaken by European Christians to free the Holy Land from Muslim rule
significance: forty-two
Battle of Manzikert
definition: battle between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuk Turks (Muslims) in 1071, where the Byzantine lost
significance: commenced the downfall of Byzantium
Saljuqs
definition: Turkish tribe that gained control over the Abbasid empire and fought with the Byzantine empire, sealed their grain
significance: sealed the fate of Byzantium
Ottomans
definition: Turks who had come to Anatolia in the same wave of migrations as the Seljuks
significance: sealed the fate of Byzantium
Bulgars
definition: defeated Eastern Romans, took possession of the lower Danube River, set base for Bulgarian kingdom
significance: helped the downfall of Byzantium
Cyrillic alphabet
definition: Russian alphabet, brought by Greek Orthodox Christian missionaries who brought Christianity to Russia
significance: facilitated teaching and the creation of government in the Slavic area
Kiev
definition: trade city in southern Russia established by Scandinavian traders in 9th century; became focal point for kingdom of Russia that flourished to 12th century
significance: center of Russia, the "world's third Rome
Muhammad
definition: the Arab prophet who founded Islam (570-632)
significance: founder of Islam, a prominent religion
Abu Bakr
definition: companion of 1st Muslim leader after Muhammad, regarded by Sunni's as the 1st caliph and rightful successor
significance: First sucessor to Muhammad, set the status-quo for Caliphs
Ali
definition: the fourth caliph of Islam who is considered to be the first caliph by Shiites
significance:
Abu al-Abbas
definition: Leader of rebellion in Persia that led to the downfall of the Umayyad
significance: led to the downfall of the Umayyad
Harun al-Rashid
definition: fifth and most famous Abbasid Caliph in Iraq
significance: Brought the high point of the Abbasid empire, supporting weath
Al-Ghazali
definition: Islamic theologian who struggled to fuse Greek and Koranic traditions
significance:
Omar Khayyam
definition: Persian poet and mathematician and astronomer whose poetry was popularized by Edward Fitzgerald's translation (1050-1123)
significance: Demonstrated Persian influence during the Abbasid empire.
Ibn Rushd
definition: tried to blend Aristotle's and Plato's views with those of Islam- argued that Greek philosophy had the same goal: to find the truth.
significance: demonstrated classical influence
Islam
definition: the monotheistic religion of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran
significance: Prominent religion, helped bring unity to large stretches of land
Muslim
definition: a believer or follower of Islam
significance: Spread Islamic religion
Dar al-Islam
definition: religious conceptualization of the world as belonging either to Muslim or non-Muslim territory, exists within Islam
significance: Allowed for expeditions from other countries to be facilitated
Mecca
definition: City in western Arabia; birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and ritual center of the Islamic religion
significance: Important location in Islam
Quran (Koran)
definition: the sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina
significance: Basis of the Islamic faith
Hadith
definition: a tradition based on reports of the sayings and activities of Muhammad and his companions
significance: Established a principle based on Muhammad's life
Medina
definition: a city in western Saudi Arabia to where Muhammad had fled
significance: Islamic significance, location where Muhammad was buried, first Mosque
Hijra
definition: The Migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622, marking the founding of Islam
significance: Founded Islam
Umma
definition: the Muslim community or people, considered to extend from Mauritania to Pakistan
significance: Provided peace along these lands
Seal of the Prophets
definition: name recognizing Muhammad as the last and greatest prophet
significance: Solidified Muhammad's role as a great prophet
Kaaba
definition: a black stone building in Mecca that is shaped like a cube and that is the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine
significance: Sacred Muslim site, many pray at the Kaaba several times a day
Five Pillars of Islam
