AP World History First Semester

definition: genus of human ancestors that lived in Africa, now extinct significance: earliest human ancestor, provides insight into early human development

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

definition: current humans, larger brains allowed for more success than the H. Erectus significance: developed modern tools and systems that are still used today

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.

definition: "foraging," groups follow game and plant in order to survive significance: early survival tactics used to survive along with other tools

definition: early modern humans (h. sapiens sapiens) found in the Old World significance: modern human, similar values to modern day humans

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

definition: cave paintings left by Cro-Magnons significance: showed structured religion, belief system, similar significance to Venus Figurines

definition: "new stone age" characterized by polished tools and the agricultural transition significance: led to agriculture and permanent settlement

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

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

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

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

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

definition: Babylonian king who codified the laws of Sumer and Mesopotamia significance: Created the first code or laws for his land

definition: a Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem and sent Jews into exile significance: cause of the "babylonian captivity," overtook several empires

definition: leaded and unified Israel significance: unified Israel, created an empire similar to Sargon

definition: Son of King David, established Jerusalem significance: established Jerusalem, now a holy site for many religions

definition: prophet who preached about Yahweh significance: led a cultural transformation, broke off from Mesopotamian ideas

definition: collection of works glorifying Gilgamesh significance: showed how contemporaries thought of Gilgamesh, many thought of him as a god or god-like

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

definition: southern Mesopotamia, also known as Sumeria significance: the invention of city-states was exemplified here

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

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

definition: northern Mesopotamian city state, where Sargon led his army to create the first empire significance: starting point of Mesopotamia

definition: set of laws set forth my Hammurabi significance: first laws formally set forth

definition: law of retaliation "an eye for an eye" significance: created a punishment similar to today, "the punishment fits the crime"

definition: a group of people to take over the Fertile Crescent significance: a violent group that took over much land

definition: new Babylonian empire after much turmoil significance: leaders in this periods were selectd beacause of their merit

definition: an alloy of copper and tin significance: led to stronger tools and weapons, a major advancement in metallurgy

definition: an alloy made of iron and copper significance: led to cheaper and even stronger tools and weapons over bronze, another advancement in metallurgy

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

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

definition: one of the first groups of people to believe in one God significance: led a change in culture, broke away from Mesopotamian beliefs

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

definition: northern part of the Palestine empire significance: result of turmoil in the region

definition: southern part of the Palestine empire significance: result of turmoil in the reigon

definition: list of rules made by Yehwah, presented by Moses significance: structured rule to life, similar to Hammurabi's Code

definition: book of scriptures made by Jewish prophets significance: book of religion for the Jews

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

definition: group of languages that extends from southern Asia to the Iberian Peninsula significance: demonstrates movement patterns throughout history

definition: peoples from Anatolia (modern day Turkey) significance: Made advancements in technology and metallurgy

definition: modern day country, land of the Aryans, Dravidians, and Harappan Society significance: center of trade, religious development, and technology

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

definition: a settled, well-organized people who built cities in India significance: formed cities and governments in India

definition: first Indian civilization significance: made technological inventions such as sewage

definition: river near pakistan that creates a fertile plain (Indus River Valley) significance: formed fertile areas for agriculture and encouraged growth

definition: large ancient city of the Indus civilization, created in present-day Pakistan

definition: early Indian settlement, laid out in a grid pattern with irrigation and sewage significance: structured layout and modernly-used inventions

definition: sacred language by the Vedas in India, mainly for religion significance: shows distinctions made with every day life and religion

definition: ordinary language used in India, but still formal enough for writing significance: shows distinctions made with every day life and religion

definition: Sanskrit writings, earliest known of Hinduism significance: showed self-thought and philosophical ideas

definition: first Vedas scripture, deals with spirituality, science, etc significance: laid out the principles for thought and development in India

definition: title given to an Indian prince or king significance: demonstrates a government

definition: area between Indus and Ganges river significance: where the Aryan's first conquered

definition: important river in India, supplied water significance: allowed for development of agriculture and cities in India

definition: Hindu social rank based on wealth and profession significance: social distinctions made by settling down due to agriculture

