Focus 11/3 to 11/7

November 3, 2014 Between 700 and 1067, the Kingdom of ancient Ghana rose in power and gained control of the trans- Saharan gold and salt trade. This description of the king’s court in ancient Ghana was written by the Arab scholar, Al-Bakri. “The court of appeal is held in a domed pavilion around which stand ten horses with gold embroidered trappings. Behind the king stand ten pages holding shields and swords decorated with gold, and on his right are the sons of the subordinate kings of his country, all wearing splendid garments and with their hair mixed with gold. The governor of the city sits on the ground before the king, and around him are ministers seated likewise. At the door of the pavilion are dogs…[wearing] collars of gold and silver, studded with a number of balls of the same metals.” 1.What evidence of wealth is described? 2.What evidence of an advanced political structure is described?

November 4, According to this excerpt, what are two reasons the Mongols began conquering new lands? 2.Compare and contrast Mongol imperialism with European imperialism.

November 5, The Silk Road crossed many types of terrain. What do you think was the most difficult terrain to travel across? Explain. 2.How did larger and faster ships impact the Silk Road? 3.How did the Silk Road impact the cultures through which it passed?

November 10, 2014 The map above shows overland trade routes across Asia. These routes became heavily used in the centuries after 300 CE. The overall route was known as the Silk Road. China exported its silk, iron, and bronze. Merchants took these goods west to the Middle East and then Europe. Gold, glass, ivory, animal hides, horses, and cattle were brought east to China from the Middle East and Central Asia. Trade contacts led to the introduction of Buddhism to China. 1. What impact did the Silk Road have on the people of Europe and Asia?

November 12, 2014 Yonglo [the Ming ruler] hoped to impress the world with the power and splendor of Ming China and also hoped to expand China’s tribute system. Zheng He’s voyages accomplished these goals… Everywhere Zhen He went, he distributed gifts, such as gold, silver, silk, and scented oils, to show Chinese superiority. As a result, more than 16 countries sent tribute to the Ming court. Many envoys traveled to China… 1. Where did Zheng He’s voyages go? 2. What types of items were traded on Zheng He’s voyages? 3. How does Zheng He’s voyages illustrate the concept of “Global Convergence?”

11/13/14 Demand for Chinese goods had a ripple effect on the economy. Industries such as silk making and ceramics grew rapidly. Manufacturing and commerce increased. However, China did not become highly industrialized for two main reasons. First, the whole idea of commerce offended China’s Confucian beliefs…Second, Chinese economic policies traditionally favored agriculture. Taxes on agriculture stayed low. Taxes on manufacturing and trade skyrocketed. 1. How did Zheng He’s voyages impact Chinese culture? 2. Why did the Chinese value agriculture over manufacturing?

11/14/14 Ibn Battuta visited Kilwa, an East African coastal city-state, in 1331 and described it as on of themost beautiful cities in the world. He admired the luxury enjoyed by the Muslim rulers and merchants. Kilwa controlled the overseas trade between the interior of Africa and sites around that part of the world. 1.The sea routes connected what areas (countries & cities)? 2.What products were brought from the interior of Africa to Kilwa by the land route? 3.What conclusions can we draw about African civilizations from 700 – 1400’s A.D.?