definition: the five basic acts of worship that are central to Islam (Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Alms, Pilgrimage)
significance: Foundation of Islam, reinforced by Muhammad
Sharia
definition: the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Muhammed
significance: Sharia is still used today, prohibits actions according to Islam, demonstrates Muhammad's influences
Caliph
definition: the civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth
significance: Center of several debates, the leader of an expansive empire
Umayyad
definition: the dynasty caliphs whose capital was Damascus, one of the largest empires ever
significance: Spanned large areas of land that facilitated trade and brought unity
Shia
definition: the branch of Islam whose members acknowledge Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors of Muhammad
significance: source of many debates, one of the largest Islamic denominations
Abbasid
definition: The dynasty that came after the Umayyads, devoted their energy to trade, scholorship, and the arts
significance: ushered in an era of flourishing of the dar al-Islam
Ulama
definition: Orthodox religious scholars within Islam; pressed for a more conservative and restrictive theology
significance: Ensured observance of Islamic traditions
Qadis
definition: Muslim judges who carried out the judicial functions of the state
significance: Ensured observance of Islamic traditions
Sultan
definition: the ruler of a Muslim country (especially of the former Ottoman Empire)
significance: true leaders of dar al-Islam, set up a puppet state
Caravanserai
definition: an inn in some Eastern countries with a large courtyard that provides accommodation for caravans
significance: facilitated trade by making it easier
Al-Andalus
definition: Arabic name given to a nation in the parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims
significance: Demonstrated the expansive realm of Islam
Sufis
definition: a mystical Muslim group that believed they could draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and a simple life
significance: most successful missionaries, helped spread
Hajj
definition: the fifth pillar of Islam, a pilgrimage to Mecca
significance: A large part of a Muslim's life, symbol of religious unity
Xuanzang
definition: Buddhist monk that illegally visited India; popularized Buddhism in China (629 C.E.)
significance: Popularized Buddhism in China
Huang Chao
definition: military commander that led an uprising of Eastern China for almost a decade (875-884) that helped to bring the Tang to a close
significance: Weakened the Tang empire, leading to its demise
Du Fu
definition: a famous chinese poet who wrote "spring landscape" and his poems were base on the suffering of his own life
significance: Wrote about several changes in Chinese history
Li Bo
definition: Most famous poet of the Tang era; blended images of the mundane world with philosophical musings.
significance: Wrote about Chinese social life during the Song dynasty
Zhu Xi
definition: (1130-1200) Most prominent of neo-Confucian scholars during the Song dynasty in China
significance: demonstrated the influence of Buddhism
Sui
definition: a dynasty (581 to 618) that rebuilt the Great Wall and began canal building, restored centralized rule after war
Grand Canal
definition: an inland waterway 1000 miles long in eastern China built by the Sui dynsaty
significance: facilitated trade in China from north to south
Tang
definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 618 to 907, restored centralized rule after war
Chang'an
definition: ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an
Equal field system
definition: inheritance system where 1/5 of the land when to the peasant's descendants and the rest went to the government
Bureaucracy of merit
definition: civil service examinations; based on Confucian education - no longer decided by family lineage
significance: Helped to strengthen the imperial government
Middle Kingdom
definition: refers to China because the people believed that their land stood between heaven and Earth
significance: rationalized the reason as to why the Chinese ruled over so many
Uighurs
definition: A group of Turkic-speakers who controlled their own centralized empire from 744 to 840 in Mongolia and Central Asia.
