Developments in East Asia: Dynasties and Bureaucracy

Belief in multiple gods or deities, with each deity representing a specific aspect of the natural or spiritual world.

A type of religion that worships multiple deities, each with a specific role in the universe.

Belief in one supreme deity, often in contrast to polytheism.

The practice of worshipping multiple deities, often involving rituals, offerings, and complex mythology.

A broad term encompassing various beliefs and practices about spirits inhabiting the natural world.

Communities organized around shared ancestry, family ties, or kinship.

Groups with a common history, language, and cultural practices. They often have their own governance and social organization.

A description of the countless indigenous cultures and communities that exist on the African continent.

A massive canal built over centuries in China, used for transporting goods like grain, timber, and minerals, and playing a key role in the development of the Chinese economy.

A mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate, initially used for medicine and religion, but later became a key component in weapons and other applications like mining, fireworks, and rocketry.

A type of aromatic rice grown in the Champa region of Vietnam, known for its fragrant aroma and sticky texture.

A valuable mineral resource in China, primarily used for generating electricity as well as producing steel, iron, and other industrial products.

A dynasty in Chinese history, known for its contributions to the development of the Grand Canal, the expansion of the empire, and the promotion of cultural and economic growth.

A dynasty in Chinese history, known for its flourishing cultural and economic development, advancements in technology, and contributions to the Grand Canal development.

The process of creating a pathway for water to flow, involving digging trenches and shaping the land to create canals.

Structures built over waterways to allow for passage, essential for transportation and linking different parts of the Grand Canal.

The blending of African, Arab, and Persian influences, known for its vibrant arts, literature, and architecture. It utilized both the Trans-Saharan Trade Network and the Indian Ocean Trade Network for trade.

A large city-state in the Swahili culture, known for its massive protective wall, symbolizing its unity.

The oldest independent country in Africa, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is home to over 80 different ethnic groups and has a long tradition of Orthodox Christianity.

A social, economic, and political system prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. Based on the exchange of land for service or labor.

Smaller kingdoms and regional powers dominating Europe after the fall of Rome.

The formation of powerful kingdoms that replaced localism.

Storytellers responsible for preserving and spreading history, literature, and culture through oral tradition.

A common cultural practice in many Sub-Saharan societies, involving both entertainment and veneration of the dead.

The declaration of faith in Islam, stating that there is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad is his prophet.

The ritual prayer performed five times a day by Muslims, facing towards Mecca.

The annual payment of a percentage of one's wealth to charity, a fundamental act of worship in Islam.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk.

The pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey every able-bodied Muslim should make at least once in their lifetime.

A network of trade routes across the Sahara Desert, connecting the Mediterranean region with sub-Saharan Africa.

A network of trade routes connecting the East African coast with the Western Indian Ocean, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

The spread of Islam across Africa, facilitated by the trans-Saharan trade network and cultural exchange.

The Aztecs were a civilization that dominated modern-day Mexico City and south. They were known for their large capital city, Tenochtitlan, which was built on Lake Texcoco.

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on Lake Texcoco. It was a large and sophisticated city, housing nearly 200,000 people.

Chinampas were floating gardens used by the Aztecs to grow food on Lake Texcoco. They were built by layering soil and vegetation on reed mats.

Human sacrifice was a central part of Aztec religion and political practices. They believed it was necessary to appease their gods and maintain the world's order.

The Inca Empire was another powerful civilization in South America, centered around the Andes Mountains. They were known for their advanced agricultural techniques and impressive road system.

The Inca Empire was a united monarchy, unlike the Aztecs who were a city-state empire. The Inca had a strong central government that controlled a vast territory.

The Inca practiced animal sacrifice, especially of llamas, as part of their religious rituals. This was different from the Aztec human sacrifice practice.

The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice, often performed to the sun god Huitzilopochtli, was necessary to appease their gods, ensure the world's continuation, and maintain the natural order.

A powerful West African empire that flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries, known for its gold trade and Islamic learning. Its capital was Niani and its most famous ruler was Mansa Musa, who made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca.

A medieval empire centered in Central Europe, lasting from the 9th to the 19th centuries. It was a complex political structure with decentralized territories ruled by an elected emperor.

A Native American civilization that dominated Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries. Known for its powerful empire, advanced culture, and intricate system of government, religion, and record-keeping.

A group of rulers who held control over the Mali Empire, with Mansa Musa being the most famous.

The process by which different traditions, beliefs, and practices blend and influence one another. It can happen through contact, migration, or trade.

This was the term used for the leader of the Holy Roman Empire. They were seen as successors to the Roman Empire.

The Inca built a vast empire in South America, known for their impressive architecture and sophisticated administration.

Expansion in scope refers to the growth and development of empires beyond their initial borders. This can be through conquest, trade, or cultural influence.