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

definition: first level of Varna, priest class of Indian society significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion

definition: second level of Varna, warrior class of Indian society significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion

definition: third level of Varna, merchant class of Indian society significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion

definition: fourth level of Varna, servant class of Indian society significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion

definition: sub Varna, groups for economic development significance: social distinctions made possible by settling down and religion

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

definition: guidelines formed based on Hindu beliefs significance: set of laws to bring order, first ones to be based on religion

definition: ritual requiring women to commit suicide at their husband's funeral significance: showed belief in afterlife

definition: god thought to view people from the heavens, also god of the sky and creation significance: mixing of the Aryan and Indian cultures

definition: the body, according to tradition significance: demonstrates religion and self-thought about origins

definition: group of peoples that contributed to older Vedas significance: theological advancement

definition: the Universal spirit of which we are all made significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation

definition: idea of reincarnation back into suffering significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation

definition: idea that a person's actions determined their incarnation significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation

definition: idea that a person can break Samsara to join Brahman significance: demonstrates thought and questions in after-life and creation

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

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

definition: civilization in Guatemala and the Yucatán Peninsula, about A.D. 250 to 900 significance: advanced society that led to many technological inventions

definition: largest ancient Mayan city in Guatemala significance: demonstrates abilities of Mayan engineering

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

definition: Mayan creation epic, taught that god created humans out of maize and water significance: explanation for most of their sacrificial and gory rituals

definition: team sport in Mesoamerica, losers were sacrificed to the gods significance: demonstrated the need for sacrifices in Mayan society

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

definition: a culture that thrived in the Andean region from about 900 B.C. to 200 B.C. significance: first culture in the Andes

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.

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)

definition: Austronesian population that emerged from Taiwan significance: demonstrated migration patterns

definition: Chinese astronomer, scholar, historian, wrote historical records for China significance: wrote some of the most important historical records of early China

definition: political and ethical philosopher from China significance: very influential philosopher, his ideas and sayings are still used today

definition: Confucius's greatest disciple, wrote Analects significance: recorded Confucius's ideas

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

definition: wrote the philosophical ideas of Taosim, advocated humility and piety significance: An important idea that influence China

definition: founder of legalism, idea that proposed government and expanding borders over everything else significance: An important idea that influence China

definition: advocate of strict legalism significance: An important idea that influence China

definition: unified China, major engineering projects such as canals and roads, standardized measurements and money significance: unified China

definition: Overthrew Qin dynasty, first emperor of Han dynasty significance: founder of a new dynasty

definition: most prominent and important Han dynasty empire, created public school system significance: public school idea still used today

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

definition: the teachings of Confucius, emphasized kindness and love significance: collection of teachings of Confucius, still used today, impact throughout history

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

definition: Confucian virtue of reverence significance: collection of teachings of Confucius, still used today, impact throughout history

definition: Confucian idea that one should respect parents and ancestors above all others significance: idea used in modern religions in Asia

definition: philosophy based from works from Laozi, that one should be pious and humble significance: demonstrates ideas made years ago are still used today

definition: idea that we should know what to do and when significance: demonstrates ideas made years ago are still used today

definition: idea that proposed government and expanding borders over everything else significance: idea led to Chinese development and influence

definition: first Dynasty, built Great Wall, unified China, established standards, constructed canals and roads significance: first Chinese empire

definition: Dynasty that increased its power and borders, second to the Qin Dynasty significance: brought more land and power to China

definition: confederation of nomadic tribes in Central Asia significance: threatened China, in response China created the Great Wall of China

definition: production of raw silk by raising silkworms significance: form of domestication

definition: revolt in China over land management disputes in second-century CE significance: led to the downfall of the Xin Dynasty

