Trade, Japan, Africa, & S. America Unit 7

Major Trade Networks Silk Roads Asia to Mediterranean basin Chinese traded silk, paper, & pottery Europe traded sesame seeds, oil, gold, silver, precious stones, & horses Camel caravans across Eurasia The West influenced China’s art, religion, & military methods

Trans-Saharan Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, & Songhai became very rich from mining salt & gold ( ) Arab & Berber traders brought salt from the Saharan, cloth, weapons, & manufactured goods from ports along the Mediterranean in exchange for gold Camels made this trade route possible

Maritime Routes across the Indian Ocean Began around 100 between India & SE Asia Rice was the main commodity India spread Hinduism, Buddhism, legal codes, architecture, & epics SE Asia spread shadow puppetry, instruments & music, patterned cloth

South China Sea Many kingdoms grew in SE Asia along strategic ports Arabs, Chinese, Indians Russians all traded porcelain, textiles, & silk for SE Asian spices & valuable woods

Northern Europe Links with the Black Sea Black & Baltic Seas provided routes for Russia & N. Europe to trade w/ S. Europe N. Europe traded furs & salted herring S. Europe traded wines, fruit, & olive oil Russia traded honey & slaves Western European Sea & River Trade Rhine, Danube, & Seine Rivers provided trade routes from Europe to countries on the Atlantic coast Path for Asia’s good to spread across the continent

Goods Gold & salt from W. Africa Spices from India & SE Asia Textiles from India, China, Middle East, & later Europe Porcelain from China & Persia Amber from the Baltics

Technology Paper from China through the Muslim world to Byzantium & Europe New crops from India –sugar Waterwheels & windmills from the Middle East Navigation: Compass from China Lateen sail from Indian Ocean region Astrolabe from Muslim world Ideas Printing money & paper from China Spread religion across the hemisphere Hinduism & Hinduism from India to SE Asia Buddhism from China to Korea & Japan Islam into W. Africa & Central & SE Asia

Growth of Japan Geography Japan is an archipelago – island group 4,000 islands 120 miles from Korea, 500 miles from China Country is very mountainous 12% is farmable Lends itself to a feudal society Natural resources like coal, oil, & iron are in short supply Typhoons, earthquakes, & tidal waves occur

1 st mentions of Japan were found in Chinese writing from 100 BC Not a united country Divided into clans w/ their own territories, customs, & Gods 400 the Yamato clan established itself as the leading clan Claimed to be descendent from the sun goddess By 700 began referring to themselves as emperors The Yamato dynasty was more of a figure-head Rival clans would fight for power & then rule in the emperor’s name Dual structure of govt continues today

Japanese Culture Shinto Clan customs & beliefs were combined in Japan’s first religion Ethnic religion unique to Japan Means “way of the gods” Respect for the forces of nature Worship of ancestors Kami –divine spirits that dwelled in nature Grew to include worship of the emperor Torii Gate Shrine

Buddhism Through contact w/ China & Japan Buddhism spread to Japan Melded w/ Shintoism –practiced simultaneously Spread throughout Japanese society by the 800s

Borrowing from China 607 Prince Shotoku sent the 1 st of 3 missions to China to learn about their customs from the Tang Dynasty Adopted: Writing, landscape painting, cooking, gardening, tea drinking, hair & clothing styles, architecture Prince Shotoku tried to create a strong central govt & civil service –unsuccessful Around 900 Japanese rulers decided they had learned enough & stopped sending formal missions Japanese culture was very much influenced by China, but remain its own

Heian Period is known as the Heian Period The capitol was moved from Nara to Heian (modern Kyoto) Nobles flocked to the city Highly refined court society arose Those living at court had to follow strict rules: Color you could wear, sword length, had to paint & write poetry, could not laugh in public

Rise of Feudalism Decline of the Heian Period The Fujiwara family had held power for the majority of the Heian period This power began to slip Large landowners & clan leaders wanted to be independent rulers Began to build their own armies Countrysides became lawless as warriors preyed on farmers Farmers gave up a portion of their land to local warlord in exchange for protection w/ more land the local warlord had more power Japan, like China & medieval Europe, entered into a Feudal System System in which nobles are given land in exchange for their loyalty & service they protect the people who live & work on the land

