AP World History Vocab

Imperial Bureaucracy

Administrative system governing empires efficiently.

Decentralized

Power distributed away from central authority.

Artisanal

Goods produced by skilled craftsmen.

Manufactured

Products made through industrial processes.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for economic prosperity.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing morality and social relationships.

Filial Piety

Respect and duty towards one's parents.

Champa Rice

Fast-growing rice variety from Vietnam.

Porcelain

Ceramic material known for its strength and beauty.

Abbasid Caliphate

Islamic empire known for cultural and scientific advancements.

Turkic

Ethnic groups originating from Central Asia.

Sultanate

State ruled by a Sultan.

House of Wisdom

Center for scholarly research in Baghdad.

Zimbabwe

Historical kingdom in Southern Africa.

Feudalism

Social system based on land ownership and service.

Manorialism

Economic system of medieval Europe based on estates.

Coerced Labor

Work obtained through force or threats.

Serfdom

Condition of peasants bound to land.

Buddhism

Religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.

Mahayana

Branch of Buddhism emphasizing compassion and enlightenment.

Theravada

Branch of Buddhism focusing on individual enlightenment.

Hinduism

Major religion of India with diverse beliefs.

Bhakti

Devotional worship in Hinduism.

Monasticism

Religious practice of living in a monastery.

Judaism

Monotheistic religion of the Jewish people.

Christianity

Religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Islam

Monotheistic faith founded by Prophet Muhammad.

Sufism

Mystical Islamic belief focusing on personal experience.

Missionaries

Individuals spreading religious beliefs.

Commercial

Related to trade and business activities.

Camel Saddle

Device for riding camels, enhancing trade efficiency.

Caravan

Group traveling together for trade.

Caravanserai

Roadside inn for travelers and traders.

Credit

Agreement to defer payment for goods.

Textiles

Cloth products, significant in trade.

Khanates

Political entities ruled by a Khan.

Astrolabe

Instrument for solving problems related to time.

Compass

Navigational tool indicating direction.

Diaspora

Scattering of people from their homeland.

Indigenous

Original inhabitants of a region.

Monsoon

Seasonal wind bringing heavy rainfall.

Epidemic

Widespread occurrence of infectious disease.

Bills of Exchange

Financial instruments for transferring money.

Banking House

Institution providing financial services.

Silk Roads

Ancient trade routes connecting East and West.

Uyghur Script

Writing system used by the Uyghur people.

Arabic Numerals

Numerical system originating from the Arab world.

City-State

Independent sovereign city and its territory.

Ming Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for cultural achievements.

Admiral Zhenghe

Chinese explorer known for maritime expeditions.

Trans-Saharan

Trade routes crossing the Sahara Desert.

Mali

West African empire known for wealth and trade.

Sub-Saharan

Region of Africa located south of the Sahara.

Gunpowder

Explosive substance used in warfare.

Urbanization

Increase in population in urban areas.

Tax Farming

System of tax collection by private individuals.

Tribute

Payment made by one state to another.

Protestant

Branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation.

Catholic

Branch of Christianity led by the Pope.

Usury

Lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.

Indulgences

Payments for the remission of sins.

Sunni

Branch of Islam following the majority tradition.

Shi'a

Branch of Islam believing in Ali's leadership.

Sikhism

Religion founded in the Punjab region.

Banners

Military units in Qing dynasty China.

Queue Hairstyle

Traditional hairstyle worn by Chinese men.

Tsar

Title for Russian emperors.

Boyar

Noble class in Russia.

Cossack

Fierce warriors from the steppes of Ukraine.

Westernization

Adoption of Western culture and ideas.

Hagia Sophia

Famous cathedral in Istanbul, now a museum.

Devshirme

Ottoman practice of recruiting boys for service.

Janissary

Elite military corps of the Ottoman Empire.

Millet

Religious community in the Ottoman Empire.

Alhambra Decree

Edict expelling Jews from Spain.

Miniatures

Small, detailed paintings, often in manuscripts.

Divine Faith

Syncretic religion founded by Akbar.

Taj Mahal

Mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Mausoleum

Building housing a tomb.

Zamindars

Landowners in the Mughal Empire.

Marathas

Warrior group in India challenging Mughal rule.

Renaissance

Cultural revival in Europe, emphasizing art and learning.

Divine Right

Belief that monarchs derive authority from God.

Maritime

Relating to the sea and navigation.

Caravel

Small, fast ship used in exploration.

Trading Post

Location for trade activities.

Northwest Passage

Sea route connecting Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Columbian Exchange

Cultural and biological exchange between Americas and Europe.

Eastern Hemisphere

Half of the Earth east of the Prime Meridian.

Western Hemisphere

Half of the Earth west of the Prime Meridian.

Smallpox

Contagious disease caused by the variola virus.

Plantations

Large farms specializing in cash crops.

Tokugawa

Shogunate that unified Japan in the 17th century.

Encomienda

Spanish labor system in colonial America.

Hacienda

Large estate or plantation in Spanish America.

Indentured Servitude

Labor system binding workers to a contract.

Chattel Slavery

System where individuals are treated as property.

Mercantilism

Economic theory promoting government regulation of trade.

Joint Stock Company

Business entity where shares are owned by shareholders.

Atlantic System

Trade network connecting Africa, Americas, and Europe.