All Flashcards
Who was Marco Polo?
A Venetian merchant and traveler who journeyed to China and whose accounts stimulated European interest in Asian trade.
Who was Ibn Battuta?
A Moroccan scholar and traveler who documented Islamic societies and trade networks across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Who was Mansa Musa?
The ruler of the Mali Empire, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca which showcased Mali's wealth and stimulated trade.
Who was Zheng He?
A Chinese admiral who led voyages of exploration and trade promotion in the Indian Ocean during the Ming Dynasty.
What was the significance of the Crusades (1095-1492)?
A series of religious wars that increased European contact with the Middle East, stimulating trade and cultural exchange.
What was the impact of the Mongol sack of Baghdad in 1258?
Marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate, leading to shifts in power and trade routes in the Middle East.
What was the significance of Marco Polo’s travels (1271-1295)?
Increased European awareness of Asia and stimulated interest in trade with the East.
What was the impact of the Pax Mongolica on the Silk Roads?
The peak of the Pax Mongolica in 1279 ensured relative peace and stability, boosting trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Roads.
What was the significance of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage in 1324?
Showcased the wealth of Mali and stimulated interest in West African gold, increasing Trans-Saharan trade.
What was the impact of Ibn Battuta’s travels (1325-1349)?
Provided detailed accounts of Islamic societies and trade networks across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
What was the impact of the Bubonic Plague in Europe (1347-1348)?
Devastated Europe's population, disrupting trade and leading to social and economic changes.
What was the significance of Zheng He’s voyages (1405-1433)?
Demonstrated China's naval power and promoted trade and diplomatic relations in the Indian Ocean.
What was the role of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1921) in trade?
Controlled key trade routes between Europe and Asia, influencing trade dynamics and cultural exchange.
What was the general trend of trade routes during 1200-1450?
Expansion of existing trade networks, facilitated by new empires and technologies, leading to increased global interaction.
Define Silk Roads.
A network of land and sea routes connecting East and West, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
Define Indian Ocean Trade Routes.
Sea routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, crucial for spice and textile trade.
Define Trans-Saharan Trade Routes.
Land routes connecting West Africa with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, vital for gold and salt exchange.
Define Pax Mongolica.
A period of relative peace and stability in Eurasia under Mongol rule, facilitating trade along the Silk Roads.
Define proselytization.
Actively converting people to a religion, often facilitated by trade routes.
Define astrolabe.
An instrument used to make astronomical measurements, especially of altitude, used by mariners to determine latitude.
Define compass.
A navigational instrument that shows the cardinal directions, or bearings, used for navigation.
Define caravanserai.
Roadside inns along trade routes, providing lodging and safety for merchants and travelers.
Define dhow.
A traditional Arab sailing vessel with lateen sails, used extensively in the Indian Ocean trade.
Define junk.
A large Chinese sailing ship used for oceanic voyages, known for its size and advanced features.