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

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 governing empires

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

definition: one of the greatest leaders of the Kushan Empire in India significance: creation of arts and philosophy made possible by Kanishka

definition: the founder and ruler of the Gupta Empire significance: led to the golden age of India

definition: Indian ascetic philosopher and the principal founder of Jainism significance: created Jainism, an influence for Buddhism and Hinduism

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

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

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

definition: in Northwestern India, and ruled by Greek-speaking descendants of Alexander's campaigns, modern day Afghanistan significance: influenced Indian culture and development

definition: located in Northern India/Central Asia, maintained Silk Road significance: one of the first emerging territories from Bactria

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

definition: nomadic invaders from central Asia; invaded India; disrupted Gupta administration significance: led to the downfall of the Gupta administration

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

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 later Hinduism

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 exists today

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

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

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

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

definition: led rebuilding of Athens for more than 30 years from 461BCE to 429BCE significance: Leader of the Peloponessian war

definition: father of Alexander of Macedon, unified the warring Greek city-states significance: unified Greece

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

definition: Greek poet who wrote about human emotions, lived on island of Lesbos significance: Classic example on the male dominance in Greece

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

definition: considered the greatest philosopher, student of Socrates, known for his Ideas theory significance: influence to Aristotle

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

definition: writer of several tragedies involving war and its misery significance: greek playwright

definition: an ancient Greek dramatist remembered for his comedies significance: greek playwright

definition: society that inhabited Crete, created an undeciphered script, fell to invaders around 1100 BCE significance: beginnings of Greece, its fall led to poleis

definition: prominent ancient town on Crete where Bronze Age culture flourished from about 2000 BC to 1400 BCE significance: "capital" of Minoan society

definition: an undeciphered writing system used in Crete in the 17th century BCE significance: showed the intuitive ability of the early Indo-Eurpoeans

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 fall led to the poleis

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

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

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

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

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

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

definition: alliance of city-states with Athens as leader, made to keep fighting Persia significance: led to the fall of Athens

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

definition: ancient kingdom of Philip II and Alexander of Macedon in the southeastern Balkans significance: origin of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great

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

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

definition: The empire in the Egyptian area after the breakup of Alexander's empire significance: had the Megalopolis of Alexandria, many ports, helped trade

definition: the largest kingdom that came of the division of Alexander's empire significance: helped diffuse Greek culture and ideas

definition: one of the panhellenic rituals observed by all Greek city-states; involved athletic competitions and ritual celebrations significance: helped unify the many poleis

definition: term used by Plato to refer to traits in physical objects, ex: manly, beauty, etc. significance: part of the deviation from Socrates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 its conquered land

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 stabilized the Roman Empire; Created time of peace in Europe

definition: Roman statesman and orator remembered for his mastery of Latin prose significance: helped spread stoicism

definition: Teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth significance: prominent figure of Christianity

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

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

definition: A council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city's leaders significance: Indirectly helped govern the Roman Empire

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

definition: The basic law code for citizens of the early republic significance: First of written laws in the Roman Empire

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 land, vehicle for Christianity

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

definition: the wealthy class in Roman society; landowners significance: influenced most of the early decisions in the Roman Senate

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

definition: Idea that there are moral laws governing the universe; followers are generally indifferent to pain and pleasure.

definition: ancient Persian religion that was later adapted to values of courage, honor, etc significance: example of Roman adaptation; became popular among solders

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: Biggest religion of salvation prior to Christianity

definition: Religious group which believed the temple of worship was impure significance: Led to Baptism, demonstrated political instability in Rome

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

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

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

definition: The first major discourse delivered by Jesus significance: Summarizes the Christian fate, I have to learn it for catechism class

definition: Farming plantations for the wealthy significance: Wealthy land owners had these and pressured smaller farmers

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

definition: "Our Sea," started to call the Mediterranean the Roman Lake significance: Was used for trade routes

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

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

definition: most prominent and important Han dynasty empire, created public school system significance: public school idea still used today

definition: a tireless missionary with a reputation for performing miracles and who popularized Christianity in central Anatolia significance: Helped promote Chirstianity, prominent missionary