Samurai Warriors Because wars between lords were common, each surrounded himself w/ bodyguards known as samurai Loyal warrior, means one who serves Live according to bushido – strict moral code, “the way of the warrior” Reckless courage, reverence for Gods, fairness, generosity, dying an honorable death

Kamakura Shogunate In the late 1100s the 2 most powerful clans fought for power after 30 yrs of fighting the Minamoto family won in 1192 Yoritomo was given the title Shogun by the emperor Supreme general of the emperor’s army – gave him powers of a military dictator The emperor continued to rule from the city of Kyoto, however real power centered at Kamakura –military base This pattern of puppet emperors & powerful shoguns continued until 1868 Strong enough to turn back Mongol invasions in 1274 & 1281 These defenses drained the treasury samurai weren’t paid –gave loyalty to local feudal lords Fierce fighting between lords was very common & severe

Kingdom of Axum Geography Located on the Horn of Africa, on a plateau on the Red Sea Origins Legend traces royal lineage to King Solomon & the Queen of Sheba Dynasty lasted until st mentions of the Kingdom come from a Greek guidebook from AD 100

Became a trade hub Center for caravans between Egypt & Meroe Access to Indian Ocean & Mediterranean Chief seaport: Adulis Axumites traded salt, rhino horns, tortoise shells, ivory, emeralds, & gold Axum reached its height between under the ruler Ezana Conquered part of Arabia, Kush, & burned Meroe

Religion Axumite Religion Most ancient Africans were monotheistic God known as Mahrem –king was a descendent Made sacrifices to him Also animists Axum becomes Christian King Ezana was educated by a Christian from Syria Converted to Christianity & made it the official religion of the Kingdom Establishment of Christianity in Africa is Axum’s longest lasting achievement

Fall of the Kingdom Islamic Invaders Axum harbored Muhammad’s family & followers during their early rise 710 Muslim armies took foothills & the city of Adulis w/o this port city the kingdom was cut off from trade & went into decline Moved capital to the mountains & remained isolated to preserve kingdom & Christianity

Great Zimbabwe The Shona people of SE Africa built the city of Great Zimbabwe ~1000 Geography Relative to Zambezi & Limpopo Rivers & the Indian Ocean Modern state of Zimbabwe Fertile plateau good for farming & cattle raising Near to trade routes linking gold mines to coastal trade cities

Between it became a thriving empire Zimbabwe was their capital By 1450 the city was abandoned –unknown why Cattle grazing wore out grasslands Farming wore out the land What we know about the city comes from its ruins

Empire of Ghana The Empire of Ghana grew from the Trans-Saharan trade network Trade routes went through the region farmed by the Soninke They referred to their ruler as Ghana or war chief By the 700s Ghana had become a rich kingdom through taxing goods that traders carried through their territory

The Land of Gold 800 grew into an empire bc the king controlled both trade & a large army Only the king could own nuggets of gold –gold dust could be circulated Limited the supply & kept the worth from falling King was political, religious, & military leader Large bureaucracy

Islamic Influences Spread through trade –Muslim merchants & teachers settled in Ghana Muslim advisers helped run the kingdom Rulers converted to Islam The majority of people kept their animistic beliefs Some kept both To study the Qur'an many converts learned Arabic 1076 the Muslim Almoravids conquered Ghana Disrupted trade, Ghana never regained independence

Empire of Mali 1235 the kingdom of Mali emerged Mali means “where the king lives” Wealth built of gold Found new deposits further east – shifted trade routes eastward Mansa Sundiata Sundiata came to power by crushing an unpopular ruler Ruled from Mansa means emperor in Mande Conquered Ghana & trade cities of Kumbi & Walata Built an able administration Encouraged agriculture Reestablished gold-salt trade

Mali had ~60 yrs of turmoil w/ 7 different rulers Many of these kings converted to Islam & built Mosques Mansa Musa Ruled from Skilled military leader 100,000 man army Put down all rebellions Controlled gold-salt trade Protected borders Expanded empire Divided his empire into provinces Appointed governors to rule fairly & efficiently After returned from his hajj in 1325 Mansa Musa ordered the building of new mosques in the trade cities of Gao & Timbuktu Attracted Muslim judges, doctors, scholars, & religious leaders

