final exam review Flashcards
(34 cards)
What dynasty established the Silk Road in China and why was it important?
The Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). The Silk Road connected China to India, the Middle East, and Europe, spreading goods, ideas, and religions like Buddhism.
What was the “Period of Disunity” in China?
The Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE) when China split into three warring regions after the Han Dynasty collapsed.
Why is the Tang Dynasty known as a “golden age” in China?
The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) had a peak of trade, culture, and innovation. Buddhism became popular, and major inventions like paper money were created.
What was the An Lushan Rebellion?
A massive rebellion (755–763 CE) during the Tang Dynasty led by the general An Lushan that caused widespread death and weakened the empire.
What role did the Kushan Empire play in cross-cultural exchange?
The Kushans controlled parts of Central Asia and traded between China and India, spreading Buddhism along the Silk Road.
What were the Three Kingdoms of Korea and their importance?
Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla were early Korean kingdoms. They adopted Chinese culture, religion (Buddhism), and Confucian ideas.
What is the Heian Period in Japan known for?
A period of luxury, art, and culture (794–1185 CE) when nobles wrote poetry and The Tale of Genji, the world’s first novel, was created.
What is Shinto?
Japan’s traditional religion that focuses on kami (spirits) found in nature, such as mountains and rivers.
What are bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism?
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who delay reaching nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.
What is Pure Land Buddhism?
A form of Buddhism where followers chant the name of Buddha to enter the Pure Land, a heaven-like state of peace.
What are Zen Buddhism and koans?
Zen Buddhism focuses on meditation to achieve spiritual wisdom.
Koans are riddles or puzzles (e.g., What is the sound of one hand clapping?) to help monks clear their minds.
What is the Diamond Sutra?
A Buddhist text and the world’s earliest printed book during the Tang Dynasty.
Who were the samurai, and what was bushido?
he samurai were warriors in Japan who followed bushido, the “way of the warrior,” emphasizing honor and loyalty.
What role did the shogun play in Japan?
The shogun was the military ruler of Japan who held real power, while the emperor served as a symbolic figure.
Why is Japan called the “Land of the Rising Sun”?
Japan lies east of China, where the sun rises, giving it this nickname.
What is the Trimurti in Hinduism?
The three main gods in Hinduism: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (protector), and Shiva (destroyer).
What was the bhakti movement?
A movement in India focused on personal devotion and love for specific gods like Vishnu and Shiva.
What are the Puranas?
Sacred Hindu texts that share stories and myths of gods and religious teachings.
What role did the Chola Empire play in spreading Indian traditions?
The Tamil kings of the Chola Empire spread Hindu art, religion, and culture to Southeast Asia.
What is Angkor Wat and why is it significant?
A massive Hindu temple complex in Cambodia built by Suryavarman II of the Khmer Kingdom, dedicated to Vishnu.
What made the Song Dynasty significant in China?
The Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) advanced in technology, including gunpowder, the compass, and paper money.
What are Neo-Confucianism and civil service exams?
Neo-Confucianism: A mix of Confucian teachings with Buddhist and Daoist ideas.
Civil service exams: Tests used to select government officials based on knowledge of Confucian texts.
What was the Delhi Sultanate, and who were the Sufis?
The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom in India, and Sufis were Islamic mystics who spread Islam through personal devotion and kindness.
What was the Black Plague?
A deadly disease in the 14th century that killed about one-third of Europe’s population and caused massive social and economic changes.