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

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

definition: Emperor of Rome who adopted the Christian faith and stopped the persecution of Christians significance: allowed the public to practice Christianity

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

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

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

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

definition: rainy season in southern Asia when the southwestern monsoon blows, bringing heavy rains significance: facilitated trade in the Indian area

definition: principal commercial center on east African coast, contributed ivory, tortoise shell, and slaves and dominated East African trade significance: principal trading port

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 road

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

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

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

definition: formed with a combination of Christianity, Zoroastriaism, Buddhism, and Judism significance: sought to explain the ultimate truth

definition: a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease significance: led to the collapse of China and Rome

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

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

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 empire

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

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

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

definition: Wrote about the smuggling of silk worms and sericulutre techniques from China significance: Demonstrated Chinese influence

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

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

definition: the wife of Justinian, originally a prostitute significance: influenced Justinian who influenced the Byzantium empire

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

definition: Bulgar-slayer, using themes he moved west and destroyed the Bulgars significance: Destroyed Bulgars, demonstrated theme system

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

definition: theologist who didn't accept that Jesus was divine (Arianism) and was outlawed as a heretic significance: demonstrated caesaropapism

definition: imposed iconoclasm for fear that they were being worshiped as physical idols significance: imposed iconoclasm

definition: popular Pillar saint, influenced the creation of monastaries significance: popular Pillar Saint, influenced the creation of monastaries

definition: urged reforms of monasteries that increased their efficiency significance: helped spread Christianity by increasing efficiency

definition: first of two popular missionaries that invented the Cyrillic alphabet and used that to explain the Bible significance: invented Cyrillic alphabet, spread Christianity

definition: second of two popular missionaries that invented the Cyrillic alphabet and used that to explain the Bible significance: invented Cyrillic alphabet, spread Christianity

definition: convert to Christianity, despite being a drunkard significance: affirmed Byzantium's rule on Russia

definition: a modest market town turned military and economic center of the Byzantine empire significance: led to the name "Byzantium"

definition: the capital of the eastern Roman Empire and later of the Byzantine Empire significance: The "heart" of Byzantium, once destroyed, so was Byzantium

definition: the doctrine that the state is supreme over the church in ecclesiastical matters significance: used in Byzantium to decide on several ecclesiastical matters

definition: the Cathedral of Holy Wisdom in Constantinople, built by order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian significance: Demonstrated Byzantine intelligence, also influenced Russia

definition: "Body of Civil Law," Justinian's codification of Roman law significance: demonstrated Justinian influence, idea is used today

definition: a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries that would ignite significance: facilitated battles and victories for Byzantine

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

definition: Byzantine gold coin; the standard currency of the Byzantium empire significance: standardized coinage facilitated trade

definition: the Colosseum of the Byzantian empire where the Greens and Blues were held significance: kept the masses entertained and distracted

definition: teams that fought in the Hippodrome and caused major social unrest significance: caused social unrest, but also unity to protest taxes

definition: doctrine stating that Jesus was not God but created by God, taught by Arius significance: demonstrated caesaropapism

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

definition: saints that prayed on pillars to demonstrate their aesthetic lifestyle significance: promoted the creation of monasteries

definition: an autonomous area in northeastern Greece that is the site of several Greek Orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century significance: prominent monastary

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

definition: series of holy wars from 1096-1270 AD undertaken by European Christians to free the Holy Land from Muslim rule significance: forty-two

definition: battle between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuk Turks (Muslims) in 1071, where the Byzantine lost significance: commenced the downfall of Byzantium

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

definition: Turks who had come to Anatolia in the same wave of migrations as the Seljuks significance: sealed the fate of Byzantium

definition: defeated Eastern Romans, took possession of the lower Danube River, set base for Bulgarian kingdom significance: helped the downfall of Byzantium

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

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"

definition: the Arab prophet who founded Islam (570-632) significance: founder of Islam, a prominent religion

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

definition: the fourth caliph of Islam who is considered to be the first caliph by Shiites significance:

definition: Leader of rebellion in Persia that led to the downfall of the Umayyad significance: led to the downfall of the Umayyad

definition: fifth and most famous Abbasid Caliph in Iraq significance: Brought the high point of the Abbasid empire, supporting weath

definition: Islamic theologian who struggled to fuse Greek and Koranic traditions significance:

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.