Song
definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279
significance: flourished empire of China
Khitan
definition: Nomadic peoples of Manchuria; militarily superior to Song dynasty China but influenced by Chinese culture
significance: brought the end of the Song dynasty
Jurchen
definition: nomadic people that conquered Khitan, overran northern China, and captured the Song capital
Foot binding
definition: practice in Chinese society to mutilate women's feet in order to make them smaller
significance: demonstrated Chinese patriarchal society
Dunhuang
definition: A Chinese city on the edge of Taklimaken desert; all silk road routes reached this point
significance: Location of a prominent Buddhist monastery, promoted Buddhism
Chan Buddhism
definition: Known as Zen in Japan; stressed meditation and appreciation of natural and artistic beauty; popular with members of elite Chinese society
significance: brought Buddhism into China
Neo-Confucianism
definition: term that describesthe resurgence of Confusianism and the influence of Confucian scholars during the Tang dynasty
significance: demonstrated Buddhist influences
Silla
definition: Independent Korean kingdom in southeastern part of peninsula; defeated Koguryo along with their Chinese Tang allies
significance: Stopped Chinese rule in China, helped extend Chinese influence
Vietnam
definition: a southern state below China
significance: had fast-ripening Rice, allowed much more food to be produced
Nara Japan
definition: Japanese period (710-794) centered around city of Nara, that was the highest point of Chinese influence
significance: demonstrated CHinese influence
Heian period
definition: (794 - 1100) move the capital to Heian; 300 years of developing a new culture; growth of large estates
significance: moved away from chinese culutre, began to become more distinct
Tale of Genji
definition: story of Prince Genji and his lovers, written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu at end of 11th century, world's first full novel
significance: first novel
Minamoto
definition: Defeated the rival Taira family in Gempei Wars and established military government (bakufu) in 12th century Japan
significance: Brought in the medieval period of Japan
Shogun
definition: a hereditary military dictator of Japan
significance: established in place of an emperor, fractioned imperial rule
Kamakura
definition: Yorimoto's capital during his shogunate, destroyed in 1331
significance: head of the true power of Japan
Muromachi
definition: later medieval period of Japan that ran from 1336 - 1573 CE; during the two periods, Japan developed a decentralized political order
significance: Japan developed a decentralized political order
Samurai
definition: a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy
significance: leaders of the military emperor
Bushido
definition: traditional code of the Japanese samurai which stressed courage and loyalty and self-discipline and simple living
significance: provided more time for the Samurai to focus on bettering themselves
Seppuku
definition: Ritual suicide or disembowelment in Japan; commonly known in West as hara-kiri; demonstrated courage and a means to restore family honor
significance: demonstrated the Samurai's dedication to his profession
Buzurg ibn Shahriyar
definition: A storytelling mariner who came from the emporium of Siraf on the Persian Gulf
significance: Demonstrated trade influenced in India
Harsha
definition: 7th century north Indian ruler; built a large state that declined after his death 646 (last true Hindu ruler)
significance: unified India temporarily
Mahmud of Ghazni
definition: third ruler of Turkish slave dynasty in Afghanistan; led invasions of northern India; credited with sacking one of wealthiest of Hindu temples in northern India; gave Muslims reputation for intolerance and aggression
significance: set back Isl
Harihara and Bukka
definition: two brothers dispatched by officials in Delhi to represent the sultan and implement court policies in the sought. Converted from Hinduism to Islam; in 1336 they renounced Islam, returned to Hindu faith, and proclaimed of an established empire,
Shankara
definition: southern India; tried to harmonize all the Hindu writings
significance: matured Hinduism
Raminuja
definition: taught in the hands of Vishnu one will win god's grace and live in presence
significance: matured Hinduism
Sind
definition: Indus River valley in NW India; conquered in 711; fringe of Islamic world
significance: helped spread Islam to India
Sultanate of Delhi
definition: the kingdom established by Mahmud's succesors to spread islam in India
significance: spread Islam to India
Chola Kingdom
definition: kingdom situated in the deep south. At its high point, Chola forces conquered Ceylon and parts of southeast Asia, funded by the profits of trade, dominated the sea, did not build a tightly centralized state
significance: brought order to South
Vijayanagar
definition: independent empire proclaimed by Harihara and Bukka; "city of victory". Dominate state in southern India until 1565
significance: brought order to Southern India
Monsoons
definition: seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons
significance: helped trade and agriculture
Dhows
definition: Arab sailing vessels with triangular or lateen sails; strongly influenced European ship design
significance: helped to trade in the Indian Ocean Basin
Junks
definition: Chinese ships equipped with watertight bulkheads, sternpost rudders, compasses, and bamboo fenders; dominant force in Asian seas east of the Malayan peninsula
significance: helped trade in the Indian Ocean Basin
Kingdom of Axum
definition: Christian kingdom in Ethiopia
significance: Helped with maritime trade
Caste System
definition: a social structure in which classes are determined by heredity
significance: helped integrate immigrants
Vishnu
definition: A Hindu god considered the preserver of the world
significance: helped with Cults and Hinduism
Shiva
definition: an important Hindu deity who in the trinity of gods was the Destroyer
significance: helped with Cults and Hinduism
Sufis
definition: a mystical Muslim group that believed they could draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and a simple life
significance: helped spread Islam
Bhakti
definition: Indian movement that attempted to transcend the differences between Hinduism and Islam
significance: helped spread Islam
Funan
definition: Early complex society in Southeast Asia between the first and sixth centuries C.E.