Travels of Ibn Battuta Traveler & historian from Tangier spent 27 yrs traveling & visited most of the Muslim world Was greatly impressed by Timbuktu & the Mali Empire Safety, study of the Qur’an, & legal system Mansa Musa’ successors lacked his skill & the empire crumbled

Empire of Songhai As Mali declined during the 1400s, the people of Songhai to the east built army & expanded their power Gained control of trade routes Sunni Ali Ruled from Excellent military commander who grew the empire through conquest Captured the city of Timbuktu Spent 7 yrs taking over the city of Djenne –had a great university Married its queen

Askia Muhammad After Sunni Ali’s death his son became ruler –this prompted a great Muslim revolt Angry that Islam was not being devoutly followed Askia Muhammad led this revolt Ruled for 37 yrs, proved to be a great leader Kept a strong central govt Efficient tax system Able officials Decline Lacked modern weaponry ~800 China invented gunpowder, 1304 Arabs invented the 1 st guns 1591 a Moroccan force invaded Songhai

Mayan Civilization Geography Southern Mexico to N. Central America Urban Centers During their classical period from the Mayan built great cities Cities were ruled by a God-king, centers for religion & trade Tikal was the biggest city Grew into city-states Archaeologists have found 50 major sites Evidence of ball courts –believed that playing these games would maintain the sun-moon cycle

Agriculture & Trade While city-states were independent, they were linked through trade Traded: salt, fish, shells, flint, feathers, maize, squash, beans No official currency –sometimes used chocolate beans Practiced slash-burn agriculture Planted on raised beds above swamps Social Structure Wealth led to the development of social classes

King-son Monarchy Includes priests & warriors Nobles Includes scholars Merchants Farmers Peasants

Mayan Religion Beliefs Polytheistic Gods were both good & bad Believed each day was a living God whose behavior could be predicted by calendars Practices Made offerings of food, flower, incense Pierced body & gave blood – feed the Gods Sometimes human sacrifices – usually captured enemies

Math & Religion Calendars Believed time was a burden carried by a God –at the end of each year, month, day it was picked up by the next God Their nature determined what would happen Very important to keep track 260 day calendar w/ day months 365 day solar calendar w/ day months -5 extra days at the end 2 calendars were linked Best times to plant, crown new rulers, attack enemies

Astronomy & Math Calendars were based on astronomical observations of the sun, plants, & moon Mathematicians were able to calculate the solar year to day – only.002 away from current calculations Had a concept of # 0

Written Language & History 800 hieroglyphic symbols Most advanced writing system of Ancient Americans Recorded important historical events Used stone tablets & bark-paper books known as codex Recorded what happened when the Spanish arrived

Decline Mysterious end Invaders from the north – unclear motivation Late 800s Mayans abandoned many of their cities ~700 war broke out between several of the city-states Population growth & over- farming By the time the Spanish arrived in 1500 the Mayans were divided into small, weak city-states

Aztec Civilization Geography Located in the central Mexican valley Shallow lakes & fertile soil Aztecs arrived in central Mexico ~1200 Several small city-states in the area left over from the collapse of the Toltec Empire Aztecs were called “Mexica” –they were a poor nomadic peoples Found work as mercenaries According to legend their sun/warrior God Huitzilopochtli told them to start a city of their own Look for a place where an eagle is perched on a cactus holding a snake in its mouth Found such place on a small island in Lake Texcoco 1325 the city of Tenochtitlan was founded

Aztec Empire 1428 joined in the Triple Alliance w/ 2 other city-states Texcoco & Tlacopan Became the leading power in the Mexican Valley 1500s controlled 80,000 square miles Empire –divided into 38 provinces Power based on conquest & tributes received Demanded gold, maize, cacao bean, cotton, jade Generally loose control over Empire –kept local leaders in charge If refused to pay tribute or rebelled, retaliation was brutal

Aztec Society Absolute power Emperor Govt officials, generals, religious leaders Nobles Merchants, craftspeople, soldiers, farmers w/ land Commoners Military captives Enslaved peoples