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

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

definition: a believer or follower of Islam significance: Spread Islamic religion

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

definition: City in western Arabia; birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and ritual center of the Islamic religion significance: Important location in Islam

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

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

definition: a city in western Saudi Arabia to where Muhammad had fled significance: Islamic significance, location where Muhammad was buried, first Mosque

definition: The Migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622, marking the founding of Islam significance: Founded Islam

definition: the Muslim community or people, considered to extend from Mauritania to Pakistan significance: Provided peace along these lands

definition: name recognizing Muhammad as the last and greatest prophet significance: Solidified Muhammad's role as a great prophet

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

definition: the five basic acts of worship that are central to Islam (Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Alms, Pilgrimage) significance: Foundation of Islam, reinforced by Muhammad

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

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

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

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

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

definition: Orthodox religious scholars within Islam; pressed for a more conservative and restrictive theology significance: Ensured observance of Islamic traditions

definition: Muslim judges who carried out the judicial functions of the state significance: Ensured observance of Islamic traditions

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

definition: an inn in some Eastern countries with a large courtyard that provides accommodation for caravans significance: facilitated trade by making it easier

definition: Arabic name given to a nation in the parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims significance: Demonstrated the expansive realm of Islam

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

definition: the fifth pillar of Islam, a pilgrimage to Mecca significance: A large part of a Muslim's life, symbol of religious unity

definition: Buddhist monk that illegally visited India; popularized Buddhism in China (629 C.E.) significance: Popularized Buddhism in China

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

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

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

definition: (1130-1200) Most prominent of neo-Confucian scholars during the Song dynasty in China significance: demonstrated the influence of Buddhism

definition: a dynasty (581 to 618) that rebuilt the Great Wall and began canal building, restored centralized rule after war

definition: an inland waterway 1000 miles long in eastern China built by the Sui dynsaty significance: facilitated trade in China from north to south

definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 618 to 907, restored centralized rule after war

definition: ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an

definition: inheritance system where 1/5 of the land when to the peasant's descendants and the rest went to the government

definition: civil service examinations; based on Confucian education - no longer decided by family lineage significance: Helped to strengthen the imperial government

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

definition: A group of Turkic-speakers who controlled their own centralized empire from 744 to 840 in Mongolia and Central Asia.

definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279 significance: flourished empire of China

definition: Nomadic peoples of Manchuria; militarily superior to Song dynasty China but influenced by Chinese culture significance: brought the end of the Song dynasty

definition: nomadic people that conquered Khitan, overran northern China, and captured the Song capital

definition: practice in Chinese society to mutilate women's feet in order to make them smaller significance: demonstrated Chinese patriarchal society

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

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

definition: term that describesthe resurgence of Confusianism and the influence of Confucian scholars during the Tang dynasty significance: demonstrated Buddhist influences

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

definition: a southern state below China significance: had fast-ripening Rice, allowed much more food to be produced

definition: Japanese period (710-794) centered around city of Nara, that was the highest point of Chinese influence significance: demonstrated CHinese influence

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

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

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

definition: a hereditary military dictator of Japan significance: established in place of an emperor, fractioned imperial rule

definition: Yorimoto's capital during his shogunate, destroyed in 1331 significance: head of the true power of Japan

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

definition: a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy significance: leaders of the military emperor

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

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

definition: A storytelling mariner who came from the emporium of Siraf on the Persian Gulf significance: Demonstrated trade influenced in India

definition: 7th century north Indian ruler; built a large state that declined after his death 646 (last true Hindu ruler) significance: unified India temporarily