significance: demonstrated Indian influence
Srivijaya
definition: Southeast Asian kingdom, based on the island of Sumatra that used a powerful navy to dominate trade
significance: Used Maritime trade to garner power
Angkor
definition: Southeast Asian Khmer kingdom (889-1432) that was centered around temple cities
significance: demonstrated Indian influence
Melaka
definition: the first major center of Islam in Southeast Asia, a port kingdom on the southwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula
significance: Helped to spread Islam
Clovis
definition: king of the Franks who unified Gaul and established his capital at Paris and founded the Frankish monarchy
significance: Reunified Europe for some time
Charles Martel
definition: Carolingian monarch of Franks; responsible for defeating Muslims in battle of Tours in 732; ended Muslim threat to western Europe
significance: Stopped Muslim expansion
Charlemagne
definition: king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor
significance: Symbolized the relationship between the Church and Charlemagne
Pope Leo III
definition: crowned Charlemagne the "Holy Roman Emperor"
significance: strained Byzantian relationship
Gregory of Tours
definition: literate monk who wrote the History of the Franks and some of the other few surviving histories of the Early Middle Ages
Louis the Pious
definition: third son of Charlemagne and king of the Caroligian Empire and Holy Roman Emperor
significance: Dissolved the Caroligian empire without a strong rule
Alfred
definition: king of Wessex 871-899; known as Alfred the Great. His military resistance saved southwestern England from Viking occupation
significance: Drove off Vikings
Otto I
definition: king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor
significance: Drove off Mayagars for good
Pope Gregory I
definition: was most important figure for providing Roman church with sense of direction; "Gregory the Great"; mobilized local resources and organized defense of Rome
significance: Defended Rome, brought unity to the Church, stopped independent bishops
St. Benedict of Nursia
definition: Italian monk who created a set of rules for Western monasteries in the 6th century
significance: Set rules for which many monastaries based their lives upon
St. Scholastica
definition: twin sister of Benedict; devoted her life to the Church
significance: brought the influence of the Rule to nuns
Franks
definition: group of Germanic people who rose to prominence under the leadership of King Clovis
significance: brought Europe together
Aachen
definition: capital of Charlemagne's empire, c. 800; a city in present-day Germany
significance: scholastic town based around Christianity
Missi dominici
definition: official appointed by Charlemagne who investigated if the counties were obeying his rules
significance: Ensured a somewhat-centralized rule of the Franks
Magyars
definition: Muslims who attacked Europe and converted to Christianity and established Hungary
significance: Spread Christianity, caused instability
Vikings
definition: Scandinavian pirates who plundered the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 10th centuries
significance: caused Instability
Holy Roman Empire
definition: the lands ruled by Charlemagne
significance: Brought a degree of stability back to Europe
Lords
definition: people of high rank who received land in exchange for their loyalty
significance: Political directors of a region in feudalism
Retainers
definition: a servant or attendant, especially one in the household of a person of high rank
significance: Helped the Lords rule by providing them with labor
Benefice
definition: a gift given for service performed, usually land
significance: enticed retainers, made being a retainer more appeasing
Manor
definition: a large estate, often including farms and a village, ruled by a lord
significance: Location where lords ruled
Serf
definition: a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
significance: bottom of the Feudal hierarchy, very important as they provided sustenance for the lords
Heavy plow
definition: agricultural invention that allowed people to migrate to colder climates and produce more food
