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aGlobal History
All vocab, religions, trade networks, empire
264
History
9th Grade
06/10/2010

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Term
38th Parallel
Definition
Line of latitude which divided North and South Korea.
Term
Abraham
Definition
The first patriarch in the Bible. Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and was rewarded for being prepared to do so. He is considered by Jewish people as the father of the Israelites through his son Isaac, and by Muslims as the father of Arab peoples through his son Ishmael.
Term
absolute monarchy
Definition
A political system in which a country is ruled by a monarch, who has absolute control.
Term
Boers
Definition
Dutch descended colonist living in South Africa
Term
Age of Exploration
Definition
Time period during the 15th and 16th centuries when Europeans searched for new sources of wealth and for easier trade routes to China and India. Resulted in the discovery of North and South America by the Europeans.
Term
Age of Reason
Definition
Term given to describe the Enlightenment.
Term
Age of Transition
Definition
Term given to describe the Renaissance
Term
Agrarian Revolution
Definition
A change in farming methods that allowed for a greater production of food. This revolution was fueled by the use of new farming technology such as the seed drill and improved fertilizers. The result of this revolution was a population explosion due to the higher availability of food. It was one of the causes of the Industrial Revolution.
Term
agriculture
Definition
The cultivating of land, producing of crops, and raising of livestock for human consumption.
Term
Ahimsa
Definition
In Hinduism, it is the principal of non violence against all living things.
Term
Akbar the Great
Definition
(1542-1605) Emperor of the Mughal Empire in India. He is considered to be their greatest ruler. He is responsible for the expansion of his empire, the stability his administration gave to it, and the increasing of trade and cultural diffusion.
Term
Alexander the Great
Definition
(356 BCE-323 BCE) He conquered most of the ancient world from Asia Minor to Egypt and India, which began the Hellenistic culture which was a blending of Greek, Persian, Indian, and Egyptian influences.
Term
al-Khwarizimi
Definition
Islamic mathematician who pioneered the study of algebra. His textbook on the subject became a standard in European universities for centuries.
Term
The Analects
Definition
Collection of moral and social teachings of Confucius, including the concept of the Five Relationships. Confucianism
Term
ancestor worship (Filial Piety)
Definition
Worship given to deceased relatives who are believed to be closer to the Gods, and therefore able to grant favors.
Term
Animism
Definition
The oldest known type of belief system in the world. It is still practiced in a variety of forms in many traditional societies. Animists practice nature worship. They believe that everything in the universe has a spirit.
Term
anti-Semitism
Definition
The hatred of people of Jewish descent.
Term
aqueducts
Definition
Above ground structures used to carry water long distances. Built by the ancient Romans.
Term
Arabic
Definition
A language that is the official language of several countries of North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the religion of Islam.
Term
Arabic Numerals
Definition
A written number system created during the Gupta golden age in India, then adopted by the Islamic Empire before spreading further. Used throughout western civilization today.
Term
Archimedes
Definition
(287-212 BCE) Greek mathematician and inventor. He wrote works on plane and solid geometry, arithmetic, and mechanics. He is best known for the lever and pulley.
Term
architect
Definition
A person who designs buildings
Term
Aristarchus
Definition
(310?-250? BCE) Greek scientist who first stated that the Earth revolved around the Sun, and rotated on its axis.
Term
artisan
Definition
A person who is skilled at a craft, such as weaving, or woodcarving.
Term
Aryans
Definition
Nomadic warriors from Central Asia who migrated into India around 1500 BCE. They are responsible for many aspects of current Indian culture including their language, sacred texts called the Vedas, and a system of government that later evolved into the caste system.
Term
Asoka
Definition
King of the Maurya dynasty. He ruled nearly the entire subcontinent of India. He also was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism after his conversion.
Term
Aswan High Dam
Definition
Dam across the Nile River in Egypt. Created Lake Nassar and helps to create more farmland. Built between 1960 and 1970.
Term
Atman
Definition
In Hinduism, the human soul
Term
Augustus
Definition
First emperor of Rome (27 BCE – 14 CE) He restored order and prosperity to the Empire after nearly a century of turmoil. Grandnephew to Julius Caesar.
Term
Aztecs
Definition
A Mesoamerican civilization of Mexico who created a strong empire that flourished between the 14th and 15th century. The arrival of Hernando Cortez and the Spanish Conquistadors ended their empire.
Term
Baron de Montesquieu
Definition
(1689-1755) Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748. In his book, Montesquieu describes what he considers to be the best government. He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch. Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty.
Term
barter
Definition
The exchange of goods or services for other goods or services.
Term
Bhagavad Gita
Definition
A Hindu holy book where the god Krishna teaches the importance of selflessness, performing religious duties, and of devotion to God.
Term
bill of exchange
Definition
A document purchased from a bank that allowed a person to travel without having to carry large amounts of money. Worked like a modern check.
