HIST 125 Lecture 1: Sept 5 Lecture
Document Summary
The ideas of modern and modernity are concepts that emerged in history to describe these new features of the world. 8 trade circuits of the 13th century world system (see map in slideshow) China and india produce most valuable goods (ex. silk, porcelain) Many trading cities were very diverse, people from all over were coming to buy, sell and/or trade goods. No one group is able to control the entire system- polycentric. Merchants did not always speak the same language or use the same currency but were still somehow able to keep things working. Rulers maintain their legitimacy through religion/religious values. A lot of wealth from rulers goes into religious institutions (such as mosques) Originally a nomadic people from the eastern central asian steppes. With the help of genghis khan- they began to conquer settled areas around them. The often depended on settled peoples for certain products (trade or raiding) Initial conquests were aimed at persia and china.