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 Islam in India

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, independent empire of Vijayanagar significance: Established a new empire

definition: southern India; tried to harmonize all the Hindu writings significance: matured Hinduism

definition: taught in the hands of Vishnu one will win god's grace and live in presence significance: matured Hinduism

definition: Indus River valley in NW India; conquered in 711; fringe of Islamic world significance: helped spread Islam to India

definition: the kingdom established by Mahmud's succesors to spread islam in India significance: spread Islam to India

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 Southern India

definition: independent empire proclaimed by Harihara and Bukka; "city of victory". Dominate state in southern India until 1565 significance: brought order to Southern India

definition: seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons significance: helped trade and agriculture

definition: Arab sailing vessels with triangular or lateen sails; strongly influenced European ship design significance: helped to trade in the Indian Ocean Basin

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

definition: Christian kingdom in Ethiopia significance: Helped with maritime trade

definition: a social structure in which classes are determined by heredity significance: helped integrate immigrants

definition: A Hindu god considered the preserver of the world significance: helped with Cults and Hinduism

definition: an important Hindu deity who in the trinity of gods was the Destroyer significance: helped with Cults and Hinduism

definition: a mystical Muslim group that believed they could draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and a simple life significance: helped spread Islam

definition: Indian movement that attempted to transcend the differences between Hinduism and Islam significance: helped spread Islam

definition: Early complex society in Southeast Asia between the first and sixth centuries C.E. significance: demonstrated Indian influence

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

definition: Southeast Asian Khmer kingdom (889-1432) that was centered around temple cities significance: demonstrated Indian influence

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

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

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

definition: king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor significance: Symbolized the relationship between the Church and Charlemagne

definition: crowned Charlemagne the "Holy Roman Emperor" significance: strained Byzantian relationship

definition: literate monk who wrote the History of the Franks and some of the other few surviving histories of the Early Middle Ages

definition: third son of Charlemagne and king of the Caroligian Empire and Holy Roman Emperor significance: Dissolved the Caroligian empire without a strong rule

definition: king of Wessex 871-899; known as Alfred the Great. His military resistance saved southwestern England from Viking occupation significance: Drove off Vikings

definition: king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor significance: Drove off Mayagars for good

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

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

definition: twin sister of Benedict; devoted her life to the Church significance: brought the influence of the Rule to nuns

definition: group of Germanic people who rose to prominence under the leadership of King Clovis significance: brought Europe together

definition: capital of Charlemagne's empire, c. 800; a city in present-day Germany significance: scholastic town based around Christianity

definition: official appointed by Charlemagne who investigated if the counties were obeying his rules significance: Ensured a somewhat-centralized rule of the Franks

definition: Muslims who attacked Europe and converted to Christianity and established Hungary significance: Spread Christianity, caused instability

definition: Scandinavian pirates who plundered the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 10th centuries significance: caused Instability

definition: the lands ruled by Charlemagne significance: Brought a degree of stability back to Europe

definition: people of high rank who received land in exchange for their loyalty significance: Political directors of a region in feudalism

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

definition: a gift given for service performed, usually land significance: enticed retainers, made being a retainer more appeasing

definition: a large estate, often including farms and a village, ruled by a lord significance: Location where lords ruled

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

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

definition: the government of the Roman Catholic Church significance: Brought cultural unity during feudal times in Europe

definition: set of responsibilities taken by monasteries significance: spread and kept literature and ideas

definition: basic guide for religious life and discipline in a monastery significance: provided a set of rules to life in Monastaries

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 progression of Islam

definition: a mongol who united mongol and Turkish tribes, began campaign west, using fear as a tactic significance: Brought unity to asia and Eurasia

definition: Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324) significance: praised Kublai for his generosity

definition: last of the Mongol Great Khans (r. 1260-1294) and founder of the Yuan Empire significance: spread Buddhism through his empire

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

definition: most successful warrior and "founder" of Ottomans significance: established the ottoman empire

