Period 2 Vocabulary (Al-Andus - Infrastructure)

Question 1

Al-Andalus

(Geographical)

Answer 1

The Iberian Peninsula when under Muslim rule(711ce-1031). It is situated in modern-day Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Under Cordoba Caliphate rule(929ce-1031) the city of Cordoba became the largest center of learning in Europe and a leading cultural and economic center. Particularly in the areas of trigonometry, astronomy, surgery, pharmacology, and agronomy. It is also noteworthy that other(non-Islamic) monotheistic religions were subjected to jizya(taxes). After the failure of the Umayyad caliphate, the Peninsula fragmented and Christian kingdoms overpowered the Arabs. In 1492, Christianity had reclaimed the whole peninsula.

Question 2

Arab/Berber Camels

(Technology)

Answer 2

The Arabs and Berbers used mainly domesticated camels to transport goods and travel through the Sahara(500-1450CE). Arab or dromedary camels have 1 hump. Bactrian camels live from Afghanistan- China and have humps. Camels are adapted to go for long times without water.

Question 3

Arabian Peninsula

(Geographical)
(Political)

Answer 3

The world’s largest Peninsula is between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It has been home to empires such as the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 & 756–1031). As well as the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 & 1261–1517). And the Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171). Finally the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922/1923).

Question 4

Arabic Language

(Socio-cultural)

Answer 4

This is the Semitic language of the Arabs. Spoken by some 150 million people today throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It is the main tongue spoken by Muslims, and most texts are written in Arabic. Furthermore, many other languages (often in north Africa) have Arabic writing letters as their base.

Question 5

Astrolabe

(Technology)

Answer 5

The first astrolabe was invented in the 6th century. This is an instrument used to make astronomical measurements. Usually for altitudes of celestial bodies, and in navigation for calculating latitude. In its basic form (known from classical times), it consists of a disk with the edge marked in degrees and a pivoted pointer.

Question 6

Baghdad

(Geographical)

Answer 6

The capital of the Abbasid dynasty of caliphs. The city was founded in 762. A significant cultural center of Arab and Islamic civilization and one of the greatest cities of the world. It was conquered by the Mongol leader Hülegü in 1258, after which its importance waned.

Question 7

Bantu Migration

(Geographical)

Answer 7

During a wave of expansion that began 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, Bantu-speaking populations left their original homeland of West-Central Africa. They traveled to the eastern and southern regions of the continent. Today some 310 million people are descendants of the Bantu. The migration was gradual and left slowly in search of a better environment.

Question 8

Bills of Exchange

Intellectual

Answer 8

A written order to a person. This requires the person to make a specified payment to the signatory or to a named payee; a promissory note. Such as the bank will pay 5,000 dollars for something. Kind of the opposite of a check today.

Question 9

Black Death

(Socio-cultural)

Answer 9

Originated in China in the early to mid-1300s. Rats would follow caravans of trade and carry flees with them. Flees would bite people and then regurgitate blood, thus spreading a plague. Also, known as the bionic plague. There was no cure.

Question 10

Byzantine Empire

(Socio-cultural)

Answer 10

The Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) was the longest-lasting medieval power(395-1453CE). Its religion, art, architecture, and law are still important today. Many Western countries, Eastern, Central Europe, and Russia were heavily influenced. At the time it was just the Roman empire.

Question 11

Cahokia

(Socio-cultural)

Answer 11

Mississippian culture refers to Cahokians. “A broad diaspora of agricultural communities,” that covered the American Southeast (800- 1500) They grew corn (Maize) and other crops. Earthen mounds were used as platforms for temples, gov. buildings, and the elites. They had built a city with a larger population than London at the time before it broke down due to a lack of resources.

Question 12

Central Asian Steppe Horses

(Technology)

Answer 12

In the Pontic-Caspian steppes, horses were first domesticated. Later spreading to Eurasia within a few centuries due to the benefits. The horse was highly sought after due to being more powerful in war and speed than normal ones. It is estimated to have started 6000 years ago.

Question 13

Calicut

(Economics)

Answer 13

Calicut was built during the “classical antiquity” and the Middle Ages. Calicut was dubbed the “City of Spices” for its role as the major trading point of Eastern spices. It is located in India. The capital shifted to Delhi instead because it was the financial and political seat of much earlier empire. Furthermore, the geographical location allowed for better control.

Question 14

Caliphates

(Political)
(Religion)

Answer 14

A caliph is a spiritual and political leader of Islam (as well as the Islamic empires) who claims succession from Muhammad. The first four caliphs of the Islamic community, known in Muslim history as the orthodox or patriarchal caliphs: Abū Bakr (reigned 632–634), ʿUmar (reigned 634–644), ʿUthmān (reigned 644–656), and ʿAlī (reigned 656–661). The word stems from the Arabic khalifa meaning “successor.” Rashidun, (Arabic: “Rightly Guided,” or “Perfect”).

Question 15

Camel Saddles

(Technology)

Answer 15

The dromedary camel saddle was invited in 1200 BC. It was used to transport iron technology, slaves, salt, and gold across the Sahara. The largest benefit was that it can be used in battle. It also helped the spread of the Arabic language into Northern Africa.

Question 16

Caravanserai

(Intellectual)

Answer 16

Functioning similarly to a motel for caravans. Caravanserai would provide a safe place to stay the night. It helped continue to the flow of trade, money, and information. As well as people across the network of Africa, Arabia, and Asia. First appearing in the 3rd century BC.

