Han Wudi
a Chinese emperor; after Zhang Qian came back from his expedition, Zhang suggests trade relations between China and Bactria through India, and Han thought that was a fantabulous idea; China imposed political and military control over vast territories and promoted trade
constantinople
Previously known as Byzantium, Constantine changed the name of the city and moved the capitol of the Roman Empire here from Rome.
Nestorians
Early branch of Christianity, named after the fifth-century Greek theologian Nestorius, that emphasized the human nature of Jesus Christ.
St. Agustine
Father that wrote "City of God"
Sumatra
One of the main islands of Indonesia, it had a substantial Chinese community by the time of the treasure fleets.
Western/Eastern Roman Empire
as the western half of the Roman Empire, from its division by Diocletian in 285. was the predominantly Greek-speaking eastern Roman Empire of the Middle Ages, centered around its capital of Constantinople. also known as the Byzantine empire; used mostly Greek language and culture; capital-Constantinople (new Rome); enjoyed benefit of Mediterranean trade;
Attila
barbarian, rough leader; King of the Huns from 433-453 and the most successful of the barbarian invaders of the Roman Empire
Java
Island where the Dutch established a fort whose purpose was to protect Dutch possessions in the East. Portuguese.
Parthia
Native Persian dynasty from mid 2nd century BCE to 3rd c. BCE, longstanding enemy of Rome in west Asia, Intermediary in Silkroad Trade
visigoths
A 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.
Huns
large nomadic group from northern Asia who invaded territories extending from China to Eastern Europe. They virtually lived on their horses, herding cattle, sheep, and horses as well as hunting.
constantine
Roman emperor (r. 312-337). After reuniting the Roman Empire, he moved the capital to Constantinople and made Christianity a favored religion.
Dunhuang
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
Manichaeism
formed with a combination of Christianity, Zoroastriaism, Buddhism, and Judism. Lived an ascetic lifestyle, religion based on the teachings of Mani to synthesize all the religions of the world.
476 CE
During this year, Romulus, the last Emperor of (Western) Rome was overthrown (this date is sometimes acknowledged as the end of the Roman empire and the beginning of the Dark Ages)