Term
5 Relationships
Definition
These relationships were based on loyalty, obligation and obedience; ruler to subject; parent to child; husband to wife; old to young; friend to friend. they were basis of Confucian teachings and included Filial piety: children's respect for parents& elders.
Term
5 Pillars of Islam
Definition
1. confession of faith "there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet" 2. Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca 3. Must give alms [Zakat] 4. Hajj = pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime 5. Fast of Ramadan
Term
Simón Bolívar
Definition
(1783-1830) Latin American revolutionary responsible for the ousting of Spain from much of South America during the 19th century. He is considered to be the most important figure in the fight for Latin American independence.
Term
Brahma
Definition
Hindu god called the Creator. Brahma is the first member of the triad that includes Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer.
Term
Brahman
Definition
In Hinduism, Brahman is the name given to the oneness of the universe.
Term
bubonic plague
Definition
An infectious disease transmitted by fleas. It is characterized by fever, chills, and the formation of swellings. Also known as the Black Plague or Black Death.
Term
Buddha
Definition
Hindu for “enlightened one." See also Siddhartha Gautama.
Term
Buddhism
Definition
Buddhism developed in India, and is based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism.. Buddhists believe in an endless cycle of reincarnation, or samsara, which is similar to beliefs of Hinduism. However, Buddhists do not believe that deities are responsible for the phenomenon. In addition, the Caste System is rejected by Buddhists who believe instead that one is reincarnated until they can achieve nirvana, best described as spiritual enlightenment.
Term
bureaucracy
Definition
The administration portion of the government.
Term
Bushido
Definition
Code of conduct for Samurai and nobles during Japanese feudalism
Term
Byzantine Empire
Definition
(330-1453) The eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived after the fall of the Western Empire at the end of the 5th century C.E. Its capital was Constantinople, named after the Emperor Constantine.
Term
Julius Caesar
Definition
(100-44 BCE), Roman general and statesman. He is responsible for setting up the imperial system in Rome which placed his grandnephew, Augustus, on the throne.
Term
Caliph
Definition
In Islam, the successor to the Prophet Mohammed.
Term
calligraphy
Definition
A form of fine handwriting.
Term
Canon on Medicine
Definition
A book written by Ibn Sina, a famous Islamic physician, which was an encyclopedia of Greek, Arabic, and his own knowledge of medicine. This book became the standard medical text in Europe for over five hundred years.
Term
capitalism
Definition
An economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods. Also promotes a free market regulated by supply and demand.
Term
Cash Crop Economy
Definition
An economic system based on the exportation of certain crops such as sugar, cotton, and coffee.
Term
Caste System
Definition
A rigid social class system in Hinduism
Term
Cavalry
Definition
Mounted warriors.
Term
centralized government
Definition
A government which controls all aspects of society from a central location or through a central system.
Term
chinampas
Definition
floating islands of land anchored to a lake bottom used for agriculture. This technique was used by the Aztecs.
Term
Chivalry
Definition
Code of conduct for knight and nobles during European feudalism.
Term
Jesus Christ
Definition
Founder of Christianity. Considered by Christians to be the son of God and the Messiah. He is the central figure in the Christian Religion.
Term
Christianity
Definition
Currently the most popular religion in the world based on the number of worshippers found throughout the world. While this monotheistic religion developed from Judaism, there are several key differences in its teachings. Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ in the 1st century CE. The Christian holy book is called the Holy Bible.
Term
circumnavigate
Definition
To travel around something, like an island or the world.
Term
city-state
Definition
An independent state consisting of a city and its surrounding lands.
Term
civil disobedience
Definition
The purposeful breaking of laws to protest actions by the government.
Term
civil service exam
Definition
In China, it was an exam based on Confucian teachings that was used to select people for various government service jobs in the bureaucracy.
Term
civilization
Definition
A society that has a high level of culture and social organization including organized government, job specialization, and a organized belief system.
Term
collective farm
Definition
A government owned farms where peasants work on a quota system.
Term
colonization
Definition
A group of people moving from their homeland to a new area in large numbers.
Term
Columbian Exchange
Definition
The exchange of goods and other things, such as disease from the Old World (Europe) to the new World (North and South America) and back.
Term
Christopher Columbus
Definition
(1451-1506) Italian explorer working for Spain who, in 1492, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and discovered the Americas for Spain
Term
Commercial Revolution
Definition
A dramatic change in the economy of Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. It is characterized by an increase in towns and trade, the use of banks and credit, and the establishment of guilds to regulate quality and price.
Term
Confucianism
Definition
Confucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty, when there was mass disorder and confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism. Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships.
Term
Confucius
Definition
Chinese philosopher and writer of The Analects, a collection of moral and social teachings, including the concept of the Five Relationships. Also known as Kong Fu Zi.
Term
conquistadors
Definition
Spanish conquerors who came to the New World in search of gold and other riches.
