Across
- 2. A ship developed during the Han dynasty that was as long as 400 feet, triple the size of typical Western European ships of its time.
- 5. The founder of the Mali Empire, known for his military prowess and establishing a strong centralized state.
- 7. The Chinese dynasty that succeeded the Yuan, known for restoring traditional Han Chinese rule and fostering trade and exploration.
- 8. Last name of a Venetian traveler whose accounts of his journeys to China during the Yuan Dynasty fascinated and inspired future explorers.
- 10. The largest hot desert in the world, a major barrier and trade route for trans-Saharan commerce.
- 11. A city in present-day Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam and the destination of Muslim pilgrimages.
- 15. A language that developed in South Asia, blending elements of Persian, Arabic, and local Indian dialects.
- 16. The capital of the Byzantine Empire, strategically located for trade between Europe and Asia until its fall to the Ottomans in 1453.
- 19. A navigational instrument used by sailors to determine latitude by measuring the angle of stars.
- 20. Last name of a Moroccan scholar and traveler who documented his extensive journeys across the Islamic world.
- 21. First name of the Chinese admiral who led seven naval expeditions during the Ming Dynasty, expanding Chinese influence across the Indian Ocean.
- 24. Last name of a king of Mali, famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca and his immense wealth, which boosted the empire's international reputation.
- 25. Groups of people who live outside their ancestral homelands but maintain cultural connections to it.
- 26. A major trading port on the southwest coast of India, known for its role in the spice trade.
- 28. A city in Mali that became a center of learning, culture, and trade during the height of the empire.
- 30. A political and military council used by Mongol leaders to make important decisions, such as electing a new khan.
- 31. Roadside inns along trade routes where travelers and merchants could rest and exchange goods.
- 34. Triangular sails that allowed ships to sail against the wind, increasing maritime trade efficiency.
- 35. A device used to ride camels, critical for desert trade, particularly in the trans-Saharan trade.
Down
- 1. A prosperous Chinese city during the Song Dynasty, known for its silk production and trade.
- 3. A West African empire known for its wealth, control of gold trade, and cities like Timbuktu.
- 4. A city along the Silk Road located at the western edge of China where the Taklamakan Desert meets the Tian Shan Mountains.
- 6. A city in Russia that rose to prominence under Mongol rule by collecting tribute and eventually leading resistance against the Golden Horde.
- 9. A grandson of Genghis Khan who founded the Yuan Dynasty in China and expanded Mongol rule into East Asia.
- 10. A stopping point on the Silk Road where diverse religious groups were present, including Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and Muslims.
- 12. The dynasty established by Kublai Khan in China, marking the first time China was ruled by foreign powers.
- 13. A grandson of Genghis Khan who led the Mongol conquest of Russia and established the Golden Horde.
- 14. A title given to Mongol leaders, signifying ruler or military commander.
- 17. A West African empire that succeeded Mali, known for its military strength and control over trans-Saharan trade routes.
- 18. A grandson of Genghis Khan who led Mongol forces into the Middle East and established the Il-khanate in Persia.
- 22. A Bantu language with significant Arabic influence, spoken along the East African coast.
- 23. Seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean that facilitated trade by enabling predictable sailing routes.
- 24. A major trading port in Southeast Asia that connected the Indian Ocean and South China Sea trade routes.
- 27. A region in western India that became a key center for trade, connecting maritime routes between the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- 29. Last name of an English Christian mystic whose book of travels and religious experiences is one of the earliest autobiographies in English.
- 32. A flat, movable piece at the rear of a ship, used for steering.
- 33. Fertile spots in the desert where water is available, making them key locations for trade and settlement along desert routes.