AP world trade routes

Silk Road

A major overland trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean, facilitating exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.

Black Death

A devastating plague that spread along the Silk Roads in the 14th century, killing millions in Eurasia and North Africa. Greatest historical impact in Europe.

Stirrup

A riding tool that stabilized mounted warriors, contributing to cavalry effectiveness and military expansion. Developed in Central Asia

Saddle

A riding support device that allowed safer and more efficient mounted travel and transport. Developed in East Asia

Yoke

A farming and transport device that allowed animals to pull heavy loads more efficiently. Developed in east Asia

Steppe

Vast grasslands that supported nomadic pastoralists who often facilitated Silk Road trade. Located in Central Asia

Samarkand

A wealthy Silk Road city known for trade, culture, and intellectual exchange. Located in Central Asia

Banking Houses

Early financial institutions that allowed merchants to deposit and withdraw money across regions. Developed in East Asia

Caravanserai

Roadside inns where traveling merchants and caravans could rest and trade.

Hangzhou

A wealthy Chinese trade city known for silk, porcelain, and commerce during the Song dynasty. Located in East Asia

Baghdad

A major Abbasid capital and Silk Road hub of learning and trade. Located in Middle East

Sogdian Merchants

Merchants who played a key role in Silk Road commerce and cultural exchange. Located in Central Asia

Silk

A luxury Chinese textile, developed from the cocoon of worms highly sought after across Eurasia, symbolizing long-distance trade. Developed in East Asia

Relay Trade

A system where goods were passed between many merchants along trade routes instead of one long journey.

Caravan

A group of merchants traveling together for protection and trade along routes.

Flying Cash

A form of credit in China that allowed merchants to avoid carrying large sums of money. Located in East Asia.

Paper Money

Chinese invention of a light weight currency as opposed to medal coins that facilitated easier long-distance trade. Located in East Asia.

Currency

Standardized money used across regions to simplify and expand trade.

Indian Ocean Sea Lanes

Maritime routes connecting East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal wind patterns that enabled predictable and efficient ocean travel in the Indian Ocean.

Lateen Sails

Triangular sails that allowed ships to sail against the wind, improving navigation. Use spread from the Middle East.

Dhow

A traditional Indian Ocean sailing vessel used for trade and transport. Originated in the Middle East.

Swahili City-States

African coastal trade cities that prospered through Indian Ocean commerce. Located in East Africa

Gujarat

A wealthy Indian region, with an important central city, known for textiles and active Indian Ocean trade. Located in South Asia

Sultanate of Malacca

A powerful Islamic state that controlled a key trade chokepoint between China and India. Located in Southeast Asia

Great Zimbabwe

A southern African kingdom that prospered through Indian Ocean trade by providing important trade goods like ivory, exotic animals, lumber and gold. Located in southern Africa.

Malay

Southeast Asian people who dominated maritime trade routes with advanced sailing knowledge.

Southernization

A process where goods, ideas, and technologies from South Asia spread across Eurasia and Africa.

Junks

Large Chinese ships designed for long-distance Indian Ocean voyages. Originated in East Asia

Eunuchs

Castrated men who often served in court politics, including maritime expeditions.

Kilwa

A wealthy Swahili city-state thriving trade connections to Asia. Located in east Africa.

Swahili Language

A Bantu language influenced by Arabic due to Indian Ocean trade interactions. Originated in East Africa

Magnetic Compass

A Chinese invention that improved navigation by allowing travelers to determine direction trade. Originated in East Asia.

Astrolabe

A navigation tool that allowed sailors to determine latitude using the stars. Originated in Middle East.

Stern-Mounted Rudder

A Chinese innovation that improved ship steering and long-distance navigation. Originated in East Asia.

Diasporic Communities

Settlements of people that maintain cultural identity away from their place of origin and often influence the blending of cultures.

Entrepots

Trade hubs where goods were stored and exchanged before moving on to other destinations.

Zheng He

A Ming dynasty admiral who led massive maritime expeditions across the Indian Ocean. Located in East Asia.

Trans-Saharan Trade

A trade network linking North and West Africa through the Sahara Desert.

Oases

Fertile desert areas that provided water and rest stops for caravans.

Camel Caravan

Groups of traders using camels to transport goods across the Sahara. Originated in the Middle East

Camel Saddle

An innovation that allowed riders to control camels effectively for desert trade. Originated in the Middle East

Timbuktu

A wealthy African city known for trade, Islamic scholarship, and culture. Located in West Africa

Sahara Desert

A vast desert crossed by caravans linking sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean. Located in North Africa

Sahel

A transitional region south of the Sahara where trade cities flourished.

Gold-Salt Trade

A major exchange of a life saving mineral for a prized metal, led to the development of wealthy empires in Africa. Located in West Africa.

Berbers

Indigenous merchants who played a key role in Saharan commerce. Located in North Africa.