Term
Constantine
Definition
(274 CE – 337 CE) Roman Emperor between 306 CE and 337 CE. He issued the Edict of Milan which outlawed the persecution of Christians. He also founded the city of Constantinople, the future capital of the Byzantine Empire.
Term
Hernan Cortez
Definition
(1485-1547) Spanish conquistador who was responsible for the conquest of the Aztec Empire and the claiming of much of Central America for the Spanish.
Term
Creoles
Definition
In colonial Latin America, American born Spanish gentry, They owned most of the land but were treated like second class citizens, and were denied political rights.
Term
Crusades
Definition
European Christian military expeditions made between the 11th and 13th centuries to retake the Middle Eastern Holy Lands occupied by the Muslims.
Term
cultural diffusion
Definition
The spreading of ideas through contact such as trade or war.
Term
culture
Definition
The shared beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people
Term
culture system
Definition
A system of slave labor used by the Dutch in their South East Asia colonies.
Term
cuneiform
Definition
One of the earliest forms of writing. It consisted of wedge shaped symbols usually imprinted in clay. Used throughout ancient Mesopotamia.
Term
Cyrillic
Definition
An alphabet created by Eastern Orthodox monks for the Slavic language. It is based on Greek, and still used through the various Slavic countries today, such as Russia.
Term
Vasco De Gama
Definition
(1469?-1524) Portuguese explorer who, in 1498, established an all water route to India
Term
Leonard Da Vinci
Definition
(1452-1519) An Italian painter, sculptor, engineer, and inventor. Famous works include paintings Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Also left a variety of sketches showing flying machines and underwater boats centuries before the invention of planes and submarines.
Term
daimyo
Definition
Land owning feudal lords in Japan.
Term
Dante
Definition
(1265-1321) Italian poet and Renaissance writer. His greatest work is The Divine Comedy.
Term
Miguel de Cervantes
Definition
(1547-1616) Spanish Renaissance writer. His greatest work is the comedic tale Don Quixote.
Term
democracy
Definition
A system of government in which the citizens hold the legislative, judicial, and executive power, based on majority rule.
Term
dharma
Definition
The act of fulfilling one's duty in life. Associated with Hinduism and Buddhism.
Term
diaspora
Definition
The enforced spreading out of a group of people. In history, there has been both a Jewish Diaspora and an African Diaspora.
Term
Dome of the Rock
Definition
First Islamic religious shrine. It was built in 687 C.E., and is located in present day Jerusalem, Israel.
Term
dynasty
Definition
A succession of rulers of a country from the same family.
Term
Edict of Milan
Definition
(313 CE) Proclamation by the Roman Emperor Constantine outlawing the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
Term
Eightfold Path
Definition
Code of behavior for followers of Buddhism.
Term
emperor
Definition
Political ruler of a country of nation. Similar to a king.
Term
empire
Definition
1. A collection of nations or peoples ruled by a single authority, usually a monarch, but can be other systems of government as well. 2. A very large and powerful industrial organization
Term
encomienda system
Definition
A system of production in Spain’s New World possessions which granted permission to conquistadors to enslave as many people needed to work a plantation.
Term
Enlightenment
Definition
A movement in the 18th century that stressed the importance of reason and science in philosophy and the study of human society. Occurred in Western Europe.
Term
Eratosthenes
Definition
(276?-196? BCE), Greek mathematician, astronomer, and geographer who measured the circumference of the Earth. His measurement was only off by 15%.
Term
ethnic cleansing
Definition
The removal of people of a specific ethnic group by means of genocide, terror, or forced expulsion.
Term
Euclid
Definition
(circa 300 BCE), Greek mathematician. Considered to be the father of modern geomertry.
Term
excommunicate
Definition
To exclude a Christian from receiving the Sacraments.
Term
fascism
Definition
A system of government that promotes extreme nationalism, repression, anticommunism, and is ruled by a dictator.
Term
Ferdinand and Isabella
Definition
During the late 15th century, they became King and Queen of a united Spain after centuries of Islamic domination. Together, they made Spain a strong Christian nation and also provided funding to overseas exploration, notably Christopher Columbus.
Term
Feudalism
Definition
A social, political, and economic system that dominated all aspects of medieval European life.
Term
fief
Definition
An area of land given to a person to farm in exchange for certain obligations.
Term
filial piety
Definition
A part Confucianism where respect is paid to the parents.
Term
Five Pillars of Islam
Definition
Code of behavior for followers of Islam. Includes Charity, Daily Prayer, Profession of Faith, Fasting during Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Mecca called the hajj.
Term
Five Relationships
Definition
Confucian philosophy about social order where everyone has a place and respect is paid to elders, parents, and the government. The relationships are, ruler to ruled, father to son, older brother to younger brother, husband to wife, friend to friend.
Term
foot-binding
Definition
A popular practice that tightly bound the feet of young girls, deforming them as they grew older. This was done to achieve the desired cultural practice of having dainty, lady-like feet.
