Eliana Abboud's World History Blog

China dominated the Indian Ocean trade network. It would not be surprising if China becomes the next superpower for several reasons America's military is eventually going to start leaving their bases in foreign countries, since the focus is becoming more on improving circumstances in America rather than foreign countries. This will give China the perfect opportunity to send their military to countries where the citizens will become dependent on them. They will slowly become integrated in the world. China's "golden age" was a renaissance for multiple reasons. Cosmopolitan Urban Centers: trade is thriving people are coming and going to these cities bringing language, food, and religions with them. China was wealthy Revival or rebirth of Confucian ideas Examination System: During that time once you get a job, you keep it for your entire life. For this reason boys were encouraged to get good jobs from a young age. Only wealthy people were able to...

The sea roads impacted Europe the most. Products that traveled along the sea roads included: Buddhism black death/germs spices silk incense walrus tusks ivory Impact: spread of goods spread of Buddhism spread of Black death Who used the products: merchants  China Buddhists People traveled on the sea roads by donkey, camel or carts being pulled or carried Sand roads impacted Africa the most Products that traveled along the sea roads included: Islam gold salt slaves ivory horses clothes trade across the Saharan carried new political structures People traveled on donkeys and camels Who benefited: wealthy people  merchants slaves The sand roads helped with the development of West African civilizations Sea Roads products (in bulk): textiles pepper timber rice sugar porcelain cotton ivory Islam Who benefited: merchants sailors everyday people Port towns surrounded by markets developed...

What I found most interesting about the Mongolian Empire is that they sent Mongols to China and Chinese people went to Mongolia. I did not know that such an exchange of ideas ever occurred in such a way. Mongolians brought the concept of astrology and the study of the sky to China. On the other hand, Chinese people brought the concept of acupuncture to the Mongolians. This was not accepted by the Mongolians due to the fact that it involves a lot of physical contact. Many Mongolians followed the Muslim religion, so it was against their religious beliefs for there to be so much contact between people, especially between unmarried men and women. Although this may be true, I still found this method of exchanging ideas and concepts very effective and interesting to learn about.

I found it really interesting that this chapter introduced new civilizations that I have not heard of before. I have learned about ancient civilizations, but never the Nubian civilization which was located in the Nile Valley. It is nice to learn about how different religions affected the continents. This chapter spoke about how Nubia, a civilization that could be found in Egypt, was a Christian civilization for almost a thousand years until Arab immigration began. That's when Islam became the dominant religion in that region. I liked how this book addresses all these topics that are very rarely taught in high school and middle school. I enjoyed reading about the Maya civilization as well. I learned that mathematics developed greatly during this period of time, which is something I was not aware of. They were able to use these new mathematical abilities they gained to expand their knowledge on astrology. Overall, I liked learning more about civilizations which I knew little or noth...

This chapter taught me a lot of things, but one thing that stood out was the section on slavery and civilization. I learned that India didn't treat their slaves like many people in other countries did. In India, slaves had some form of limited protection. First, owners were not allowed to abandon their slaves no matter how old they get. This means that regardless of age, they still have to take care of them or provide for them. Another thing that was very surprising was that slaves could inherit land and own property which is something I've never heard of before. Lastly, the one part I think will stick with me is if a slave gets raped and she births a child the owner has to set her free and pay compensation for the child. Chapter five increased my knowledge about slavery in India, by providing these interesting and surprising facts.

This article introduced a topic I have not thought about before. I enjoyed reading that article as it opened my eyes to what helping really means. It has proven to me that people should learn how to serve their communities and loved ones, instead of helping them. I never realized that helping creates a sense of inequality until I read this article. Some people often tend to feel the urge to fix others, which I now know means they have this unconscious belief that the other person is broken. Mother Theresa's message should be spread more, so that society can become more educated on the way they are treating others and how they want to be treated. This message really helped me become aware of the way I have helped people rather than served them.