significance: Produced more food which allowed for a population growth and urbanization
Papacy
definition: the government of the Roman Catholic Church
significance: Brought cultural unity during feudal times in Europe
Monasticism
definition: set of responsibilities taken by monasteries
significance: spread and kept literature and ideas
Rule of Saint Benedict
definition: basic guide for religious life and discipline in a monastery
significance: provided a set of rules to life in Monastaries
Mahmud of Ghazni
definition: third ruler of Turkish slave dynasty in Afghanistan; led invasions of northern India; credited with sacking one of the wealthiest of Hindu temples in northern India; gave Muslims reputation for intolerance and aggression
significance: stopped
Chinggis Khan
definition: a mongol who united mongol and Turkish tribes, began campaign west, using fear as a tactic
significance: Brought unity to asia and Eurasia
Marco Polo
definition: Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324)
significance: praised Kublai for his generosity
Khubilai Khan
definition: last of the Mongol Great Khans (r. 1260-1294) and founder of the Yuan Empire
significance: spread Buddhism through his empire
Tamerlane
definition: Mongolian ruler of Samarkand who led his nomadic hordes to conquer an area from Turkey to Mongolia (1336-1405)
significance: Brought control to the power vaccuum
Osman
definition: most successful warrior and "founder" of Ottomans
significance: established the ottoman empire
Turks
definition: a member of the Turkish-speaking ethnic group in Turkey, or, formerly, in the Ottoman Empire
significance: brought unity to the area of Asia and Eurasia and toppled many kingdoms
Yurts
definition: large, circle-shaped tents made of animal hides, also called gurs
significance: demonstrated nomadic ingenuity
Kumiss
definition: an alcoholic drink prepared from animal products by fermenting mare's milk into a potent concoction
significance: demonstrated nomadic ingenuity
Shamans
definition: medicine men or women who treat people with mental problems by driving out their demons with elaborate rituals, such as exorcisms, incantations, and prayers
significance: demonstrated nomadic culture
Khan
definition: a Mongol ruler
significance: brought unity to Asia
Saljuq Turks
definition: Turkish tribe that gained control over the Abbasid empire and fought with Byzantine
significance: sacked much of Byzantine's cities and agrarian sources
Sultan
definition: the ruler of a Muslim country (especially of the former Ottoman Empire)
significance: unified an area
Manzikert
definition: site where Saljuq forces inflicted a devastating defeat on the Byzantine army in 1071
significance: sacked Byzantine's agrarian sources
Karakorum
definition: capital of the Mongol empire under Chinggis Khan, 1162 - 1227
significance: brought political unity
Khanbaliq
definition: "city of the khan"; previously ruled by Jurchens but was new capital for the Mongols
significance: brought political unity
Chaghatai
definition: one of Chinggis Khan's sons whose descendents rued the khanate of Chaghatai
significance:
Golden Horde
definition: a Mongolian army that swept over eastern Europe in the 13th century
significance: brought unity to Russia
Yuan Dynasty
definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 1279 to 1368
significance: brought unity over China, albeit bad
Ilkhanate of Persia
definition: Abbasid empire toppled, Baghdad sacked, 1258
significance: Brought unity
Lamaist Buddhism
definition: prominent place for magic and supernatural powers; recognized Mongol leaders as legitimate rulers
significance: helped spread buddhism
Uighur Turks
definition: among the most important of the Mongols' allies were these people, who lived mostly in oasis cities along the silk roads; they were literate and often highly educated, and the Mongols needed that
significance: Helped the mongols succeed
Bubonic plague
definition: disease brought to Europe from the Mongols during the Middle Ages. It killed 1/3 of the population and helps end Feudalism
Ottoman Turks
definition: Muslims that took over Constantinople in 1453.
