A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed which stresses belief in one god (Allah), Paradise and Hell, and a body of law written in the Quran. Followers are called Muslims.

A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms.

The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth.

A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society in the present world and stresses a moral code of conduct.

A religion in China which emphasizes the removal from society and to become one with nature.

Belief in one God.

A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people. Yahweh was responsible for the world and everything within it. They preserved their early history in the Old Testament.

Islamic state founded by Osman in northwestern Anatolia. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire was based at Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) from 1453-1922. It encompassed lands in the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, and eastern Europe.

A Renaissance intellectual movement in which thinkers studied classical texts and focused on human potential and achievements.

The common name for a major outbreak of plague that spread across Asia, North Africa, and Europe in the mid-fourteenth century, carrying off vast numbers of persons.

Branch of Christianity established in 1054 and establishes itself in Western Europe. Noted for its separation from the political sphere, celibacy in its clergy, and instance of the bishop of Rome, or pope, as its ultimate authority in Christian belief and practice.

"Rebirth"; following the Middle Ages, a movement that centered on the revival of interest in the classical learning of Greece and Rome.

European trade agreement with Africa dealing with slaves brought from Africa. Integral part of Triangle Trade between the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

Connected China, India, and the Middle East. Traded goods and helped to spread culture. refers to both land and sea routes

Route across the Sahara desert. Major trade route that traded for gold and salt, created caravan routes, economic benefit for controlling dessert, camels played a huge role in the trading.

Connected to Europe, Africa, and China.; worlds richest maritime trading network and an area of rapid Muslim expansion.

The process of spread of a feature or trend from one place to another over time.

A Chinese philosophy in which people live a simple life in harmony with nature.

The official split between the Roman Catholic and Byzantine churches that occurred in 1054.