City of Tenochtitlan By the 1500 Tenochtitlan grew into an urban center Center remained on the island in Texcoco Lake Built raised road or causeways to connect to the mainland Broad avenues & canals connected the city Economic center at the marketplace –Tlatelolco At the center of the city was a massive walled complex filled w/ temples, palaces, & govt buildings The Great Temple –giant pyramid w/ twin temples on top 1 dedicated to the sun God, 1 to the rain God Center of Aztec religious life

Aztec Religion Polytheistic Many Aztec Gods were adopted from other Mesoamerican peoples ~1,000 Gods 100s of temples & shrines in Tenochtitlan dedicated to their worship Religious Practices centered on elaborate public ceremonies Communicate w/ Gods Make sacrifices Present ritual songs, dances, dramas

Huitzilopochtli –the Sun God Everyday he made the sun raise by battling against evil forces To ensure his strength he needed nourishment of human blood Each year 1,000s of people were led to the altar atop the Great Temple where priests carved their hearts out Enslaved people, criminals, tributes from conquered areas, & prisoners of war were sacrificed POWs were preferred –pushed the Aztec armies to make conquests & captures

Decline 1502 Montezuma II was crowned –under his leadership the empire weakened Called for even more human sacrifices Conquered peoples rose up again oppression Lessened the demand of tributes Priests began to seeing bad omens Lightning striking a temple, partial sun eclipse Arrival of the Spanish

Incan Civilization Geography Coastal state along the Pacific Stretches the range of the Andes Mtns. Modern day Chile, Ecuador, Peru Beginnings By the 1200s established a kingdom in the Valley of Cuzco Developed traditions & beliefs that later helped to keep the Empire unified King was descendant from sun God Inti

Pachacuti builds an Empire 1438 Pachacuti became king – very ambitious Conquered all of Peru Used diplomacy & military power Clever diplomats –used force only when necessary Would offer honorable surrender By 1500 built “the Land of 4 Quarters” 2,500 square miles Empire 80 provinces, 16 million people

Incan Government Created unity Divided Empire into provinces governed by a central bureaucracy Road system Single language –Quechua Schools to teach Incan ways Social groups had official clothing patterns Built uniform cities in conquered areas to show govt presence “All roads led to Cuzco” –capitol city

Govt had total control over economic & social life Regulated the production & distribution of goods Social system was based on old-age cooperation The ayllu (extended family) took on tasks too big for 1 family –irrigation, agricultural terraces Ayllu was incorporated into govt –divided family groups into 10, 100, 1,000, 10, 000 A chief led each group & was part of a chain of command leading to the central, Incan govt Local leaders were in charge of regional matters Govt demanded labor tributes known as mita all able-bodied citizens had to work for the state for a set # of days each year Incan govt system has been compared to socialism or welfare services Took care of old, govt froze food to keep in bad harvest years

Public Works Projects Very good engineers & stonemasons Didn’t have the use of iron tools or the wheel 14,000 miles long network of roads & bridges spanned the empire Built guest houses for travelers A system of runners traveled the roads

Record Keeping Never developed a written language History & literature were memorized as part of an oral tradition Numerical records were kept using a strings known as quipu The amount of knots & their position on the string indicated the number Red string=warriors, yellow=gold Some historians believed the Incans had a calendar system 1 for day, 1 for night Religious purposes

Incan Religion Like the Aztecs, Incan religion helped to reinforce the power of the state Polytheistic Gods focused on natural elements –sun, moon, stars, etc Most powerful was creator God Viracocha Patterns for how people should relate to each other & the earth Priests led sun-worship ceremonies Assisted by “virgins of the sun” –mamakuna Young men were full-time workers & religious assisters –yamacuna Sacrifices of llamas & exchanges of goods Goods made by mamakuna & yamacuna were give to the people as gifts from the Gods

The Temple of the Sun in Cuzco was the most sacred shrine Decorated in gold – ”sweat of the sun” Gold was common throughout Cuzco Other cities may have also had ceremonial purpose

Decline Reached its height in the early 1500s under the reign of Huayna Capac Visited newly conquered territories in Ecuador – caught small pox (most likely) & died Empire was then split between his sons War broke out between them Spanish arrived