Row 1
Knotted-string record-keeping tool used by the Inca for data and communication.
Quipu
The powerful Mesoamerican empire centered in Tenochtitlan, known for warfare, tribute, and human sacrifice.
Aztecs
Period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire that increased trade and safety on the Silk Road.
Pax Mongolica
Venetian traveler whose writings about China increased European interest in Asia.
Marco Polo
The earliest known Mesoamerican civilization, known for giant stone heads and influencing later cultures.
Olmecs
Chinese dynasty known for restoring Chinese rule, building the Great Wall, and global sea voyages.
Ming Dynasty
Capital city of the Aztec Empire built on an island in Lake Texcoco.
Tenochtitlan
Region of the Americas stretching from central Mexico to Central America where early civilizations developed.
Mesoamerica
Founder of the Mongol Empire who united the Mongol tribes and expanded their territory.
Genghis Khan
Writing system using symbols or pictures to represent words or sounds.
Glyphic writing
Mongol ruler who conquered China and founded the Yuan Dynasty.
Kublai Khan
Mesoamerican civilization known for advanced mathematics, astronomy, and pyramid-building city-states.
Mayans
Nomadic peoples from Central Asia who created the largest land empire in history.
Mongols
South American empire in the Andes, known for road systems, terrace farming, and stone architecture.
Inca
Chinese admiral who led large naval expeditions during the Ming Dynasty.
Zheng He
Chinese dynasties known for cultural flourishing, inventions, and economic growth.
Tang & Song Dynasties
Four regional divisions of the Mongol Empire after Genghis Khan’s death.
Khanates
“Floating gardens” used by the Aztecs to farm on shallow lake beds.
Chinampas