Sunni and Shia Islam

Two branches of Islam that split over who should lead after

Muhammad

Sunnis support elected leaders, Shias support Muhammad’s family line

The Umayyads

First Islamic dynasty that expanded the empire from Spain to India

Jizya

Tax paid by non-Muslims in Islamic empires for protection and exemption from military service

The Abbasids

Islamic dynasty known for science, learning, and culture centered in Baghdad

The Indian Ocean trade network

Sea trade system connecting East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia

Aksum

Powerful East African kingdom that traded across the Red Sea and adopted Christianity

Ghana

West African empire that became wealthy from controlling gold and salt trade

Mali

West African empire known for great wealth and Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage

Mesoamerican notions of time

Belief that time is cyclical and events repeat in patterns

The Olmecs

Early Mesoamerican civilization known for giant stone heads

Teotihuacan

Ancient Mesoamerican city known for large pyramids

The Incas

South American empire known for roads, agriculture, and mountain engineering

Huacas

Sacred objects or places in Inca religion

The Aztecs

Mesoamerican empire known for warfare, religion, and sacrifices

Tenochtitlan

Capital city of the Aztec Empire built on an island in a lake

Flower wars

Ritual battles fought by the Aztecs to capture prisoners for sacrifice

The Han Dynasty

Early Chinese dynasty that expanded territory and government systems

The Silk Road

Trade routes connecting China, the Middle East, and Europe

Salt and Iron Debate

Han China debate over whether the government should control major industries

The Tang Dynasty

Chinese golden age of culture, trade, and expansion

The scholar-official class

Government leaders in China chosen through civil service exams

The Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for inventions and economic growth

Shoen estates

Private land estates in Japan that were tax-free

Samurai

Japanese warrior class following a code of honor

The Shogunate

Military government in Japan led by a shogun

The Fujiwara

Powerful Japanese noble family that influenced the imperial court

Bushido

Code of honor followed by samurai

Zen Buddhism

Buddhism focused on meditation and simplicity

Germanic Tribes

Groups that helped end the Western Roman Empire

Benedict of Nursia

Founded rules for monastic life in Europe

Saint Augustine

Influential Christian writer and thinker

Carolingians

Frankish ruling dynasty in early medieval Europe

Charlemagne

Frankish king who united much of Western Europe

Fief

Land given by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty

Feudalism

System based on land ownership and loyalty between lords and vassals

Guilds

Organizations of craftsmen or merchants controlling trade standards

First Crusade

Christian military campaign to capture Jerusalem

Capetians

French royal dynasty that strengthened the monarchy

Henry II of England

English king who improved law and government systems

Magna Carta

Document limiting the power of the English king

Black Death

Deadly plague that killed millions in Europe

Flagellants

Groups who whipped themselves during the plague for forgiveness

Hundred Years’ War

Long war between England and France over territory

Renaissance

Cultural rebirth in Europe focused on art and learning

Humanism

Belief in human potential and classical learning

Prince Henry the Navigator

Portuguese prince who supported early sea exploration