Silk Road
How did China keeping the production of silk a secret effect silk's value in the west?
It made it much more valuable.
What is opportunity cost?
The value of the next best alternative you give up when making a choice.
Which area of life did the invention of the magnetic compass affect the most?
Sea trade/shipping
How did the Grand Canal help increase trade?
Water transport could ship goods faster to further places.
What is the benefit of using paper money compared to coins?
They are cheaper to make, much easier to transport.
What is one example of cultural diffusion on the Silk Road?
Answers will vary.
(ex: Travelers carried Buddhist beliefs from India to China)
What type of rice being introduced to southern China after 1000 CE led to great increases in rice production?
Champa rice.
What extremely important invention, that is still used today, was developed in the 2nd century CE using tree bark?
Paper.
Why was Champa rice so important to improved agriculture and economic conditions in China?
It was resistant to drought and matured in 2 months instead of 5.
What innovation by the Chinese, that is still used today, made travel on rivers and lakes much faster?
The paddlewheel boat.
What was the point of stopping at an Oasis while traveling the Silk Road?
To rest, to take a break, to eat and drink, etc.
Wealthy landowners desire for luxury good led to an increase in what?
Trade and commerce.
Which irrigation technology increased crop production and the food supply which in turn contributed to population growth?
The Harrow and chain pump.
For artists, how would urbanization have helped them in China?
There would be more people to sell their work to.
Why was Marco Polo so amazed by the cities in China?
How large they were and how much food they produced for large populations.
Who is considered the "Father" of the Silk Road?
What would be the opportunity cost for a traveler who goes on the Silk Road by himself in order to reach the market faster?
The safety of traveling with a caravan.
What is it called to protect against a disease by transmitting a disease-causing agent to a person, stimulating the body's defensive reaction.
Inoculate.
Of the four dynasties, which one manufactured the most coins?
The Song dynasty.
Which profession boomed due to the increase in trade?
Merchants.
What was the main good that Rome would trade for Chinese Silk?
Glassware.
The joy of eating a very yummy caniac combo.
China developed several very famous and powerful weapons. What discovery/invention made these weapons possible?
The sharp increase in agriculture in China was caused by people moving to the fertile basins of the Chang Jiang in southern China. Why did they move?
Wars and attacks from Mongolian tribes.
How can art or artifacts show a golden age?
How it is designed. It can reflect achievements in art and culture.