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

definition: large, circle-shaped tents made of animal hides, also called gurs significance: demonstrated nomadic ingenuity

definition: an alcoholic drink prepared from animal products by fermenting mare's milk into a potent concoction significance: demonstrated nomadic ingenuity

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

definition: a Mongol ruler significance: brought unity to Asia

definition: Turkish tribe that gained control over the Abbasid empire and fought with Byzantine significance: sacked much of Byzantine's cities and agrarian sources

definition: the ruler of a Muslim country (especially of the former Ottoman Empire) significance: unified an area

definition: site where Saljuq forces inflicted a devastating defeat on the Byzantine army in 1071 significance: sacked Byzantine's agrarian sources

definition: capital of the Mongol empire under Chinggis Khan, 1162 - 1227 significance: brought political unity

definition: "city of the khan"; previously ruled by Jurchens but was new capital for the Mongols significance: brought political unity

definition: one of Chinggis Khan's sons whose descendents rued the khanate of Chaghatai significance:

definition: a Mongolian army that swept over eastern Europe in the 13th century significance: brought unity to Russia

definition: the imperial dynasty of China from 1279 to 1368 significance: brought unity over China, albeit bad

definition: Abbasid empire toppled, Baghdad sacked, 1258 significance: Brought unity

definition: prominent place for magic and supernatural powers; recognized Mongol leaders as legitimate rulers significance: helped spread buddhism

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

definition: disease brought to Europe from the Mongols during the Middle Ages. It killed 1/3 of the population and helps end Feudalism

definition: Muslims that took over Constantinople in 1453.

definition: the largest city and former capital of Turkey

definition: the founder of Mali empire, crushed his enemies and won control of the gold trade routes significance: brought prosperity to Ghana

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

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

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

definition: Professional oral historians who served as keepers of traditions and advisors to kings within the Mali Empire significance: Kept history

definition: elongated crescent-shaped yellow fruit with soft sweet flesh significance: promoted population growth

definition: a society that is based on the authority of kinship groups rather than on a central government significance: brought rudimentary order

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 off invaders

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 Portuguese slave traders significance: set the status quo for kingdoms

definition: Pack animals that made cross-Sahara caravans possible significance: allowed trading through the Sahara

definition: Prosperous capital city of the kingdom of Songhai, had caravan trade routes. significance: helped bring taxes

definition: first of the great medieval trading empires of western Africa significance: Facilitated trade

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

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

definition: the most widely spoken Bantu languages significance: demonstrated eastern trading

definition: one of many trading cities on the East African coast significance: demonstrated eastern trading

definition: a landlocked republic in south central Africa formerly called Rhodesia significance: Demonstrated Eastern Trading and influence

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

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

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

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

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

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 significance: helped set up the region for society

definition: founded Tenochtitlan; regarded themselves as chosen people in charge of keeping the world from destruction significance: founded Tenochtitlan and the Aztecs

definition: Aztec tribal patron god; central figure of cult of human sacrifice and warfare; identified with old sun god significance: Led Aztec religion

definition: Aztec nature god, feathered serpent, his disappearance and promised return coincided with the arrival of Cortes significance: coaxed the Aztecs into helping Cortes

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

definition: New York Indian tribe which significance: built great mounds that are marvels to look at

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 significance: built roads, major society of South America

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

definition: Raised fields constructed along lake shores in Mesoamerica to increase agricultural yields significance: led to more agriculture

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

definition: enormous earthen mound at Cahokia near East St. Louis, Illinois; built by Iroquois people for ceremonies or ritual performance significance: demonstrated Iroquois ingenuity

definition: Polynesian ceremonial precinct and temple structure; often had several terraced floors significance: demonstrated polynesian culture

definition: a chief or noble (hereditary) in Polynesian tribes significance: demonstrated hierarchy in Polynesian societies

D: Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324) S: Explored Asia, brought back goods.