Istanbul
definition: the largest city and former capital of Turkey
Sundiata
definition: the founder of Mali empire, crushed his enemies and won control of the gold trade routes
significance: brought prosperity to Ghana
Mansa Musa
definition: Mali king brought Mali to its peak of power and wealth from 1312 the 1337; he was the most powerful king in west Africa
significance: Helped promote Islam
Ibn Battuta
definition: Moroccan Muslim scholar, the most widely traveled individual of his time. He wrote a detailed account of his visits to Islamic lands from China to Spain and the western Sudan
significance: documented his travels, providing insight
Ali ibn Muhammad
definition: rebel slave that organized 15,000 Zanj slaves in 869 to revolt from Abbasid; Zanj Revolt was crushed in 883
significance: showed that slaves are important
Griots
definition: Professional oral historians who served as keepers of traditions and advisors to kings within the Mali Empire
significance: Kept history
Banana
definition: elongated crescent-shaped yellow fruit with soft sweet flesh
significance: promoted population growth
stateless society
definition: a society that is based on the authority of kinship groups rather than on a central government
significance: brought rudimentary order
Chiefdom
definition: Form of political organization with rule by a hereditary leader who held power over a collection of villages and towns. Less powerful than kingdoms and empires, chiefdoms were based on gift giving and commercial links
significance: helped ward
Kingdom of Kongo
definition: Basin of the Congo (Zaire) river, conglomeration of several village alliances, participated actively in trade networks, most centralized rule of the early Bantu kingdoms, royal currency: cowries, ruled 14th-17th century until undermined by Por
Camels
definition: Pack animals that made cross-Sahara caravans possible
significance: allowed trading through the Sahara
Gao
definition: Prosperous capital city of the kingdom of Songhai, had caravan trade routes.
significance: helped bring taxes
Kingdom of Ghana
definition: first of the great medieval trading empires of western Africa
significance: Facilitated trade
Koumbi Saleh
definition: Capital of Ghana which had 15,000 people with buildings of stone and more than a dozen mosques. Supported by a large number of qadi and Muslim scholars
significance: promoted trade
Mali empire
definition: Formed in 1240 when Sundiata took control of Ghana Empire. It controlled trade across Sahara, the South and the Niger River.
significance: promoted trade
Swahili
definition: the most widely spoken Bantu languages
significance: demonstrated eastern trading
Kilwa
definition: one of many trading cities on the East African coast
significance: demonstrated eastern trading
Zimbabwe
definition: a landlocked republic in south central Africa formerly called Rhodesia
significance: Demonstrated Eastern Trading and influence
Age grades
definition: African social distinctions determined by when you were born. People belonging to a certain group had certain expectations. The groups established ties transcending family or clan loyalties.
significance: helped to delegate taxes
Zanj revolt
definition: led by Ali ibn-Muhamad; 15,000 slaves revolt for 14 years until it it ceased by Abbasids in 883
significance: demonstrated the influence of slaves
Diviners
definition: individuals who by virtue of their innate abilities or extensive training had the power to mediate between humanity and
supernatural beings
significance: Basis of African religion
Axum
definition: a town of northern Ethiopia. From the first to the eighth century A.D. it was the capital of an empire that controlled much of northern Ethiopia
significance: Christian society in Africa, one of the few
Solomonic dynasty
definition: A string of Ethiopian rulers who claimed descent from David in an attempt to add biblical authority to their rule.
significance: helped to add authority to their rule
Toltec
definition: a people who invaded central Mexico and were ruled by a military class; had a capital city of Tula; influenced the Maya; introduced the working of gold and silver; spread the worship of their god Quetzalcoatl; destroyed in the AD 1100s
signifi
Mexica
definition: founded Tenochtitlan; regarded themselves as chosen people in charge of keeping the world from destruction
significance: founded Tenochtitlan and the Aztecs
Huitzilopochtli
definition: Aztec tribal patron god; central figure of cult of human sacrifice and warfare; identified with old sun god
significance: Led Aztec religion
Quetzalcoatl
definition: Aztec nature god, feathered serpent, his disappearance and promised return coincided with the arrival of Cortes
significance: coaxed the Aztecs into helping Cortes
Pueblo
definition: a member of any of about two dozen Native American peoples called pueblos by the Spanish because they live in villages built of adobe and rock
significance: demonstrated Spanish influence
Iroquois
definition: New York Indian tribe which
significance: built great mounds that are marvels to look at
Inca
definition: a member of the small group of Quechuan people living in the Cuzco valley in Peru who established hegemony over their neighbors to create the great Inca empire that lasted from about 1100 until the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s
significa
Tenochtitlan
definition: capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco; population was about 150,000 on the eve of Spanish conquest; Mexico City was constructed on its ruins.
