Ming Dynasty Overview and Centralization

Extensive trade networks involving gold, salt, and enslaved people, connecting East Africa to the Indian Ocean and other regions.

East African coastal region that served as a major trading hub, acting as intermediaries in long-distance trade.

Enslavement of Africans was widespread and viewed as a valuable commodity, significantly impacting East and Southern regions.

Early Andean civilization, a commercial power in the Moche valley, known for agriculture, trade, and impressive irrigation systems.

Large and expansionist South American empire, known for centralized governance, extensive infrastructure, and agricultural prowess.

The Inca state's method of controlling conquered territories through a centralized bureaucracy, tribute systems, and the spread of Quechua, a language.

Location where the Chimu civilization initially settled in South America. Crucial agricultural base.

Largest city of the Chimu Empire, reflecting their substantial size and wealth.

Incan succession, where the successor inherits the lands of the previous ruler but not the goods.

The Americas before European contact, characterized by a lack of direct connection to the rest of the world.

Both the Incas and Aztecs developed from earlier empires, organized their empires effectively, and controlled agriculture. They also started as smaller groups and incorporated conquered ethnic groups, though with contrasting methods.

The Aztecs had a sophisticated merchant class involved in trade, whereas the Incas did not have a separate class dedicated to commerce.

The Aztecs' downfall was hastened by internal problems, which were compounded severely by the arrival of the Spanish in the 1520s, the Spanish utilized superior military technology and enlisted allies.

Disease outbreaks significantly weakened the Aztec population before Spanish warfare.

North American societies were diverse, comprised of many groups without the centralized empires of the Aztecs or Incas.

Cahokia, a large North American city, was a significant center of trade and agriculture, representing a complex society.

North American societies engaged in long-distance and regional trade, with notable market cities.

The Aztecs had a system of writing, while the Incas did not.

The supreme creator god in Inca mythology, associated with the sun, creation, and the cosmos.

The capital city of the Inca Empire, renowned for its Temple of the Sun, the center of Inca religious worship.

A labor tribute system used by the Inca Empire, where conquered subjects were obligated to provide labor services to the state.

A system of knotted strings used by the Inca for record-keeping, accounting, and communication.

A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that ruled from Tula in central Mexico, known for their warrior culture, elaborate cities, and complex social structure.

An important god in Toltec and Aztec mythology, associated with wind, knowledge, and the creation of humanity.

A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that dominated central Mexico, known for their complex city-states, militaristic society, and elaborate religious practices.

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its grand temples, impressive engineering, and complex urban layout.

The Aztec emperor, considered the head of state and the religious authority, representing the gods in human form.

Clans or family groups in Aztec society, which determined social status, controlled land, and provided labor.

Belief in multiple gods, as seen in Aztec religious practices.

A significant ritual practiced by the Aztecs, where captured enemies were sacrificed to appease the gods and ensure the wellbeing of the empire.

An empire where conquered territories are forced to pay tribute in the form of goods, labor, or resources to the ruling power.

Refers to the period in the Americas before the arrival of Columbus and the European colonization of the region, characterized by independent civilizations with unique cultural practices.

A cultural and geographical designation referring to the civilizations and regions of ancient Mexico and Central America, including cultures like the Maya, Aztec, and Toltec.