Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents an introduction to world history using four pairs of biographies to illustrate similar situations in different geographical regions. It provides an easy pathway for survey students to think about global cultures and key historical concepts such as feudalism, dynasticism, religious syncretism, and slavery in a variety of regions. The book explains central key proverbs, metaphors, and cultural symbols, from the feather art of the Aztecs to the cherry blossoms of Japan. It also explains with the private nature of state power, but the problem permeates each history. The book also provides readers with a blend of recognizable and unfamiliar subjects as a comfortable starting point from which to explore world history. It examines specifically with the private nature of state power, but the problem permeates each history.