Question 17

Checks

(Economics)

Answer 17

Checks first appeared in 1400 CE, 200 years after bills of exchange. They allowed for the great passage of money. As well as safety, due to the fact you were only carrying paper- not gold. Citys grew to incorporated deposit banks.

Question 18

Citrus

(Economics)

Answer 18

This is a fruit that includes oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes. Growing from northeastern India, southwestern China, Burma, and the Malay Archipelago. Citrus soon spread across trade networks. Particularly southeast Asia.

Question 19

West Africa

(Geographical)

Answer 19

The western part of Africa opened up around the 24th century. Spreading were gold, salt, precious metals, such as copper and iron, ivory, spices, materials, such as skins, cloth, and leather, and also slaves. All across the sand routes of the Sahara. Connecting to the Mediterranean and Swahili coast.

Question 20

Compass

(Technology)

Answer 20

An instrument containing a magnetized pointer (often made of iron). That will show the direction of the magnetic north (or south). First mentioned in the 6th century by Greek philosophers. Called the ‘Lodestone’.

Question 21

Cotton

(Socio-cultural)
(Economics)

Answer 21

A white fibrous material used for textiles. originated in the Indus River Valley (present-day Pakistan). It first grew around 3000 BCE but spread to the Iranian Plateau. Another compatible region. Its cloth was exported as cotton cloth, scarves, and turbans, particularly in Egypt and Iran.

Question 22

Credit

(Technology)

Answer 22

The agreement of receiving cash, goods, or services now and paying for them in the future. It was rather unofficial until the 19th century. However individual banks or trustworthy trades would use it. Working similarly to modern-day credit, where the more trustworthy you are more you can receive.

Question 23

Dar al-Islam

(Religion)

Answer 23

The Arabic term means the “house of Islam” and that refers to lands under Islamic rule. Such as northern Africa, southern Europe, Anatolia, and the Arabian Peninsula. Furthering the idea that you must be a Muslim to be part of the community. Did not include other monotheistic faiths.

Question 24

Epidemic

(Socio-cultural)
(Economics)
(Political)

Answer 24

A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease. This time period included the Black Death. A mixture of Bubonic plague, Septicemic plague, and Pneumonic plague. These became an Epidemic along trade routes, wiping out millions of people. 1/3 of Europe died.

Question 25

Exotic Animals

(Socio-cultural)

Answer 25

An introduced, exotic, non-indigenous, or non-native species, which has arrived there by human activity. Exotic Animals were coveted by the rich, as just another product of trade. Chinese courts would show off their animals as a sign of status. Other animals would be brought domesticated for practical use.

Question 26

Gems

(Economics)
(Socio-cultural)

Answer 26

A hard, colorful mineral that has a brilliant or glassy luster. Pearls come from the Persian gulf, Sapphires from India, and Garnet from Russia. Afghan gems are principally aquamarines, emeralds, kunzite, lapis lazuli, rubies, spinals (balas rubies), and tourmaline. CHINA was one of the biggest IMPORTS of GEMS.

Question 27

Grand Canal

(Technology)

Answer 27

An inland waterway 1000 miles long in eastern China. Was built by the Sui Dynasty, allowing for its quick rise due to trade. It allowed for efficient transportation to the capital of China, Beijing. As well as allowed troops to move faster across the dynasty.

Question 28

Greek/Indian Mathematics

(Technology)
(Art)

Answer 28

The concept of zero, Indian mathematicians made seminal contributions to the study of trigonometry, algebra, arithmetic, decimal system and negative numbers.
The ancient Greek numeral system, known as Attic or Herodianic numerals, was fully developed by about 450 BCE, and in regular use possibly as early as the 7th Century BCE. Furthermore, they developed logic- logic was used not only to solve specific types of problems, but also to organize the subject.

Question 29

Gunpowder

(Technology)

Answer 29

China in 400 CE- 500 CE was exposed to gunpowder. It was first used to make fumigators to keep away insect pests and evil spirits. A mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, in various proportions. Later it was used to make gunpowder. Allowing for bullets, grenades, cannons, and much more.

Question 30

Hangzhou

(Geographical)

Answer 30

Capital of later Song dynasty. Right next to the East China Sea. Helped increase overseas trading. Built-in 589 CE by the Sui Dynasty. A huge trading post for the southern Grand Canal.

Question 31

Hanseatic League

(Political)
(Economics)

Answer 31

In Germany, a merchant alliance was built for economic and defensive purposes. In comparing many towns and markets. it was created in 1241 CE. Reaching its most powerful in the fourteenth century. Later encompassing most of Central and Northern Europe.

Question 32

Iberia

(Geographical)

Answer 32

Peninsula in southwestern Europe was occupied by Spain and Portugal. It was occupied by Arabs in 711. Until it late drove them out with the collapse of the caliphate. Thus, allowing for Christianity to flourish.

Question 33

Ibn Battuta

(Intellectual)

Answer 33

(1304-1369) Morrocan Muslim scholar, the most widely traveled individual of his time. He wrote a detailed account of his visits to Islamic lands from China to Spain and the western Sudan. His writings gave a glimpse into the world of that time period.

Question 34

Indigenous Culture

(Political)

Answer 34

A culture group that constitutes the original inhabitants of a territory, distinct from the dominant national culture, which is often derived from colonial occupation.

Question 35

Infrastructure

(Technology

Answer 35

Fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area, as transportation and communication systems, power plants, and schools