Aztec and Inca Civilizations

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Questions and Answers

What was the main belief of Shia Islam regarding leadership?

Leadership should be determined by democratic election.

Leadership should include all descendants of the early caliphs.

Leadership should be based on military strength and power.

Leadership should remain within the Prophet Muhammad's family. (correct)

What was a significant outcome of Emperor Justinian I's military campaigns?

The temporary recovery of western Roman territories. (correct)

The establishment of the Ottoman Empire.

The complete failure of the Byzantine Empire.

The permanent conquest of Africa and Asia.

Which goods did Arab merchants primarily seek in West Africa?

Cotton and copper.

Silks and porcelain.

Spices and textiles.

Gold and salt. (correct)

What technological advancements are attributed to the Tang and Song dynasties in China?

Gunpowder and the compass. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Prince Henry's contributions to maritime exploration?

He established a navigation school and sponsored expeditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the societal view toward women with bound feet in the context of traditional Chinese culture?

They represented beauty and social status. Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca have on local economies?

It reportedly destabilized local economies due to gold distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Ibn Battuta's recorded journeys in the Rihla?

The cultural and economic interconnectedness of the Islamic world. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to Samarkand and Kashgar becoming vital trade hubs along the Silk Road?

Their roles as rest stops and centers for cultural exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key benefits of the Pax Mongolica for trade?

Improved safety for merchants and standardization of laws. Signup and view all the answers

In which fields did Islamic scholars make significant advancements?

Mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement from the Islamic world had a lasting impact on record-keeping in Europe?

Arabic numerals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of cross-cultural exchange facilitated by trade routes?

The spread of medical knowledge from the Islamic world. Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural innovation contributed to increased food production during the growth of urban centers?

Three-field system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a cause of population decline during the Black Death?

Urbanization Signup and view all the answers

Which trade network was characterized by the exchange of bulk goods and relied on monsoon winds?

Indian Ocean Trade Signup and view all the answers

What major project led to the fall of the Sui Dynasty due to high taxes and forced labor?

The Grand Canal Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor is credited with founding the Tang Dynasty?

Emperor Gaozu Signup and view all the answers

Gunpowder was initially used for what purpose before revolutionizing warfare?

Fireworks Signup and view all the answers

Which city became the capital of the Southern Song after the loss of northern China?

Hangzhou Signup and view all the answers

Which sect of Islam believes that leadership should follow the Prophet Muhammad's companions?

Sunni Islam Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of chinampas in ancient Aztec society?

To grow food in shallow lakes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the split inheritance system used in the Inca Empire?

Wealth and possessions remained with the deceased ruler's descendants Signup and view all the answers

What was the Mita system used for in the Inca civilization?

Supporting various state construction projects Signup and view all the answers

What role did calpulli play in Aztec society?

They were clan-based units managing communal lands Signup and view all the answers

Which area did the Golden Horde primarily rule over?

Parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Alexandria in the Hellenistic world?

It was a hub of learning and housed the Great Library Signup and view all the answers

Which empire controlled major maritime trade routes during its existence from the 7th to the 13th centuries?

The Srivijaya Empire Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of the Yuan Dynasty on cultural exchange?

Facilitated cultural exchange and spread of diseases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chinampas

Chinampas were floating gardens built by the Aztecs.
They were built in shallow lakes by piling mud, plants, and reeds into rectangular shapes.
The plots were fertile due to their location in water.
Crops like corn, beans, and squash grew well.

Inca Inheritance

Inca inheritance followed a split system.
The new ruler inherited political power.
The deceased ruler's wealth, land, and possessions remained with descendants.
This system maintained the ruler's memory and managed the estate.
Descendants maintained the estate, worshipped the mummified body, and maintained the ruler’s legacy.
The system encouraged rulers to expand their empires.

Mita System

The Mita system supported state projects.
These projects included roads, terraces, public buildings, and mining.

Calpulli

Calpulli were clan-like social units in Aztec society.
They organized families into neighborhoods.
They managed communal land and distributed it among members.
They provided military service, and education.
They were responsible for labor to the state.
Calpulli leaders oversaw land use and resolved disputes.

Golden Horde

The Golden Horde was a 13th-century Mongol khanate.
It was established by Batu Khan.
It ruled over parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia.
The Horde imposed tribute on Russian principalities.
The Horde thrived on Silk Road trade.
The Horde later adopted Islam.
Its power declined as Moscow rose.

Guardians

Guardians were entities that protected sacred or intellectual sites.
They included scribes and priests in ancient civilizations.

Alexandria

Alexandria was a major intellectual center in the Nile River.
It was known for its Great Library.
Alexandria was a hub of learning in the Hellenistic world.

Sindh

Sindh was conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 CE.
Sindh is located in modern-day Pakistan.
Sindh was conquered by the Umayyad Empire.

Bactria

Bactria was an ancient region in Central Asia.
It was located around modern-day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Bactria was a key center of trade and culture.

