AP World History Unit 2 (1200-1450)

Samarkand

The capital of the Tamerlan Empire, known for its bustling bazaars for trading spices and for being a place for merchants to rest

Kashgar

A city in modern-day Xinjiang, China, where it attracted traders across Eurasia and a hub for Sufi mystics and knowledge

Paper Money

Originating in China during the Tang Dynasty, it allowed for easier trade and reduced the need for carrying heavy coins.

Banking Houses

Institutions that facilitated the exchange of currencies and keeping traveler’s money safe to buy interregional goods

Caravanserai

An inn in the Middle East and Central Asia where travelers could rest and recover on long caravans

Battle of Talas

A battle fought in 751 between the Abbasid Caliphate and the Tang Dynasty, resulting in the Arab victory and the spread of Islam into Central Asia

Bubonic Plague

A infectious disease transmitted through fleas and rats, leading to the Black Death in the 14th century

Sogdians

An Iranian people known for their trade network across Central Asia, facilitating commerce along the Silk Road and spreading cultures and religions

Examples of Luxury Goods

Items like silk, spices, precious metals, and fine textiles were highly valuable and traded

Credit

An arrangement allowing individuals to borrow money with the promise of future repayment

Mongol Khanates

Territories ruled by Mongol leaders after the death of Genghis Khan, including the Golden Horde and the Yuan Dynasty

Golden Horde

One of the four principal Khanates of the Mongol Empire, covering parts of Russia and Eastern Europe

Kublai Khan

Established the Yuan Dynasty in China and was known for his efforts to expand trade and integrate Chinese-Mongolian cultures

Genghis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire, he united the Mongolian tribes and expanded the empire across Asia and into Europe.

Ilkhanate of Persia

One of the four khanates established after the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire, it governed Persia and parts of the Middle East

Greco-Islamic Medical Knowledge

The mix of Greek medical texts and Islamic scholarship during the medieval period, which advanced the development of medicine.

Arabic Numerals

A numbering system from Indian mathematics, later transmitted to Europe through Islamic scholars

Swahili City-States

Coastal city-states in East Africa that engaged in trade across the Indian Ocean

Sultanate of Malacca

A maritime kingdom in Southeast Asia during the 15th century, and for being a crucial commercial hub in the Indian Ocean

Compass

An instrument used for navigation and orientation, giving directions and aiding sailors in maritime travel

Astrolabe

A navigational instrument used by sailors to determine latitude at sea

Chinese Junk Ship

A type of ancient Chinese sailing ship known for its flat bottom and high stern, designed for long-distance trade

Zheng He

A Chinese explorer who led several naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa..

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds in South Asia that influence climate and sailing patterns

Camel Saddles

Specialized gear for transporting goods across deserts, allowing camels to carry heavy loads

Caravans

Groups of travelers and traders traveling together across deserts or trade routes for protection

Gunpowder

A Chinese inventionthat revolutionized warfare by enabling the creation of explosives and firearms

Paper

A Chinese invention that facilitated record-keeping, cultural exchange, and the spread of knowledge

Islam

A religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of the Buddha that stresses the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation

Hinduism

A major religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a belief in dharma and karma

Marco Polo

An Venetian explorer known for his travels to Asia and his writings about the Silk Road

Ibn Battuta

A Moroccan traveler known for his extensive journeys across Africa, Asia, and Europe, documenting cultures in his travels

Champa Ricd

A highly durable variant of rice, known for resisting droughts and maturing quickly, and being a reliable crop to cultivate