It is so strange to think about how much control China had over the Indian and Pacific Ocean trade. They were such a powerhouse of an empire that there absence was a historic event that helped shape other future events of history. It also highlights just how much of a threat the Manchurians were, that China decided to dedicate time and resources to prepare for an invasion.

A big difference between the Eastern and Western train of thought is highlighted here in what they wanted to accomplish. China wanted to gain power for the sake of growing and supporting its large population of people. To becoming a center of international trade and making goods. They didn't concern themselves with what others believed in or making others do their work. Which is a stark contrast of the Europeans which wanted to make others like themselves. Rather then growing their own economy buy having their people work hard. They sought to enslave others and make them work to grow their power. Using religion as a way to enslave rather then connect with others. A sad reality of the world.

The fact that a whole college of translators was made to make the communication between the nations easier shows just how powerful China was. They were demanding tribute from places all over South Asia and Africa. So many people had to learn and translate important documents like contracts, treaties, and money transactions.

I think it is interesting to think about how many of the Chinese would have grown to like and merge their culture with that of the Mongols. I wonder if the people at the time would have really dropped everything they learned through the Mongol reign for traditions they might not be connected to. I mean the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty lasted almost 100 years and they opened up trade with the western world bringing in new math, technology, and ideas. Did the majority of the Chinese people willingly let go of the merged culture, did some fight? It is really fascinating to think about.

I did not know that Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were derivatives of these Old Germanic deities. It is always fascinating to learn about the cultural exchange and assimilation of people through what is kept or changed in their language. Since it effects more then just words but the entire identity of the people. Who take what is added or changed and make it there own.

I find it intriguing how the physical aspects of the land has so much influence on how a culture and society start. When it comes to Egypt they became reliant on the predictable and annual floods of the Nile. Allowing them to settle a permeant and prominent society that can grow. They were able to make many achievements and have a long lasting impact by building the foundation for many other ancient civilizations.

For me I find it interesting how often in western media and older textbooks there is this narrative bias of Europeans having invented or being smarter then the rest of the ancient world. This is very evident in the idea of Europeans becoming "civilized" and the having the start of agriculture being accredited to them. Despite there now being a lot of evidence that humans developed these ideas independently and within ways that fit their needs.