Term
Four Noble Truths
Definition
Siddhartha's Gautama philosophy of the nature of human suffering and its relation to desire is articulated by four statements
Term
Ganges River
Definition
Located in India, this river is considered sacred to Hindus and is used for spiritual cleansing, funeral rites, and other Hindu rituals.
Term
Siddhartha Gautama
Definition
(563?-483?BCE), Indian philosopher and the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha was born into the Brahmin caste, and by all account led a luxurious lifestyle. However, he was troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday. Upon reflection, he deduced that desire was the root caused of all suffering. Also known as the Buddha.
Term
Genghis Khan
Definition
(1167?-1227) One of the Mongol’s greatest leaders and founder of the Mongol Empire.
Term
Ghana
Definition
One of the west African Trading Kingdoms. They were rich in gold and established a vast trading network across the Sahara desert.
Term
Gold Coast
Definition
Name given to the parts of the west coast of Africa by European imperialist due to the amount of gold found in the region.
Term
golden age
Definition
A time in a culture of high achievement in arts, literature, and science. Generally occurs in times of peace.
Term
government
Definition
a person or body of people who have the power to make and enforce laws for a country or area.
Term
Greco-Roman
Definition
The cultural mixing of both ancient Greek and Roman traditions.
Term
Greek column
Definition
Fluted column used in many of their buildings, and copied throughout the world today.
Term
guild
Definition
An association of merchants or craftspeople in medieval Europe, formed to make regulations and set standards for a particular trade or craft.
Term
Gupta Dynasty
Definition
(320-550 C.E.)Ruling family in India during its golden age. Responsible for many achievements.
Term
Johannes Gutenberg
Definition
(1400?-1468) German printer and European pioneer in the use of movable type.
Term
hajj
Definition
The pilgrimage or holy journey to the city of Mecca
Term
Hammurabis Code
Definition
Oldest written system of laws. They were created by King Hammurabi of Babylonia in th mid 18th century BCE and placed on stones tablets for all to see.
Term
Hebrew
Definition
Semitic language originating in ancient Palestine and spoken by the Israelites. Modern Hebrew was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries from the ancient written language.
Term
Hegira
Definition
The flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Median which was instrumental to the founding of the religion of Islam. Occurs in 622 ACE, which dates the founding of Islam.
Term
Hellenistic
Definition
Time period from the late 4th century BCE to the 1st century CE that was characterized by Greek achievement and a blending of Persian, Egyptian, Greek, and Indian cultures due to the empire of Alexander the Great.
Term
hieroglyphics
Definition
A system of writing which uses pictures for concepts and ideas.
Term
Hinduism
Definition
A polytheistic religion that was formed from a variety of different religious practices. In Hinduism, salvation is achieved through a spiritual oneness of the soul, atman, with the ultimate reality of the universe, Brahma. To achieve this goal, the soul must obtain moksha, or liberation from the samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. As a result of these basic teachings, Hindus believe in reincarnation, which is influenced by karma (material actions resulting from the consequences of previous actions), and dharma (fulfilling one's duty in life). Because all forms of animal life possess souls, Hindus believe in ahimsa, or that all life is sacred. and should not be harmed. In fact, one animal which Hindus consider to be extremely sacred is the cow. The peaceful and contented existence of cows is considered virtuous by Hindus and would represent a rewarding reincarnation for a soul. For this reason, most Hindus are vegetarians so that they do not harm other living beings. The belief in reincarnation, karma, and dharma also provides the religious justification for the existence of the rigid social structure known as the Caste System.
Term
Hippocrates
Definition
(460?-377? BCE) Greek physician. He is considered to be the father of medicine and the ethical standard of treating all patients known as the Hippocratic Oath.
Term
Holy Land
Definition
Term given to lands in present day Israel that is significant to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Term
humanism
Definition
A philosophical movement during the Renaissance that stressed life on Earth, and the quality of being human. Rejected living only for the afterlife of Christianity.
Term
hunting and gathering
Definition
System of food production for prehistoric peoples. Involves hunting animals and gathering foods grown in the wild.
Term
idealized realism
Definition
Art form practiced by the Greeks during the 5th century BCE. Portrays the human form very realistically, but in its perfect form
Term
Imperialism
Definition
The complete control of a weaker nation’s social, economic, and political life by a stronger nation.
Term
Inca
Definition
A Mesoamerican civilization of South America, centered in Peru. The Inca ruled a large empire and had many cultural and scientific achievements including an elaborate road system, architecture, and terrace farming. The arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores ended their empire in the 15th century.
Term
individualism
Definition
A social philosophy which stresses the importance of the individual above society.
Term
Islam
Definition
The word Islam, which when translated from Arabic, means "to submit to the will of Allah," is the youngest of the world's major religions. Worshippers of this monotheistic religion are known as Muslims, which means "one who submits to the will of Allah." The Islamic holy book is called the Qur’an. Islam is currently the second most practiced religion in the world, and experts predict that it will overtake Christianity as the most popular religion in the world sometime during the 21st century.
