ap world exam vocab: unit 1-2

Chinese dynasties

Before 13th century → early 20th century. China governed by series of families that ruled for long periods. Notably the Song Dynasty which declined in the 13th century

Hinduism

Earliest known organized religion dating back ~ 4,000 years. Had written codes of the faith and class of religious leaders. Centered in South Asia and supported the caste system which influenced political and social structures of South Asia

Buddhism

Reform of Hinduism by Prince Siddhartha Gautama c. 500 BCE. He became the “Buddha” (Enlightened One). Buddhism encouraged spiritual equality and missionary activity, unlike Hinduism. Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism spread far from their origins in South Asia into SE and East Asia along trade routes. One of the religions with the most followers today.

Confucianism

6th century BCE Chinese philosophy. Established by Confucius creating codes of behavior and gender/family duties. Neo-Confucianism arose in East Asia including aspects of Buddhism and the ancient Chinese belief system Daoism, promising eternal reward for faithfulness to Confucian teachings. Neo-Confucianism became prominent during Song Dynasty in China.

Animism

Animism was the earliest known for of religion which sees gods in nature, popular among hunting-foraging bands.

Polytheism

Polytheism “many gods” with specific names and duties

Shamanism

Shamanism is related to animism where humans engage in the spirit nature world to ask for things (rain, sun, etc).

Monotheism

the belief in one god. One of the earliest known monotheistic religions is Judaism, originating in SW Asia by the Hebrews.

Christianity

Reform of Judaism, spread by missionaries throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. One of the religions with the most followers today.

Islam

Islam “submission” first preached in Arabia in 7th century CE by prophet Muhammad. United polytheistic Arab tribes into one common faith, spreading quickly through conquest and missionary activity by the mid-700s by trade routes. SW Asia → North Africa → Spain → India and Central Asia. Muslim merchants carried Islam into SE and East Asia.

Dar al-Islam

“everywhere Islam is”. Spain → NW Africa → South, SE Asia. Large region where Islamic faith and culture was dominant.

Caliphate

After Muhammad, Islam fragmented into regional states (caliphates) which were each led by a religious Caliph leader. Notably the Abbasid caliphate which ruled until overtaken by Mongols in 1258

Turkic peoples

Central Asian nomadic peoples who shared common Turkish language. Migrations into SW Asia began in 10th century and ushered in political domination by Turkish groups like the Seljuk and Ottomans. Turkish groups converted to Islam and established states (sultanates) named after the leader Sultan.

Silk Roads

Connected East Asia → northern India, central Asia, Mediterranean, West Africa, northern Europe. Silk, tea, spices, belief systems, technology were carried westward along caravan (organized groups of merchants, pilgrims, travelers) routes.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

Connected to Silk Roads but on water. Ships carried heavier bulk items (lumber, pottery) and African, Arab, Jewish, and Chinese merchants transmitted religion (Islam, Buddhism) while exchanging silver, cotton, spices, etc. Seasonal monsoon winds assisted sailing ships in the Indian Ocean.

Trans-Saharan trade

8-16th century trade of goods, people, faith across North Africa’s Sahara desert. Gold, salt, animal hides, and slaves were the main items transported by camel. Muslim merchants imported camels into the region while bringing Islamic faith. Important West African trade centers: Djenne, Goa, Timbuktu

Mali Empire

Islamic West African kingdom of Mansa Musa who traveled to Mecca in 14th century. Facilitated exchanged between Africa, Europe, and Asia. Center of gold and salt trade

Byzantine Empire

Constantinople, began in classical Roman Empire (27 BC → CE 476) with economic, social, political influence over southern and eastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and SW Asia until ended by Muslim forced in 1453. Center of Orthodox Christianity

Ethiopia

One of the greatest African empires in East Africa, largely Christian. Connected to Christian European and Muslim interests before ce 1200 → today

Mongols

“Agents of change” “unstoppable tide of horror”.13th century forces invaded south China and rode west into Russia and SW Asia. After brutal conquests, established a Pax Mongolica (peace ad trade throughout territories) and acquired the largest land empire ever established. Khanates splintered from it and faded by 15th century

Bubonic plague

Black Death, history’s most infamous disease. Originated along trade routes of Black Sea, spread east and west during Mongol conquests, killing millions. Mid-14th century, bubonic plague is widely believed to have wiped out ~ 1/3 of Europe, China, Central Asia

Mayan states

Centered in Mesoamerica (Southern Mexico, Central America). Cities with tall stone buildings, written language, and complex society. Government fell in 10th century

Slavery (Chattel)

Enslaved people are considered property, often for life, and can be sold separately from land. They lack legal rights and their children often inherit the status.

Serfdom

Serfs are bound to the land (feudal system), not to the owner directly. They cannot be sold away from the land but are passed on when land changes ownership. They often have limited rights, such as land for their own subsistence.

Corvée Labor

Forced, unpaid labor required of free individuals by a government or lord, typically for public works like roads or building, rather than private agricultural work. It is usually intermittent

Indentured servitude

A person sells their labor for a set period in exchange for passage, housing, and food. It is contractual and temporary, allowing the servant to become free and often receive "freedom dues" (land or tools) afterward

Feudalism

Regional armies fought over land rights at bidding of local lords. Unfree workers “serfs”, elite warriors “knights” (Europe). Warriors “samurai” (Japan)

Zheng He

Represented Ming dynasty in 15th century expeditions with huge treasure ships and thousands of sailors. Crossed Indian Ocean and traveled to Spice Islands of SE Asia