1. The Americas
1.1. Maya
1.1.1. Government
1.1.1.1. The Mayans used the city-state it meant that they were ruled by a king and consisting of a city and it surrounded territory. Most of the rulers were men; but, if no male heir was available or old enough, Mayan women ruled.
1.1.2. Religion
1.1.2.1. Religion was very important in the Mayan culture and government. Priests held great power and women could also be priests. The priests led religious ceremonies and festivals according to the Mayan calendar they also made offerings to the gods in hopes of their prayers being answered.
1.1.3. Science and Culture
1.1.3.1. The Mayan people have sometimes been called the Greeks of the new world because of their cultural achievements. Priests studied the heavens and calendars to predict the future and to decide if a time was right for war resulting in the Mayans science and religion to be closely linked together. Mayans were among the best astronomers and mathematicians of early times despite their lack of telescopes. Their discoveries allowed for Mayan priests to design a calendar more accurate than the one used in Europe.
1.2. Mexica
1.2.1. Capital city
1.2.1.1. The Mexicas also known as the Aztecs located Tenochtitlan on an island to help prevent it from attacks. Tenochtitlan grew to almost 200,000 people. In the center of the city the Mexicas built a giant pyramid known as the Great Pyramid.
1.2.2. Government, Economy, and Society
1.2.2.1. When the Mexicas conquered much of Mesoamerica they developed a tribute system that insured their dominance, and military service. To govern the empire the Mexicas grouped city states into provinces. They moved warrior and their families to each provinces capital to make sure the province remained under Aztec control. Their government was theocracy, rule by religious leaders. At the top was the emperor, next in this social hierarchy were landowning nobles, next was scribes and healers followed by craftspeople and traders.
1.2.3. Religion
1.2.3.1. The complex religion of the Mexicas was vital for their society.They worshipped an ever- evolving pantheon of hundreds of deities. Worship among the Mexicas involved a great many rituals and feast days as well as human sacrifices. The Mexicas believed that the gods sacrificed themselves to create the new world so they participate in human sacrifices as a thank you to their gods.
1.2.4. Role of women
1.2.4.1. Women were important because they wove clothes together using cloth, most Aztec women worked through their homes but some were midwives, healers and more
1.3. Inca
1.3.1. Government, Economy, and Social
1.3.1.1. The Incan Empire was split into four provinces each had their own governor and bureaucracy. Conquered leaders who showed loyalty to the empire were rewarded. Conquered people under the Incas were subject to the mita system mandatory public service.
1.3.2. Religion
1.3.2.1. Religion was very important in the Inca Empire. The name Inca is defined as "people of the sun" and Inti was the sun god. Inca rulers were thought of as Inti's representatives on the earth. Priests diagnosed illnesses, foresaw the outcome of battles, solved crimes, and decided what sacrifices should be made to which god. Animism is the belief that elements of the physical world could have supernatural powers. Called huaca, they could be physical features like a river or a mountain peak
1.4. Chaco
1.4.1. Innovative Advancements
1.4.1.1. The Chaco build large housing structures using clay and stones. Some of these structures included hundreds of rooms. They had to do this because they were located in such a dry area they had to develop new ways to collect water, transport it and store it.
1.4.2. Extra Information
1.4.2.1. It was the largest of the earthen mounds that the Mississippians built, it was located in southern Illinois, people abandoned it around 1450. It helped to develop advanced societies across much of the southeastern US.
1.5. Mesa Verde
1.5.1. Innovative Advancements
1.5.1.1. The Mesa Verde people built multi-story homes into the sides of cliffs with the use of bricks made of sandstone. Like the Chaco the Mesa Verde also had to develop new ways to collect water, transport it and store it because of their location in a dry region.
1.5.2. Extra Information
1.5.2.1. The Mesa Verde Dwellings are some of the most notable and best-preserved archeological sites in the North American Continent. They were built around the 1190's and abandoned around the 1300's.
1.6. Cahokia
1.6.1. Who, what, when, where
1.6.1.1. It was the largest of the earthen mounds that the Mississippians built, it was located in southern Illinois
1.6.2. Significance
1.6.2.1. It helped to develop advanced societies across much of the southeastern US
2. Europe
2.1. Government
2.1.1. Feudalism
2.1.1.1. A decentralized type of government used by Western Europe during the middle ages, a monarch in which the king would give lords land which they would give to knights and in return the knights would be loyal to the lord and the king. The lords also gave land and protection to peasants and in return they would farm the land and obey the lords rules.
2.1.2. Manorial System
2.1.2.1. The manorial system is where lords have lots of land and then the peasants (known as surfs) must obey the lords wishes and they must ask permission before marrying or traveling. The manor's were economically self sufficient.