Term
Islamic fundamentalists
Definition
Muslims who believe the Quran to be a literal guide to political, social, and religious life.
Term
jihad
Definition
Effort in God’s service waged by Muslims in defense of the Islamic faith.
Term
Judaism
Definition
Judaism is the oldest known monotheistic religion still practiced in the world today. Its fundamental teachings have been influential and are the basis for more recently developed religions such as Christianity and Islam. Judaism teaches that there is one God who is the creator of all things. after the Hebrew exodus from Egypt, many Hebrews began to lose their faith in God. During this time, Moses went atop Mount Sinai and returned with two stone tablets containing laws that all Hebrews needed to follow. These laws, recorded in the Exodus 20:3-17, became known as the Ten Commandments.
Term
Justinians Code
Definition
A law code created by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian about 530 CE. It was a revision of the old Roman law system.
Term
Kami
Definition
Sacred spirits that are worshipped in the Shinto religion of Japan.
Term
Kana
Definition
Japanese writing system adapted from Chinese, with the addition of phonetic symbols representing syllables.
Term
karma
Definition
Actions in this life resulting from the consequences of a previous life’s actions. Associated with Hinduism and Buddhism.
Term
Korean Bridge
Definition
The term given to process in which cultural diffusion occurred between China and Japan though Korean contact with both civilizations.
Term
Kublai Khan
Definition
(1215-1294) Grandson of Genghis Khan and founder of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in China.
Term
Lao Tze
Definition
(570-490 BCE?) Chinese philosopher credited with originating Taoism/Daoism. His teachings were collected and published as the Tao-te Ching.
Term
Laws of the Twelve Tables
Definition
A system of laws. Some of the features of this system include, men being equal under the law, having the right to face their accusers, and being considered innocent until proven guilty
Term
Niccolo Machiavelli
Definition
(1469-1527) Italian historian, statesman, and political philosopher of the Renaissance. His greatest work is The Prince, a book of political advice to rulers in which he describes the methods that a prince should use to acquire and maintain political power. This book was used to defend policies of despotism and tyranny. Machiavelli wrote that a ruler should take any action to remain in power, or that “the ends justifies the means.”
Term
Ferdinand Magellan
Definition
(1480?-1521) Spanish explorer who was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
Term
Magna Carta
Definition
A document granting rights to both the Church in England and the Nobility signed by King John in 1215. This is considered to be the beginnings of British democracy.
Term
Mahabharata
Definition
Hindu epic poem that was written in Sanskrit in the 5th century BCE. Its most important part is the Bhagavad-Gita.
Term
Mali
Definition
One of the west African Trading Kingdoms. They were rich in gold and established a vast trading network across the Sahara desert. Greatest ruler was Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and made a famous pilgrimage.
Term
manorialism
Definition
Economic portion of feudalism where all aspects of life were centered on the lord’s manor including peasant villages, a church, farm land, a mill, and the lord's castle or manor house.
Term
Mansa Musa
Definition
Emperor of the kingdom of Mali in Africa. He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca and established trade routes to the Middle East.
Term
Marco Polo
Definition
(1254-1324) Italian explorer and author. He made numerous trips to China and returned to Europe to write of his journeys. He is responsible for much of the knowledge exchanged between Europe and China during this time period.
Term
Maurya Dynasty
Definition
(321? BCE - 185? BCE) Dynasty that united most of India under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya. Its greatest ruler, Asoka, converted to Buddhism and was instrumental in its spread.
Term
Chandragupta Maurya
Definition
(?-286 BCE) First king of the Maurya dynasty in India.
Term
Mayans
Definition
A Mesoamerican civilization of Central America and southern Mexico. Achievements include mathematics, architecture, and a 365 day a year calendar. They flourished between the 4th and 12th centuries C.E..
Term
Mecca
Definition
A city in Saudi Arabia where Muslims must make a pilgrimage at least once in their life.
Term
Mencius
Definition
(371?-289 BCE), Chinese philosopher, who studied Confucianism. He later refined many of the ideas and spread them across China. Also known as Mengzi, or Meng-tzu.
Term
Menes
Definition
(3100? BCE) King of Upper Egypt, united the two kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt
Term
mercantilism
Definition
The policy of building a nation's wealth by exporting more goods than it imports. Colonies are instrumental in this policy as they supply their parent nations with raw materials that are used to produce finished goods, and then exported back to the colonies. Colonies not only served as a source for the raw materials, but also as an exclusive market for the parent country.
Term
Mesoamerican
Definition
A region of Central America, Mexico, and South America where several pre-Columbian civilizations lived including the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs.
Term
messiah
Definition
According to the Hebrew Bible, an anointed king who will lead the Jews back to the land of Israel and establish justice in the world. According to the Christians, the Messiah was Jesus Christ.
Term
Mestizos
Definition
In colonial Latin America, Spanish/Native America who were denied basic political, economic, and social rights due to their mixed heritage.
