AP World History - Belief Systems, Interactions, and Empires (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Pages 1–3 notes.

Covenant

A sacred agreement; in Judaism, a pact between God and the Hebrew people.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing social harmony, filial piety, and respect for hierarchy.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy/religion that values harmony with nature and the Dao (the Way).

Paradox

A statement or situation that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious, cultural, or philosophical beliefs and practices.

Civil Service Exam

Chinese exam system used to select officials based on Confucian knowledge and merit.

Diaspora Community

A group living outside their ancestral homeland but maintaining cultural ties.

Entrepôt

A port or trading post where goods are imported, stored, and exported, often duty-free.

Meritocracy

A system where positions are earned based on ability or talent, not birth or wealth.

Abrahamic Faiths

Monotheistic religions tracing descent from Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama focusing on ending suffering through the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

Monsoon Winds

Seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean that facilitated maritime trade by enabling predictable sailing patterns.

Migrations

The movement of people from one region to another, often influencing cultures and spreading technologies.

Teotihuacan

An ancient Mesoamerican city in central Mexico known for its pyramids and urban planning.

Mayans

A Mesoamerican civilization known for its advanced writing, calendar, astronomy, and city-states.

Silk Roads

Overland trade routes connecting China with the Mediterranean, spreading goods, ideas, and religions.

Indian Ocean Trade (Monsoon Marketplace)

A sea-based trade network linking East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

Mauryan Empire

First major empire in India (322–185 BCE), known for Ashoka’s rule and Buddhist influence.

Gupta Empire

A later Indian empire (c. 320–550 CE) known for a golden age in arts, science, and Hindu culture.

Qin Dynasty

First unified Chinese dynasty (221–206 BCE), known for legalism and building the Great Wall.

Han Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) that expanded trade, developed bureaucracy, and embraced Confucianism.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that rulers are chosen by divine approval, which can be lost if they rule poorly.

Persian Empire

A vast empire in the Middle East known for tolerance, infrastructure (like the Royal Road), and central governance.

Greek City-States

Independent political units (e.g., Athens, Sparta) in ancient Greece, often united by language and religion.

Roman Empire

A powerful Mediterranean empire (27 BCE–476 CE) known for law, engineering, and military strength.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern continuation of the Roman Empire (330–1453 CE), centered in Constantinople, heavily influenced by Christianity.