2.1.3. Monarchies
2.1.3.1. The type of government used in Europe. Typically a King. This King would delegate land (fiefs) to lords.
2.1.4. Estates- General
2.1.4.1. The form of Bureaucracy used in France that had representatives from each social class (clergy, nobility and commoners). This was the first real form of bureaucracy but it eventually failed.
2.1.5. Absolutism
2.1.5.1. A centralized form of government where the leader holds all the power. People tended to prefer governments with representation opposed to absolutism.
2.1.6. Magna Carta
2.1.6.1. A document signed in 1215. This was the first major legal document that limited the power of the monarch, and gave more power to the nobility.
2.2. Religions
2.2.1. Christianity
2.2.1.1. Crusades
2.2.1.1.1. The fourth crusade
2.2.1.1.2. Goal: To regain control of the Holy Land
2.2.1.1.3. The first crusade
2.2.1.2. Roman Catholic
2.2.1.2.1. This form of Christianity spread throughout Europe after the Great Schism.
2.2.1.3. Orthodox
2.2.1.3.1. This form of Christianity spread East and into Russia after the Great Schism.
2.2.2. Islam
2.2.2.1. Muslims were treated unfairly throughout Europe. Despite their many contributions to society, they were often expelled from countries if they refused to switch to Christianity.
2.2.3. Judaism
2.2.3.1. Jews were mainly located in the Iberian Peninsula, during the middle ages. Once Christians overtook that area many Jews eventually moved up North where some people welcomed them because of their knowledge in business and trade.
2.3. Society (agriculture)
2.3.1. Serfs
2.3.1.1. Peasants in the manorial system, used in Western Europe in the Middle ages. Serfs had to obey their lords every wish and had to ask their permission before marrying or traveling. Serfs were tied to their land, and also helped with the agriculture.
2.3.2. Three-Field System
2.3.2.1. A major advancement in agriculture that led to a surplus of food causing population growth. Beginning in the Middle ages, one field was planted with wheat or rye (crops that provided food) the next was planted with legumes such as peas, lentils or beans (provided nutrients such as nitrogen to the soil), the third field was unused.
3. South and Southeast Asia
3.1. South Asia
3.1.1. Political
3.1.1.1. Chola Dynasty
3.1.1.1.1. In southern India (more stable than North India). This dynasty ruled for more than 400 years. They also ruled modern day Sri Lanka.
3.1.1.2. Vijayanagara Empire
3.1.1.2.1. Began with two brothers from Northern India with Delhi Sultanate. Two brothers were born Hindu and then changed to Islam for upward mobility, but when moved to the South to find land for the North (Delhi Sultanate) to control they switched back to their birth religion. Muslim group eventually overthrew them.
3.1.1.3. Rajput Kingdoms
3.1.1.3.1. Modern day Pakistan and Northern India. Hindu kingdoms held by leaders of clans constantly at war with one another. Lack of centralized government made them vulnerable to Muslim attacks.
3.1.1.4. Delhi Sultanate
3.1.1.4.1. Islamic rule in Delhi and surrounding parts of Northern India. They had religious tolerance but also used the Jizya, they had lots of interaction with Hindus. They ruled Northern India for 300 years and are famous for the interactions between Muslims and Hindus
3.1.2. Religious
3.1.2.1. Hinduism
3.1.2.1.1. Most people in South Asia practiced Hinduism prior to the arrival of Muslims. They used a Caste System.
3.1.2.2. Buddhism
3.1.2.2.1. A large number of Buddhists switched to Islam. After most people switched to Islam, Buddhism became a minority in the place it was created.
3.1.2.3. Islam
3.1.2.3.1. When Islam first came to South Asia they forced other people to convert to Islam but then realized that this was not the best approach and switched to voluntary conversion. Islam attracted low class Hindus because they would be treated equally in Islam rather than Hinduism.
3.1.3. Social Structures
3.1.3.1. Not much changed, the caste system stayed in place and the newcomers simply found their spot in the hierarchy.
3.1.4. Cultural Interactions
3.1.4.1. Qutub Minar
3.1.4.1.1. An example of Islamic architecture built during the Delhi Sultanate that stands in the southern part of the city of Delhi. It is a giant leaning tower on top of a mosque that is the tallest building in India.
3.1.4.2. Urdu
3.1.4.2.1. An entirely new language that was formed. It was made up of different elements of Arabic, Hindi and Farsi. It is now the official language of Pakistan.
3.1.4.3. Bhakti Movement
3.1.4.3.1. A movement where Hindus switched from being focused on religious texts and rituals to focusing on developing a close spiritual bond with deities. This was significant because it didn’t discriminate against women or people by economic class and therefore was very appealing. Bhaktis were similar to Sufi Muslims.
