Knights & Castles
This was the political and social system of Medieval Europe, where land was exchanged for military service and loyalty.
feudalism
The wealth of West African empires like Ghana and Mali was built on the trade of these two major goods
gold and salt
This trade route connected China to the West, allowing the exchange of goods like silk, porcelain, and spices.
Silk ROad
This is the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe contains the words of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Quran
This famous document, signed by King John of England in 1215, stated that even the king had to follow the law.
He was the incredibly wealthy ruler of the Mali Empire who famously made a grand pilgrimage to Mecca.
Mansa Musa
nvented during the Tang and Song dynasties, this explosive powder was originally used for fireworks and later for weapons.
gunpowder
This famous center of learning in Baghdad brought scholars from all over the world together to translate and study math, science, and philosophy.
House of Wisdom
These highly trained, armored warriors on horseback fought for lords and followed a code of honor called chivalry.
knights
This famous city in the Mali Empire became a world-renowned center of trade, culture, and Islamic learning.
TImbuktu
To get a government job in Medieval China, citizens had to pass difficult exams based on the teachings of this philosopher.
Confucius
Muslim mathematician Al-Khwarizmi pioneered this branch of mathematics, whose name comes from an Arabic word meaning "the reunion of broken parts."
algebra
This deadly disease, also called the Black Death, swept through Europe in the 1300s, wiping out about one-third of the population.
bubonic plague
West African history and stories were preserved and passed down orally by these traditional storytellers and musicians.
griots
This massive human-made waterway, built during the Sui Dynasty, connected northern and southern China to easily move food and goods.
Grand Canal
This is the name for the beautiful, decorative handwriting that Muslim artists used to copy books and decorate buildings.
calligraphy