significance: Demonstrated Aztec ingeniuity
Chinampas
definition: Raised fields constructed along lake shores in Mesoamerica to increase agricultural yields
significance: led to more agriculture
Quipu
definition: knotted cords of various lengths and colors used by the Inca to keep financial records
significance: helped to make up for lack of writing
Cahokia Mound
definition: enormous earthen mound at Cahokia near East St. Louis, Illinois; built by Iroquois people for ceremonies or ritual performance
significance: demonstrated Iroquois ingenuity
Marae
definition: Polynesian ceremonial precinct and temple structure; often had several terraced floors
significance: demonstrated polynesian culture
Ali'i nui
definition: a chief or noble (hereditary) in Polynesian tribes
significance: demonstrated hierarchy in Polynesian societies
Marco Polo
D: Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324)
S: Explored Asia, brought back goods.
Otto I
D: king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor (912-973)
S: Brought back centralized rule
Pope John XII
D: crowned Otto Holy Roman Emperor in 962
S: Allowed Otto to rule
Pope Gregory VII
D: fought lay investiture by issuing a decree forbidding high-ranking clerics from receiving their investiture from lay leaders
S: limited an Emperor's authority
Henry IV
D: the first Lancastrian king of England from 1399 to 1413
S:
Frederick Barbarossa
D: Holy Roman Emperor from 1152 to 1190
S: Expanded the holy roman empire
Hugh Capet
D: King of France elected in 987 and founding the Capetian dynasty (940-996)
S: Established a new monarchy
Duke William of Normandy
D: invaded England in 1066, and introduced Norman principles of govt and land tenure to England
S: Established a government
King Louis IX
D: King of France (1226-1270), helped consolidate Capetian hold on French monarchy
S: helped to consolidate Capetian hold
Eleanor of Aquitaine
D: Queen of France as the wife of Louis VII
S: Helped improve the influence of Troubadours
St. Thomas Aquinas
D: scholastic theologian
S: Gave rise to scholastic theology
St. Dominic
D: founded orders of beggars and worked to persuade heretics to return to the Roman Catholic Church
S: Led the mendicants
St. Francis
D: founded orders of beggars and worked to persuade heretics to return to the Roman Catholic Church
S: Led the mendicants
Pope Innocent III
D: Pope called that for the crusade in 1198
S: Called for a crusade against Cathars
Eric the Red
D: Norwegian adventurer who founded a colony on Greenland
S: Demonstrated European ambition
Leif Erickson
D: viking explorer who reached North America around 1000, before Columbus
S: Demonstrated Europe ambition
Robert Guiscard
D: led Norman adventures and counquered much of southern Italy against the Muslims
S: Reconquered Italy
Roger Guiscard
D: brother of Robert Guiscard, founded a state for himself in Italy and named it Sicily
S: displays the effect to which Normans were able to re-conquer Italy
Pope Urban II
D: pope who called for the first crusade to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslims
S: Launched crusades
Peter the Hermit
D: french religious leader who led one of the bands of the first crusades
S: Launched first crusade for Jerusalem
Saladin
D: (1137-1193) Powerful Muslim ruler during Third Crusade, defeated Christians at Hattin took Jerusalem
S: Retook Jersualem
Holy Roman Empire
D: the lands ruled by Charlemagne
S: Brought order to Europe
Investiture contest
D: A struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope over who nominates clergymen. The Pope eventually won this struggle.
S: Demonstrated church-and-state influence
Capetian dynasty
D: a Frankish dynasty founded by Hugh Capet that ruled from 987 to 1328
S: forty-two
Normans
D: a member of a Viking people who raided and then settled in the French province later known as Normandy, and who invaded England in 1066
S: Brought better govertnment to England
Champagne fairs
D: vast marketplaces in France where merchants from around Europe would gather
S: Showed that Europe did have something to trade
Hanseatic League
D: a commercial and defensive confederation of free cities in northern Germany and surrounding areas
S: Represented European seafarers
Three estates
D: The three social groups considered most powerful in Western countries; church, nobles, and urban leaders.
