GEOGRAPHY
The largest and deepest Ocean in the world
Pacific Ocean
a belief system unique to Japan that teaches everything in nature contains Kami, or “the spirit of god.”
Shintoism
ruthless ruler of the first Mongol federation who was known for his ruthless conquering tactics, military strategy and ruling with an iron fist.
Genghis Khan
a line of rulers from the same family
Dynasty
a dry region that receives little rainfall and cannot support much vegetation
desert
The largest country in East Asia
China
ancient philosophy that emphasized respect for elders and promoting peace and harmony.
Confucianism
Italian traveler. With his father and uncle he traveled to China and the court of Kublai Khan via central Asia (1271–75). He eventually returned home (1292–95) via Sumatra, India, and Persia. His account of his travels spurred the European quest for the riches of the East.
Marco Polo
to supply water to crops through artificial means
Irrigate
an area of land surrounded by water on three sides
Peninsula
Asia's largest desert that stretches across Southern Mongolia and Northern China
Gobi Desert
the rebirth of a soul in a new body
Reincarnation
a military leader in feudal Japan
Shogun
a system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
Hierarchy
a close-knit family group
Clan
Natural barrier between India and China that includes 9 of the 10 largest peaks in the world.
an understanding of what is important and true
Enlightenment
warrior class of Japan that started their training as children and went to schools that combined physical training, spiritual discipline, and classic Chinese studies.
Samurai
a union or association formed for mutual benefit
Alliance
Admiral and commander of the Ming Dynasty naval fleet. Known for his many voyages over a 30 year period where he both traded and brought back exotic goods to China.
Zheng He
a group or chain of islands
Archipelago
the belief that animals, plants, and even inanimate objects have spirits
Animism
the wealthy land-owning class in feudal Japan
Daimyo
the highest class or group of people in a society
Aristocracy
located in southwestern China often called “the roof of the world” and is larger than all of Western Europe.
Plateau of Tibet