Term
Michelangelo
Definition
(1475-1564) An Italian sculptor, painter, poet, engineer, and architect. Famous works include the mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and the sculpture of the biblical character David.
Term
Middle Ages
Definition
Time period in European history between the fall of Rome in 476 C.E. and the beginning of the Italian Renaissance in the early 15th century.
Term
Middle Kingdom (China)
Definition
Term that ancient China used to refer to themselves. The believed they were the center of the Earth, or the Middle Kingdom.
Term
Middle Kingdom (Egypt)
Definition
(2040 BCE – 1640 BCE) Period in ancient Egyptian history characterized by internal strife and hardships, and the invasion, and subsequent take over by the neighboring Hyksos.
Term
militarism
Definition
Political policy that is dominated by the military and the competitive buildup of arms.
Term
missionary
Definition
A person who spreads the teachings of a religion.
Term
Model Parliament
Definition
(1295) English Parliament where bishops and abbots, peers, two knights from each shire, and two representatives from each town all met in modern format for the first time.
Term
Mohammed
Definition
Prophet of Allah; founder of Islam.
Term
Moksha
Definition
In Hinduism, it is the release from the cycle of reincarnation through unification with Brahma.
Term
Mona Lisa
Definition
A famous Renaissance painting by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Term
monotheism
Definition
The belief in one god or goddess.
Term
monarchy
Definition
A political system in which a country is ruled by a monarch.
Term
Moses
Definition
He is considered a founder of Judaism due to his role in the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt, and his delivery of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai sometime around 2000 BCE.
Term
mosque
Definition
A domed Islamic religious building.
Term
movable type printing machines
Definition
A printing machine that used individual letters that could be moved after each printing. This allowed for faster and easier printing.
Term
Muezzin
Definition
In Islam, one who issues a call to prayer, causing the faithful to gather at the local Mosque.
Term
mulattoes
Definition
In colonial Latin America, Spanish/African who were denied basic political, economic, and social rights due to their mixed heritage.
Term
nationalism
Definition
Pride in one’s country or culture, often excessive in nature.
Term
Neolithic Age
Definition
(10,000 BCE - 5000 BCE) New Stone Age. A period of time in human history characterized by the development of agriculture and permanent settlements.
Term
Neolithic Revolution
Definition
(10,000 - 8,000 BCE) The development of agriculture and the domestication of animals as a food source. This led to the development of permanent settlements and the start of civilization.
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New Kingdom
Definition
(1550 BCE - 1100 BCE) Period in ancient Egyptian history characterized by strong pharaohs who conquered an empire that stretched from Nubia in the south, to the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia.
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New Testament
Definition
The second half of the Christian Bible. It describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as other Christian teachings.
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Nirvana
Definition
In Buddhism, spiritual enlightenment.
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nomad
Definition
A person who belongs to a group of people who move from place to place seasonally in search of food and water.
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Northwest Passage
Definition
Mythical water route from the northeast region of North America to the Pacific Ocean. Many people during the Age of Exploration searched for this route that does not exist. However, the search resulted in the discovery of much of the northeast region of North America by the Europeans.
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Old Testament
Definition
The first half of the Christian Bible, that describes the creation of the world, the history of ancient Israel, the Ten Commandments, and contains the Psalms and the prophetic books. Also is the Hebrew Torah.
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Oligarchy
Definition
A political system in which the government is under the control of the merchant class.
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Olmecs
Definition
A Mesoamerican civilization that flourished around 1200 C.E.. Achievements include irrigation, a simple calendar and writing system, and small cities.
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oracle bones
Definition
In ancient China, they were pieces of bone or turtle shell used by Shang priests to tell the future. They would write a question addressed to either one of the gods, or an ancestor on the bone, then heat it until it cracked. They believed that by studying the pattern of cracks, one could learn the answer to the question. Oracle bones are the oldest example of Chinese writing.
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Orthodox Christianity
Definition
A branch of Christianity developed in the Byzantine Empire, after its split from the Roman Empire. It spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Russia.
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Paleolithic Age
Definition
(750,000 BCE - 10,000 B.C.E.) Old Stone Age. A period of time in human history characterized by the use of stone tools and the use of hunting and gathering as a food source.
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Pantheon
Definition
A domed temple in Rome that was completed in 27 BCE, and still stands today.
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papyrus scrolls
Definition
Paper like material made from the reeds of the papyrus plant. It was used by the Egyptians for the writing and storing of documents.
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Parthenon
Definition
A large temple dedicated to the goddess Athena on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was built in the 5th century BCE, during the Athenian golden age.
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Pax Mongolia
Definition
Also known as the Mongol Peace. A time when global trade expanded due to the political stability provided by Mongol rulers.
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Pax Romana
Definition
A 200 hundred year period of relative peace throughout the Roman Empire. Occurs during the first two centuries C.E..