D: king of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor (912-973) S: Brought back centralized rule

D: crowned Otto Holy Roman Emperor in 962 S: Allowed Otto to rule

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

D: the first Lancastrian king of England from 1399 to 1413 S:

D: Holy Roman Emperor from 1152 to 1190 S: Expanded the holy roman empire

D: King of France elected in 987 and founding the Capetian dynasty (940-996) S: Established a new monarchy

D: invaded England in 1066, and introduced Norman principles of govt and land tenure to England S: Established a government

D: King of France (1226-1270), helped consolidate Capetian hold on French monarchy S: helped to consolidate Capetian hold

D: Queen of France as the wife of Louis VII S: Helped improve the influence of Troubadours

D: scholastic theologian S: Gave rise to scholastic theology

D: founded orders of beggars and worked to persuade heretics to return to the Roman Catholic Church S: Led the mendicants

D: founded orders of beggars and worked to persuade heretics to return to the Roman Catholic Church S: Led the mendicants

D: Pope called that for the crusade in 1198 S: Called for a crusade against Cathars

D: Norwegian adventurer who founded a colony on Greenland S: Demonstrated European ambition

D: viking explorer who reached North America around 1000, before Columbus S: Demonstrated Europe ambition

D: led Norman adventures and counquered much of southern Italy against the Muslims S: Reconquered Italy

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

D: pope who called for the first crusade to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslims S: Launched crusades

D: french religious leader who led one of the bands of the first crusades S: Launched first crusade for Jerusalem

D: (1137-1193) Powerful Muslim ruler during Third Crusade, defeated Christians at Hattin took Jerusalem S: Retook Jersualem

D: the lands ruled by Charlemagne S: Brought order to Europe

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

D: a Frankish dynasty founded by Hugh Capet that ruled from 987 to 1328 S: forty-two

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

D: vast marketplaces in France where merchants from around Europe would gather S: Showed that Europe did have something to trade

D: a commercial and defensive confederation of free cities in northern Germany and surrounding areas S: Represented European seafarers

D: The three social groups considered most powerful in Western countries; church, nobles, and urban leaders. S: Basis for social organization

D: the medieval principles of knighthood S: Demonstrated Troubadours influence

D: wandering poets; their love songs focused on cherishing and protecting women S: Spread Chivalry

D: Association of merchants or artisans who cooperated to protect their economic interests S: Allowed better workplace environments; like unions

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

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

D: the system of philosophy dominant in medieval Europe S: Influenced Muslim scholars to convert

D: Sacred rituals of the Roman Catholic Church S: Showed the development of the average-person religion

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

D: valued holy objects from the past, esp. Saints S: showed the development of the average-person religion

D: journey to a religious site S: spawned tourism industry

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

D: a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries S: demonstrated movements in the church

D: Scandinavian name for the land explored near present day Newfoundland S: Demonstrated European interests in expansion

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

D: The effort by Christian leaders to drive the Muslims out of Spain, lasting from the 1100s until 1492. S: Expanded European rule

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

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.

Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324)

The most active of Roman Catholic missionaries in China

First Ming emperor in 1368; originally of peasant lineage; original name Zhu Yuanzhang; drove out Mongol influence; restored position of scholar-gentry

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)

Portuguese prince who started a school for sailors and sponsored early voyages of exploration

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.

A Portugese sailor who was the first European to sail around southern Africa to the Indian Ocean

the king and queen of Spain, underwrote Columbus's voyage

Italian navigator who discovered the New World in the service of Spain while looking for a route to China (1451-1506)

A Muslim judge who renders decisions according to the Shari'ah, the canon law of Islam.

a Muslim who represents the mystical dimension of Islam

The first major center of Islam in Southeast Asia, a port kingdom on the southwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula.

A century-long period of cool climate that began in the 1590s. Its ill effects on agriculture in northern Europe were notable. (p. 462)

the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe

the imperial dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644

The effort by Christian leaders to drive the Muslims out of Spain, lasting from the 1100s until 1492.

the revival of learning and culture

the cultural movement of the Renaissance