Srivijaya Empire

The Srivijaya Empire (7th-13th centuries) was a great trading empire.
It controlled major maritime trade routes in Southeast Asia.

Spread of Islam in Southeast Asia

Islam spread through trade networks.
It spread through Sufi missionaries.
Conversion of local rulers, like those in the Malacca Sultanate, also played a role.

Yuan Dynasty

The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) was founded by Kublai Khan.
It was located in China.

Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire facilitated cultural exchange.
It facilitated increased trade along the Silk Road.
It spread innovations and diseases like the Black Death.

Foot Binding

Foot binding was a Chinese cultural practice.
It started during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
It involved tightly binding young girls' feet.
The purpose was to reshape the feet into a smaller, “ideal” size.
The practice was known as “lotus feet.”
It symbolized beauty, social status, and wealth for elite women.
Foot binding permanently disabled many women.

Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire in 1324.
He made a pilgrimage to Mecca (a Hajj).
He distributed large amounts of gold.

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan explorer (1325-1354).
He traveled extensively across the Islamic world
his journeys spanned North Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and even China.
His accounts, recorded as the Rihla, document the cultural and economic interconnectedness of the Islamic world.
They highlight the significance of trade.

Samarkand and Kashgar

Samarkand (in modern Uzbekistan) and Kashgar (in modern China)
were key cities along the Silk Roads.
They were trade hubs.
Merchants could rest, exchange goods, and access markets in these cities.
They were centers of cultural exchange and scholarship.
They housed diverse populations. They fostered the spread of ideas, religions, and technologies.

Mongol Trade

Mongols ensured the safety of trade routes, especially the Silk Road.
They protected merchants and standardized laws.
The Mongols encouraged trade and cultural exchange.

Islamic Scientific Knowledge

Islamic scholars preserved and expanded knowledge from ancient civilizations:
- Greek
- Roman
- Indian
- Persian
Significant advancements occurred in mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy.

Chinese Paper etc...

Chinese paper, medical knowledge, and Arabic numerals are examples of cross-cultural exchanges.
These exchanges were facilitated by trade routes like the Silk Road.
Chinese paper revolutionized record-keeping and education.
Medical knowledge spread from the Islamic world.
Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals in Europe.

Urban Growth

Urban centers grew due to increased trade along major routes (Silk Road, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan).
Agricultural innovations like the three-field system and champa rice boosted food production.
Political stability provided by empires fostered growth.

Decline of Eurasian Population

The Black Death (bubonic plague) killed millions across Eurasia.
The plague spread along trade routes.
Mongol invasions, conquests, famines, and climate change also contributed to population decline.

Trade Routes

Silk Road: Land-based trade, luxury goods, exchange of Buddhism, Islam, and technologies
Indian Ocean trade: Sea-based trade, bulk goods, reliance on monsoon winds
Trans-Saharan trade: Land-based trade, linked West Africa to North Africa, traded gold, salt, and slaves.

Song Dynasty Capital

Song Dynasty capital changed from Kaifeng to Hangzhou.
Kaifeng was the capital of the Northern Song dynasty.
Hangzhou became a thriving trade and cultural center during the Southern Song Dynasty.

Sui Dynasty Downfall

The Sui Dynasty fell in 618 due to overambitious projects (like the Grand Canal).
These projects burdened the population and resulted in forced labor.
Military failures and disastrous campaigns further weakened the dynasty, leading to rebellion.

Tang Dynasty Founder

The Tang Dynasty was founded by Emperor Gaozu of Tang (Li Yuan) in 618 CE

Song Dynasty Founder

The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin).
He was a military general who overthrew the Later Zhou dynasty.

Gunpowder Invention

Gunpowder was invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (9th century).
Initially used for fireworks, it later revolutionized warfare.

Sunni and Shia Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest sect. Their belief is that leadership should follow the Prophet Muhammad's companions and elected caliphs.
Shia Islam believes leadership should remain within the Prophet Mohammed's family, specifically descendants of Ali.

Byzantine Emperor

Emperor Justinian I (527-565 CE) attempted to reconquer the western Roman territories.

Arab Merchants in West Africa

Arab merchants sought gold and traded other goods in West Africa.
Their contact increased the trade in these areas.

Tang and Song Similarities

Both promoted Confucianism.
Both oversaw periods of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing.
Both expanded bureaucratic systems through civil service exams.
Both encouraged advancements in technology (Tang: gunpowder, Song: printing press and compass).

Polynesian Migration

Polynesians navigated the Pacific Ocean between 300-1300 CE.
They settled islands like Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, and Samoa.
They used star navigation, ocean currents, and wind patterns.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry (1394-1460) was a Portuguese royal.
He supported maritime exploration along West Africa’s coast.
He established a navigation school and sponsored expeditions that advanced European knowledge of Africa.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, focusing on their agricultural practices like chinampas, social structures such as calpulli, and inheritance systems. Test your knowledge on how these ancient cultures organized society and managed resources.