3.2. Southeast Asia
3.2.1. Political
3.2.1.1. Srivijaya Empire
3.2.1.1.1. (670-1025) A sea based kingdom, that practiced Hinduism. They had a strong navy and were prosperous because of charging ships fees to pass between India and China
3.2.1.2. Majapahit Kingdom
3.2.1.2.1. (1293-1520) This sea based kingdom had 98 tributaries. They practiced Buddhism. They made money off of charging fees in the sea routes between India and China.
3.2.1.3. Sinhala Dynasty
3.2.1.3.1. They ruled over modern day Sri Lanka. They were Buddhist, and became a center for Buddhist learning, they also built lots of monasteries. They also had a great irrigation system that contributed to economic growth.
3.2.1.4. Khmer Empire
3.2.1.4.1. (802-1431) Also known as the Angkor Kingdom. They were economically prosperous. Capital was Angkor Thom. They were originally Hindu but changed to Buddhist later on. They kept the same temples but just added Hindu characteristics.
3.2.1.5. Sukhothai Kingdom
3.2.1.5.1. (1431) They invaded the Khmer Empire.
3.2.2. Religious
3.2.2.1. Islam
3.2.2.1.1. Sufis
3.2.2.1.2. It spread through merchants and missionaries. Many of them converted to have better relations with Islamic merchants who came to their shores.
4. East Asia
4.1. Dynasties
4.1.1. Song Dynasty
4.1.1.1. The Song ruled from 960-1279, during the golden age of China. They were weaker than their predecessors (The Tang) and governed less land. Opposing regimes were constant military threats. There was no a presence of Neo-Confucianism. Their rule also was during China's scientific revolution that included innovation such as paper money, gunpowder and the magnetic compass.
4.1.2. Tang Dynasty
4.1.2.1. They were in power from 618-945 CE, part of the golden age of China. The Tang dynasty promoted Buddhism. The Tang unified and expanded China, and promoted trade with neighboring countries. They also reinforced the Civil Service Exam. The social class of Scholar Gentry was created. Champa rice was first used in China under the Tang.
4.1.3. Sui Dynasty
4.1.3.1. The Sui were in power form 581-618 CE, and were the unifying force in China after the decline of the Han Dynasty. Their main contribution to China is the creation of the Grand Canal. They laid the foundation for the Song and the Tang dynasties.
4.2. Religion
4.2.1. Confucianism
4.2.1.1. Confucianism
4.2.1.1.1. A religion that focused on education, respect, virtue, and benevolence. They followed ideas such as filial piety and patriarchy. This religion was promoted by the song Dynasty. Confucianism's biggest competition was Buddhism that was spreading rapidly through the silk roads.
4.2.1.2. Neo-Confucianism
4.2.1.2.1. A new version of Confucianism, that focused on social and ethical philosophy, religious belief combining rational thought with the other views from Taoism and Buddhism. This was popular in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and China and it was created between 770-840. This allowed for more people to have similar beliefs in a variety of countries such as the countries in China’s orbit.
4.2.2. Buddhism
4.2.2.1. Buddhism
4.2.2.1.1. This religion made it's way to East Asia by the means of Trade ROutes such as the Silk Roads. Buddhism followed the four noble truths and the eightfold path. Buddhism promoted many questions to this new group of people such as afterlife. This religion became very popular during the rule of the Tang Dynasty.
4.2.2.2. Zen Buddhism
4.2.2.2.1. A syncretic religion that combined the ideals of Buddhism with Daoism. They believed in direct experience and meditation rather than formal learning of scripture.
4.3. Innovations
4.3.1. Grand Canal
4.3.1.1. The Grand Canal was built under the rule of the Sui dynasty. This connected the populous North and the agricultural South. This canal connected the Huang He and Yangtze rivers. This canal allowed for much more and easier trade, and eventually made China the most popular trade location.
4.3.2. Champa Rice
4.3.2.1. This fast ripening, drought resistant, nutritious rice was brought to China from Southeast Asia. This rice expanded agriculture and allowed the population to boom in China due to the surplus of food.
5. Africa
5.1. Great Zimbabwe
5.1.1. Capital City
5.1.1.1. Zimbabwe was in East Africa , the architecture demonstrated the growing wealth of one kingdom. Though most homes were constructed with wood around the 9th century people began to build zimbabwe's the Bantu word for dwelling. Zimbabwe built its prosperity on a mixture of agriculture, trade, grazing, and gold. Zimbabwe's rich gold field and taxes on the transport of gold made the kingdom wealthy. Overgrazing damaged the surrounding environment that residents of the bustling capital city abandoned it by the end of the 1400s.