S: Basis for social organization
Chivalry
D: the medieval principles of knighthood
S: Demonstrated Troubadours influence
Troubadours
D: wandering poets; their love songs focused on cherishing and protecting women
S: Spread Chivalry
Guilds
D: Association of merchants or artisans who cooperated to protect their economic interests
S: Allowed better workplace environments; like unions
Cathedral schools
D: Bishops and Archbishops organized these types of schools and invited well known scholars to serve as master teachers. Established formal curricula based on writings in Latin. Famous ones at Paris, Chatres, and Bologna.
S: Basis for modern Universities
Universities
D: Degree-granting institutions of higher learning. Those that appeared in Latin West from about 1200 onward became the model of all modern universities.
S: Basis for modern universities
Scholasticism
D: the system of philosophy dominant in medieval Europe
S: Influenced Muslim scholars to convert
Sacraments
D: Sacred rituals of the Roman Catholic Church
S: Showed the development of the average-person religion
Saints
D: followers of christ who lived lives of holiness on earth and now share in eternal life with God in heaven
S: showed the development of the average-person religion
Relics
D: valued holy objects from the past, esp. Saints
S: showed the development of the average-person religion
Pligrimages
D: journey to a religious site
S: spawned tourism industry
Waldensians
D: people who led heretical movements against the church. They appealed to the biblical ideal of simplicity and separation from the world.
S: demonstrated movements in the church
Cathars
D: a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries
S: demonstrated movements in the church
Vinland
D: Scandinavian name for the land explored near present day Newfoundland
S: Demonstrated European interests in expansion
Teutonic Knights
D: Order of knights devoted to Christianity and to fighting Muslims and pagans. Most active in Baltic region where they fought Slavs.
S: Expanded European rule
Reconquista
D: The effort by Christian leaders to drive the Muslims out of Spain, lasting from the 1100s until 1492.
S: Expanded European rule
Crusades
D: 1096 Christian Europe aim to reclaim Jerusalem and aid they Byzantines; 1st success and the rest a failure; weakens the Byzantines; opens up trade
S: Opened up trade
Ibn Battuta
Moroccan Muslim scholar, the most widely traveled individual of his time. He wrote a detailed account of his visits to Islamic lands from China to Spain and the western Sudan.
Marco Polo
Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324)
John of Montecorvino
The most active of Roman Catholic missionaries in China
Hongwu
First Ming emperor in 1368; originally of peasant lineage; original name Zhu Yuanzhang; drove out Mongol influence; restored position of scholar-gentry
Zheng He
An imperial eunuch and Muslim, entrusted by the Ming emperor Yongle with a series of state voyages that took his gigantic ships through the Indian Ocean, from Southeast Asia to Africa. (pp. 355, 422)
Prince Henry
Portuguese prince who started a school for sailors and sponsored early voyages of exploration
Bartolomeu Dias
Portuguese explorer who in 1488 led the first expedition to sail around the southern tip of Africa from the Atlantic and sight the Indian Ocean.
Vasco de Gama
A Portugese sailor who was the first European to sail around southern Africa to the Indian Ocean
Fernando and Isabel
the king and queen of Spain, underwrote Columbus's voyage
Christopher Columbus
Italian navigator who discovered the New World in the service of Spain while looking for a route to China (1451-1506)
Qadi
A Muslim judge who renders decisions according to the Shari'ah, the canon law of Islam.
Sufi
a Muslim who represents the mystical dimension of Islam
Melaka
The first major center of Islam in Southeast Asia, a port kingdom on the southwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula.
Little Ice Age
A century-long period of cool climate that began in the 1590s. Its ill effects on agriculture in northern Europe were notable. (p. 462)
Black Death
the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe
Ming dynasty
the imperial dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644
Reconquista
The effort by Christian leaders to drive the Muslims out of Spain, lasting from the 1100s until 1492.
Renaissance
the revival of learning and culture
Humanism
the cultural movement of the Renaissance