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Peninsulares
Definition
In colonial Latin America, Spanish official sent to govern Latin American colonies. They controlled government completely.
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Pericles
Definition
(495? BCE-429? BCE) Athenian statesman. He was the central ruler of Athens during its golden age. He was the central patron behind many of their achievements. He was also a very skilled speaker. Athens City-State of Ancient Greece and center of Greek golden age that occurred in the 5th century BCE.
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pharaoh
Definition
In ancient Egypt, title given to the ruler who was considered both king and god.
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Phoenicians
Definition
An early trading civilization located in present day Lebanon and Syria along the Mediterranean. They produced various products, such as glass, papyrus scrolls, and dyes, and established trade across the entire Mediterranean Sea. The Phoenician trade empire benefited most cultures in this region. As their trade expanded, they setup colonies throughout the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians also developed an alphabet to keep track of their business dealings. This alphabet was later adopted and adapted by the Greeks and Romans, and is the basis for the western alphabets of today. Phoenician trade is responsible for the great exchange of ideas and culture that occurred during this time period.
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pictographs
Definition
Writing system that uses drawings of objects.
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Francisco Pizarro
Definition
(1476?-1541) Spanish conquistador who was responsible for the conquest of the Incan Empire.
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polytheism
Definition
The belief in many gods or goddesses
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Pope
Definition
Leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Chosen by the College of Cardinals.
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Pope Urban II
Definition
(1040?-1099) The head of the Roman Catholic Church who issued the proclamation the began the First Crusade.
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The Prince
Definition
A book of political advice written by Niccolo Machiavelli during the Renaissance in which he describes the methods that a prince should use to acquire and maintain political power. This book was used to defend policies of despotism and tyranny. Machiavelli wrote that a ruler should take any action to remain in power, or that “the ends justifies the means.”
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Ptolemy
Definition
(100?-170 CE) Greek astronomer, mathematician, and geographer. His geocentric model of the universe lasted until the 16th century.
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Pythagoras
Definition
(582?-500?BCE) Greek mathematician responsible for the Pythagorean Theorem which states the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
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quipas
Definition
A record keeping system that used colored, knotted string developed by the Incan Civilization.
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Quran
Definition
Islamic holy book.
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Ramadan
Definition
The ninth month of the Muslim calendar. All Muslims must fast during daylight hours, except the very young or sick.
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Ramayana
Definition
Hindu epic story about the hero Rama who was the incarnation of the god Vishnu.
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Reconquista
Definition
The re-conquest of Spain by the Christians after centuries of Islamic domination.
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Renaissance
Definition
A rebirth of cultural and intellectual pursuits after the stagnation of the Middle Ages. This period in European history, from about the 14th through 16th centuries, features major cultural and artistic change.
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representative democracy
Definition
A system of government where the legislative, judicial, and executive powers are held by directly or indirectly elected officials.
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republic
Definition
A political system in which a country is ruled by law, has representative government, and is democratic in nature.
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representative democracy
Definition
A system of government where the legislative, judicial, and executive powers are held by directly or indirectly elected officials.
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Roman Catholic
Definition
A branch of Christianity based in Rome. The original Christian church.
Term
A branch of Christianity based in Rome. The original Christian church.
Definition
The territories ruled by ancient Rome which at one time encompassed most of the Mediterranean world and parts of France, England, and Germany. The empire lasted from 27 BCE to 395 CE.
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sacraments
Definition
Religious practices such as baptism, and receiving the Eucharist.
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Sahara Desert
Definition
The world’s largest desert, located in North Africa.
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Samsara
Definition
In Hinduism, the term given to the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
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samurai
Definition
Warrior class during Japan’s feudal age.
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Sanskrit
Definition
The extinct language of ancient India. Spoken between fourteenth and fifth centuries BCE. Still used today in classic literature.
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sati
Definition
The ritual suicide of a wife after her husband’s death in Hindu/Indian culture.
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Seljuk Turks
Definition
Dynasty that controlled Turkey during the 11th and 12th centuries. The Seljuk disruption of European travel to the Holy Lands resulted in the Crusades.
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Seppuku
Definition
The act of suicide practiced by Japanese Samurai and Nobles during the feudal period. It was practiced to save one’s honor, or to regain it in the face of shame.
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serfs
Definition
Farmers who were tied to the land during European feudalism. They were not slaves because they could not be bought or sold, but they could not readily leave the manor either. Serfs were given land to farm in exchange for service to their lord. This service usually involved working the lord's fields, maintaining roads and the manor, and providing military service in times of war. Serfs paid taxes to their lord in the form of crops. This is also how the paid the fee to use the manor's mill or other services.
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William Shakespeare
Definition
(1564-1616) English poet and playwright. He wrote 37 plays between 1590 and 1613. His plays reflect the ideas of individualism and the unconquerable human spirit, and most of them are still performed today.
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Shaman
Definition
Somebody who communicates with the spiritual realms on behalf of the living. Seen in many Animistic types of belief systems.
