Glossary
Angkor Wat
A massive temple complex in Cambodia, originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later transitioning to a Buddhist temple, showcasing Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia.
Example:
The intricate bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat depict Hindu myths and epics, illustrating the deep impact of Indian religious traditions on Khmer art and architecture.
Buddhism
A religion and philosophy originating in India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, that spread extensively into East and Southeast Asia via trade routes.
Example:
Merchants traveling the Silk Road often carried Buddhist scriptures and teachings, contributing to the spread of Buddhism into Central Asia and China.
Connectivity
The ability for different societies to communicate and exchange ideas, goods, and cultural expressions, leading to mutual influence.
Example:
The internet has dramatically increased global connectivity, allowing people from different continents to share music and art instantly.
Cultural Enrichment
The positive outcome of cultural exchange where societies gain new ideas, practices, and diversity, leading to a richer cultural landscape.
Example:
The introduction of new spices and cooking techniques from the Silk Road led to significant cultural enrichment in European cuisine.
Great Mosque of Djenne
A large mud-brick mosque in the city of Djenne, Mali, representing a significant example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture and the adaptation of Islamic architectural styles to local materials and traditions.
Example:
The annual re-plastering ceremony of the Great Mosque of Djenne is a community event that highlights the ongoing cultural significance and unique construction methods of the structure.
Gunpowder
A chemical explosive invented in China, initially used for fireworks and later adapted for military purposes, fundamentally changing warfare and the balance of power globally.
Example:
The introduction of gunpowder weapons to Europe via the Silk Road led to the development of cannons and firearms, transforming siege warfare and military tactics.
Hinduism
A diverse group of philosophical and religious traditions originating in the Indian subcontinent, which diffused into Southeast Asia through maritime trade.
Example:
The architectural styles and religious iconography found in ancient temples in Indonesia demonstrate the significant influence of Hinduism carried by Indian traders.
Homogenization
The process by which distinct cultures become more similar, often due to the spread of a dominant culture, leading to a reduction in global cultural diversity.
Example:
The global spread of fast-food chains can contribute to cultural homogenization, making urban centers around the world look and feel more alike.
Ibn Battuta
A 14th-century Moroccan Muslim scholar and explorer who traveled extensively across the Islamic world, Africa, and Asia, documenting his journeys in a famous travelogue.
Example:
Ibn Battuta's writings provide invaluable primary source accounts of diverse cultures, trade routes, and political systems during the medieval period.
Islam
A monotheistic religion originating in the Arabian Peninsula, which expanded rapidly across North Africa, the Middle East, and into sub-Saharan Africa and Asia through conquest and trade.
Example:
The trans-Saharan trade routes facilitated the spread of Islam into West African kingdoms like Mali, leading to the establishment of Islamic scholarship centers.
Loss of Traditions
A negative consequence of connectivity where local customs, crafts, or practices diminish or disappear due to the influence of dominant global cultures or mass-produced goods.
Example:
The widespread availability of factory-made textiles sometimes leads to the loss of traditions in hand-weaving communities.
Marco Polo
A 13th-century Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled to the Mongol Empire in China, whose accounts of his travels introduced Europeans to the geography and cultures of Asia.
Example:
Marco Polo's descriptions of the wealth and advanced civilization of Yuan Dynasty China inspired European interest in Asian trade and exploration.
Margery Kempe
A 14th-century English mystic and pilgrim, known for dictating what is considered the first autobiography in the English language, offering unique insights into medieval religious life and travel.
Example:
Margery Kempe's spiritual visions and extensive pilgrimages across Europe and the Holy Land provide a rare female perspective on medieval piety and societal norms.
Neo-Confucianism
A moral, ethical, and philosophical Chinese thought that emerged during the Tang Dynasty and became prominent in the Song Dynasty, blending traditional Confucianism with elements of Buddhism and Daoism.
Example:
The civil service examination system in China heavily emphasized Neo-Confucianism, shaping the intellectual and political elite for centuries.
Papermaking
A technological innovation originating in China, which revolutionized writing, record-keeping, and the dissemination of knowledge by providing a cheaper and more accessible material than parchment or silk.
Example:
The spread of papermaking technology from China to the Islamic world and then to Europe was crucial for the Renaissance and the printing revolution.
Xuanzang
A Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India in the 7th century CE to collect Buddhist scriptures and study the religion, significantly contributing to the spread of Buddhism in China.
Example:
Xuanzang's detailed accounts of his journey provided invaluable geographical and cultural information about India to the Chinese court.
Zen Buddhism
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China (as Chan Buddhism) and later flourished in Japan, emphasizing meditation and intuition.
Example:
Japanese samurai sometimes practiced Zen Buddhism to cultivate discipline and focus, reflecting the cultural blending that occurred through trade with China.