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An astrolabe is an instrument used to measure the positions of celestial bodies. It consists of a flat, circular disk with a rotating pointer mounted on a pivot at the center. Can be used to determine the time and predict eclipses.
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A triangular sail that is angled sharply relative to the mast. Traditionally found in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The sails are efficient and easy to use. Lateen sails were very popular during the height of the Indian Ocean Trade
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Traditional trading vessels that have been used in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region.
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Xuanzang was a devout Buddhist that was born in the Henan province in China. Xuanzang is known for his book, "The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions," which is an account of his journey to India. During this time period, Confucianists added some Buddhist elements into the philosophy to encourage more people to follow Confucianism.
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Islam spread in sub-Saharan Africa, which encouraged the construction of mosques like the Great Mosque of Djenne.
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The Mongols take over Baghdad, crippling the Abbasid Caliphate and forming an Ilkhanate. After taking over, many converted to Islam or practiced religious tolerance
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The Chagatai Khanate controlled Central Asia. Not much changed over the course of their rule.
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The Golden Horde significantly influenced Russia, both culturally and politically. The Mongols introduced a new government and administration and allowed cities to decide their rulers. However, Russia industrialized late because it was occupied by the Mongols the longest. The Golden Horde established a major trading hub and caravanserais along the silk rode, which facilitated trade.
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A writer and merchant who is best known for his travels and his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo". he left Venice and reached the court of Kublai Khan, where he worked for several years. He eventually returned to Venice.
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The Yuan Dynasty reunified China after the collapse of the Song Dynasty, which wrought political fragmentation. The Yuan Dynasty established a central government which was based on China's previous procedures. Because it was located on an end of the Silk Road, it had a significant impact ton the economy. Inventions like paper money and the compass bolstered Afro-Eurasian trade.
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The Plague started in China around the 1300's, then swept into Europe, via trade routes, causing the decimation of up to half their population. None of that would have been possible without trade routes. The Mongols used biological warfare as a means to spread the plague to Europe
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Margery Kempe was an English mystic and religious author who is known for her book, "The Book of Margery Kempe," which is considered one of the first autobiographies in English literature
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A moroccan explorer who traveled Asia and North Africa. He is known for his book 'The travels of Ibn Battuta'.
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King of the Mali Empire and great-nephew of Sundiata. Famous for making a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he gave away an outrageous amount of wealth to the poor and funded public mosques. After returning to Mali, he encouraged the growth of trade and constructed schools and mosques.
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An empire located along major Trans-Saharan trade routes that played a significant role in facilitating trade. It was known for a strong centralized government, military prowess, and its tributary system. Its capital, Gao, was a large trading hub. It was conquered by the Moroccan Saadi dynasty in the late 16th century.
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