Post Classical Civs F Block - Humanities
#1 Ghana Empire Time period: A.D.800-1076 Rise: Ghana grew from a kingdom to an empire because of the strong military the king had control over and he was able to use this to demand taxes from traders and nearby chiefs Achievements: The king made gold nuggets more valuable by decreasing the amount in circulation and he had a powerful army. Controlled all trade in Western Africa. Fall: The emperor of Mali, Sundiata, led many military victories against Ghana and conquered them Trade networks, impact on trade networks: All trade routes that crossed the savanna passed through Ghana
Time period: 1235 to the 1400s Rise: Founders were the Mande-speaking people, Sundiata became first great leader by crushing a cruel and unpopular leader Achievements: - wealth based on taxing and controlling trade - Mansa Musa expands empire to twice the size of Ghana - new mosques at trading centers of Timbuktu and Gao Fall: -Mansa Musa s successors lacked the ability to govern well -The gold trade that was the base of Mali s wealth shifted to the east when more goldfields were developed there. Trade networks, impact on trade networks: new gold deposits found in the east, Timbuktu became important trade city that attracted people from all over, Sundiata reestablished gold/salt trade at Niani
West african wildlife #3 Songhai Empire Time period: 1464-1591 Rise: Fall of Mali, group led by Sunni Ali expanded new empire on horseback to Timbuktu. Occupied trade and made money. West Africa Achievements: Trade University Fall: 1591 - Moroccan army invaded Songhai Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Occupied Timbuktu (major trading city) Efficient taxing system - set up by Askia Muhammad Songhai Empire
#4 Sui Dynasty Time period: 581-618 CE Rise: Yang Jian conquered the north and south using military before uniting the two parts Achievements: Unified China, paved the way for Tang Dynasty where Chinese culture flourished, built Grand Canal Fall: Military failure, losses left country in ruins and rebels took over. Emperor Yang was assassinated in 618. Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Built the grand canal which helped increase trade between the north and south.
#5 Tang Dynasty Time period: 613 AD to 907 AD Rise: Overworked and overtaxed people revolted against Sui Dynasty Achievements: China became strongest and biggest nation in the world. Revived civil service examination system by Han Dynasty Fall: Crushing taxes imposed to fund military expansion. Rebels murdered the emperor and burned the capital. Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Expanded roads and canals and helped unify people together.
#6 Song Dynasty Time period: 960-1279 Audrey Cole and Alex Gay Rise: The empire was founded by Zhao Kuangyin. Achievements: considered to be a golden age, was very prosperous with food, And developed gunpowder. Fall: lost control of Northern Song to the Jurchen Jin dynasty, when they captured the Northern capital of Keifang. (Jin-Song wars) Southern Song joined Mongol empire to overthrow the Jin. Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Traded with Northern borders. They were rich in silk, jade and porcelain. Merchants were specialized. Yangtze river and expanding land around it were crucial
#7 Yuan Dynasty Time period: 1279 to 1368 (post-classical) Rise: It rose in 1279 because the Mongols conquered China Achievements: It unified China after 300 years, used paper currency, had the most accurate calendar in china science, used algebra, wrote the first novel, invented the teapot, and medical advancements Fall: It fell in 1368 due to an attack launched by Zhu Yuanzhang on Dadu Trade networks, impact on trade networks: The Silk Road reached its culmination during the Yuan dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty followed the Silk Road and conquered the land around it, advancing trade as it became more peaceful
#8 Mongol Empire Time period: 1206-1368 Rise: Genghis Khan united the Mongol Empire through military and political genius Achievements: Under Genghis Khan Mongols conquered much of Asia Fall: While attempting to further expand the empire the military became weak and the Yang Dynasty overthrew the Mongols Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Foreign trade increased due to the Mongol peace under Kublai Khan, a Mongol ruler. BY KIERAN AND JENNA
#9 Marco Polo Time period: 1254-1324 Why is he important? He traveled for 23 years with his father and uncle from Europe to Asia as a merchant, and wrote accounts on the places he visited. Trade networks, impact on trade networks: The hearts symbolize how Marco Polo through his exploration and accounts on the world outside of the west, encouraged more trade between the east and west.
#10 Grand Canal Time period: built in 4th century; reconstructed in 607 during Sui dynasty, still exists today Why is it important? United China Allowed for more international trade Transportation was needed to supply grain in Mongol Empire capital and feed armies Trade networks, impact on trade networks: Transportation was needed to supply grain in Mongol Empire capital Mongols wanted international international trade when they took over More production of goods because of increased economy