Comprehensive Guide to The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–1450)

Song Dynasty

A period in China from 960–1279 known as a Golden Age, marked by economic growth and cultural flourishing.

Imperial Bureaucracy

A vast organization of appointed officials who carried out the policies of the empire.

Civil Service Exam

Rigorous exams based on Confucian texts required to work in the bureaucracy.

Meritocracy

A system where advancement is based on individual ability and talent.

Champa Rice

Fast-ripening rice from Vietnam that allowed for increased agricultural production.

Grand Canal

A transportation system in China that linked the agricultural south with the populous north.

Proto-Industrialization

Community-based production of goods for commercial use rather than personal consumption.

Confucianism

A philosophical system focusing on social harmony through five relationships.

Filial Piety

The duty of family members to prioritize the desires of the family head and ruler.

Neo-Confucianism

A blend of Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist thought that emphasized ethics.

Buddhism

A religion that arrived in China via the Silk Roads, focusing on spiritual growth.

Japan's Relationship with China

Selective Borrowing; adopted Buddhism and Confucianism but developed feudalism.

Korea's Relationship with China

Tributary State that emulated Chinese politics and culture.

Vietnam's Relationship with China

Adversarial; adopted some culture while maintaining independence and women's rights.

Abbasid Caliphate

Islamic empire during its Golden Age that faced political fragmentation.

Mamluk Sultanate

An Islamic state in Egypt ruled by enslaved Turks from 1250–1517.

Seljuk Turks

Central Asian rulers who conquered parts of the Middle East and reduced the Abbasid Caliph to a figurehead.

Delhi Sultanate

Islamic state in India established around 1206, known for introducing the Jizya tax.

House of Wisdom

Established in Baghdad, it was a hub for the preservation and expansion of knowledge.

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

An influential Islamic scholar who made contributions in various fields, including astronomy.

Sufi Missionaries

Mystical Islam practitioners who emphasized emotion and personal connection to Allah.

Bhakti Movement

A movement in India that emphasized devotion to a deity and emotional connection, appealing to lower castes.

Srivijaya Empire

A Hindu kingdom in Sumatra known for controlling trade routes between India and China.

Khmer Empire (Angkor)

Located in Cambodia, famous for its sophisticated irrigation systems.

The Aztecs (Mexica)

An empire in Central Mexico known for its tribute system and Tenochtitlán.

Chinampas

Floating gardens created by the Aztecs to increase agricultural production.

Mit'a System

Inca system requiring public service for labor among men aged 15-50.

Carpa Nan

An extensive roadway system established by the Inca for military and government use.

Great Zimbabwe

A massive stone city in Southeast Africa that dominated trade.

Mansa Musa

The emperor of the Mali Empire known for showcasing immense wealth during his pilgrimage.

Timbuktu

A prominent center of Islamic learning established in the Mali Empire.

Swahili City-States

Trade centers on the East African coast that blended African and Arab cultures.

Feudalism

A political system where land is exchanged for military service and protection.

Manorialism

The economic structure of feudalism, focusing on land agricultural productivity.

Magna Carta

A charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the king in England.

The Crusades

Religious wars to reclaim the Holy Land that ultimately opened Europe to new trade.

The Renaissance

A cultural revival in Europe that began in the 14th century, marked by renewed interest in art and learning.

Kinship Groups

Governance structures in Sub-Saharan Africa based on familial ties before centralized states developed.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes that facilitated commerce between West Africa and North Africa.

Animism

The belief that elements of the physical world possess supernatural powers.

Gryots (Griots)

Oral historians in Africa who preserved and passed down history and lineage.

Agricultural Revolution

Period where advancements in farming techniques and crops led to population increases.

Chaco Culture

Ancient Native American culture known for its unique cliff dwellings and community structures.

Filial Piety in Confucianism

The importance of respect for one's parents and ancestors, central in Confucian society.