History IDs

The identifications should each be about a paragraph in length (not one sentence!). In the paragraph you should explain, if applicable, who is involved, what happened, where it happened, and when it happened. Most importantly, tell me why the identification term is important in a greater historical context. I want to know how it fits into history and why we are talking about it.

I want to see it written from the perspective of (or even saying) "X is _____, and it is important because _____."

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Identifications:

Aztec Empire

Quetzalcoatl

Indulgence

English Civil War

Holy Roman Empire

Encomienda

Chartered companies

Atlantic Circuit (or System)

Plantocracy

Conquistadors

Fraticide

Mercantilism

Purdah

Caliph

Constantinople

Safavid Empire