Vocabulary
A period of artistic and scientific self-discovery and relearning of Classical wisdom, particularly from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries; stimulated by the Crusades and soldiers’ exposure to Muslim advances in math, science, and the arts; also led to questioning of the nature of religion and natural phenomena.
The Renaissance
Concept that is the center of Confucianism that emphasizes respect for authority.
Filial Piety
This branch of Islam is considered the more conservative branch and is the minority within Islam.
Shi'a
System of control used in India that is tightly aligned with Hinduism.
The Caste System
This organization was the political power of Medieval Europe.
The Catholic Church or Roman Church
Disease that spread from China to Europe through rats and decimated Europe’s population; ended the feudal system and led many people to question religion; also known as the Black Plague or the Black Death.
Bubonic Plague or Black Death
Introduced to China from Vietnam; allowed the Chinese to have two harvests per year, dramatically improving output; combined with an improved infrastructure, led to a significant growth of the Chinese population.
Champa Rice
This branch of Islam is considered the less conservative branch and is the vast majority within Islam.
Sunni
This religion was imported into the region via trade and has become the majority religion of Southeast Asia.
Islam
The third largest of the three main branches of Christianity; originally based in the Byzantine Empire; found most often in Russia, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and parts of Central Asia.
The Eastern Orthodox or Greek Orthodox Church
Introduced to the Islamic world in the 700s, where it was perfected by mathematicians; used by astronomers and navigators to determine latitude through inclination.
Astrolabe
This dynasty is considered to be China's "Golden Age".
The Song Dynasty
These beliefs are considered the basis of the Islamic faith.
The Five Pillars
Largest of the three Native American empires in the Americas located in the Andean region of South America.
The Inca
This emperor converted to Christianity on his death bed.
Constantine
Popular during the Tang Dynasty; fused elements of Buddhism and Confucianism.
Neo-Confucianism
Belief that rulers are ordained by the deities.
Mandate of Heaven
He is the prophet of Islam and the founder of the first umma or community.
Mohammed
Oldest of the three primary Native American empires located on the Yucatan Peninsula and is known for their accurate 365-day calendar.
The Maya
Political and economic system that developed as a result of the decentralization and collapse of the Western Roman Empire; lords, usually noblemen, protected vassals in exchange for mandatory labor or military service; vassals received a fief, or grant of land.
Feudalism
A mandatory public service system in the Inca Empire requiring all people below the age of 50 to serve for two months out of the year; not to be confused with the mita, a forced labor system practiced by conquistadors in the former Inca Empire.
Mit'a
Merit-based system that filled administrative positions within the bureaucracy.
The civil service examination system
Islamic state located in modern-day Spain; led by the Berbers; renowned for its achievements in science, mathematics, and trade.
Al-Andalus
Also known as the Mexica this empire had a capital city of Tenochtitlan located at present-day Mexico and was known for their fertility rights that used the blood of sacrifices.
The Aztec
Holy wars launched by Pope Urban II in 1095 that called for Christians to reclaim the Holy Land of Israel from Muslims; its four campaigns, lasting over 100 years, were unsuccessful; stimulated European-Muslim trade and reintroduced Europeans to wisdom that had been last taught during the Classical period.
The Crusades