5.1.2. Wall
5.1.2.1. It was a massive stone wall that surrounded the capital city at about 30 feet tall it was the largest one on the continent that people built. It was used to protect the city because it was 30 feet tall and 15 feet thick which affected the rise and decline of Zimbabwe
5.2. Ethiopia
5.2.1. Christianity
5.2.1.1. Christianity spread from its origins along the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea south into Egypt and Ethiopia during the 1st century C.E. Beginning the 7th century the spread of Islam weakened Christian influence in Africa. Ethiopia was and island of Christianity on the continent of Africa. It was separated from Roman Catholic churches of western Europe and the Orthodox Church of Eastern Europe, however Ethiopian Christianity developed by itself.
5.2.2. Axum
5.2.2.1. In the 12th century a new ruling kingdom of Ethiopia known as Axum enthusiastically embraced Christianity. Just as other rulers expressed their power through architecture, the new leaders in Ethiopia ordered the building of 11 massive churches made entirely of rock. Carved rock structures had been apart of Ethiopian religious architecture.
5.3. Hausa Kingdoms
5.3.1. Trans Saharan Trade
5.3.1.1. These states needed to rely on the trans-Saharan trade because they needed contact with people from outside the region. A state on the western edge of the region specialized in military matters and defended the states against attack.
5.3.2. Background Information
5.3.2.1. They formed seven different states that were loosely connected through kinship ties, they also established prospering city states. They also started cultivating grains which ultimately led to a denser peasant population, they were also frequently subjected to dominance from the outside as they were landlocked city states
6. Dar al Islam
6.1. Spread into Africa and Asia
6.1.1. Africa
6.1.1.1. Islam spread the new faith here. Also, Islamic merchants on the Indian Ocean coast and in West Africa brought African regions into a wider trading network and Swahili was developed which was a combination of two already known languages.
6.1.2. Asia
6.1.2.1. The expansion of Islam into Asia was solidified with the formation of the Ottoman Empire in the 13th century. This vast empire helped the spread of Islam throughout the world. This led to the formation of Dar al-Islam in the northwestern parts of Africa. Different variations of Islam existed even within cities.
6.2. Intellectual Preservation
6.2.1. The dar al-Islam as an organizing social and political force and preserved by Muslim scholars and eventually transmitted to Medieval European universities. Islam's cultural/scholar continuity allowed for the work of scholars to be passed down.
6.3. Seljuk, Mamluk, Delhi
6.3.1. Seljuk
6.3.1.1. It was from north of the Abbasid in central Asia, they captured parts of the Middle East including Baghdad, the Seljuk leader called himself sultan, reducing the role of the highest-ranking Abbasid from caliph to chief Sunni religious authority. Began clashing with the Byzantine Empire. Seljuk Empire lasted from 1037 to 1194
6.3.2. Mamluk
6.3.2.1. It was west of the Abbasid Empire, Egypt slaves, who were ethically Turkish, served as soldiers and government officials in Egypt. They seized control of Egypt and established the Mamluk Sultanate empire across North Africa, and they attacked parts of the Abbasid Empire
6.3.3. Delhi
6.3.3.1. Delhi Sultanate
6.3.3.1.1. The Delhi Sultanate reigned for 300 years, from the 13th century through the 16th century, it was also just the leader during this time. The Delhi Sultanate created the Jizya tax and enforced it on all non- Muslim subjects of the empire. It intertwined Hinduism and Islam, some Hindus converted to Islam and others resented Muslims. Delhi imposed a tax on all non-Muslim subjects of the empire, this played as a role in India's decentralized political landscape.
6.3.3.2. Qutub Minar
6.3.3.2.1. It stands in the southern part of Delhi, it is an example of Islamic architecture built during the Delhi Sultanate. It towers over the mosque and is a gigantic leaning tower, the tallest structure in India today. The Qutub Minar is a symbol of Islamic influence and, at one point, represented the dominance of northern India.
6.4. Advances in math, literature, and medicine
6.4.1. Math
6.4.1.1. Important progress was made, such as the full development of the decimal place-value system to include decimal fractions, the first systematic study of algebra and advances in geometry and trigonometry
6.4.2. Lierature
6.4.2.1. Literature is one of the arts most valued by Muslims in addition to works in Arabic, Muslims also fostered a thousand-year tradition of classical Persian poetry, ranging from short quatrains to long epics
6.4.3. Medicine
6.4.3.1. Muslims made important advances in surgery. They anaesthetised patients, used mercury and alcohol as antiseptics , and had rules about hygiene