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Sharia
Definition
The Islamic book of laws which regulates all aspects of life including, moral behavior, family life, business dealings, and government.
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Shinto
Definition
Shinto, which means "Way of the Gods," is the traditional religion of Japan that focuses on nature. Many consider Shinto to be a form of Animism due to the many similarities found between them. Shinto teaches that there is a sacredness of the whole universe and that humans can be in tune with this sacredness. Every mountain, river, plant, animal, and all the diverse phenomena of heaven and earth have spirits, or kami, which inhabit them. Reverence is paid to the ancestors through the practice of ancestor worship.
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Shiva
Definition
Hindu god called the Destroyer. Shiva is the third member of the triad that includes Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver.
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Shogun
Definition
Military ruler of feudal Japan.
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Silk Road
Definition
Trade route from China to the Middle East. Called the Silk Road due to China’s most important export.
Term
Sikhism
Definition
A belief system which blends Hindu traditions with Islamic monotheistic traditions. Based in India and Pakistan.
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Slavic
Definition
Ethnic group of indo-European descent which includes Russians, Bulgarians, and Poles.
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socialism
Definition
A political system where the means of production are controlled by the workers and all things are shared evenly. Socialist policies provide for government funding of many basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.
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Society of Jesus
Definition
Roman Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1540 to setup schools and serve as missionaries, spreading church teachings.
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Songhai
Definition
One of the west African Trading Kingdoms. They were rich in gold and established a vast trading network across the Sahara desert.
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Stupa
Definition
A Buddhist shrine or temple in India. This form of architecture made its way to China where it was altered slightly and renamed the pagoda.
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Talmud
Definition
The collection of Jewish writings that is the basis of Jewish religious law.
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Taoism / Daoism
Definition
The Chinese philosophy of Taoism (or Daoism) developed in the latter part of the Chou Dynasty, during a period of turmoil in which it was not clear that Chinese civilization would survive. It represents a naturalistic ideal of how one should live their life. The Chinese term Tao can be translated into English, meaning "the way." It is a philosophy which teaches that nature has a "way" in which it moves, and that people should passively accept the "way" of nature, rather than resist it. One concept related to this is that of wu-wei, which means "not doing." This means that people should not act unnaturally by doing things, but rather should openly accept the natural way. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.
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tea ceremony
Definition
A Japanese ritual in which tea is prepared, served, and drunk in a certain way.
Term
Ten Commandments
Definition
The ten laws given to Moses by God, according to the Bible.
Term
terrace farming
Definition
The cutting out of flat areas (terraces) into near vertical slopes to allow farming. Terrace farms appears as steps cut into a mountainside. This adaptation allowed both the early Chinese, and the Inca of Mesoamerica to grow enough food for their large populations.
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Torah
Definition
The holy book of Judaism. It describes the creation of the world, the history of ancient Israel, the Ten Commandments, and contains the Psalms and the prophetic books.
Term
Treaty of Tordesillas
Definition
A treaty dividing the New World possessions between Portugal and Spain. This treaty, signed in 1494 was a product of the Catholic Church.
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Triangle Trade
Definition
A catch all phrase for the trade occurring between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Trade goods include raw materials from the Americas, manufactured goods from Europe, and slaves from Africa.
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Tripitka
Definition
The collection of religious writings by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
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Untouchables
Definition
Members of Hindu society thought to have been removed from the Caste System, with no hope of returning to it, due to their misdeeds in previous lives. Work that is deemed unclean for all other Hindus is reserved for these Outcasts. After winning its independence from Great Britain in 1947, India adopted a national constitution which stated that "Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden." Since that time many Caste reforms have been enacted to diminish discriminatory practices in India. Today, the Caste System still exists in practice, despite the many laws designed to legally abolish it.
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Vedas
Definition
A Hindu holy book which is a collection of Aryan hymns that were transmitted orally before being written down in the 6th century BCE.
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Venice and Florence
Definition
Italians City-States which were the center of the rebirth of European trade and culture at the end of the Middle Ages.
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Vishnu
Definition
Hindu god called the Preserver. Vishnu is the second member of the triad that includes Brahma the Creator and Shiva the Destroyer.
Term
Yin and Yang
Definition
Symbol used to illlustrate the natural harmony that exists in the world. Everything must have an opposing force that allows the harmonious universe to exist.
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Zen Buddhism
Definition
A blending of Buddhism from India with Taoism from China. It is predominately practiced in China and Japan.
Term
Zheng He
Definition
(1371-1433?) Chinese naval explorer who sailed along most of the coast of Asia, Japan, and half way down the east coast of Africa before his death.
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Zionism
Definition
Jewish nationalist movement to establish a homeland in Palestine. This movement began in the late 1800s, as anti-Semitic feelings intensified in Europe. The main leader of this movement was a journalist by the name of Theodor Herzl. Herzl's dream of a homeland for Jewish peoples was realized in 1948 with the creation of Israel.
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