AP World History Unit 1- Global Tapestry Terms 1-40

Abbasid Caliphate

the third Islamic caliphate, established

in 750 CE, that succeeded the Umayyad Caliphate and lasted until the Mongol invasion

in 1258. It is notable for its cultural, economic, and scientific advancements, as well as its

role in the establishment of Baghdad as a major center of trade, learning, and culture

during the Islamic Golden Age.

Allah

the Arabic word for God in Islam, representing the singular, all-powerful

deity worshipped by Muslims. As the central figure of Islamic faith, _____ is viewed as

the creator of the universe, the source of moral guidance, and the ultimate judge of

humanity. Understanding _____ is essential to grasping the religious beliefs and practices

that shaped the cultural and social structures within the Islamic world from 1200-1450.

Cordoba

a significant city in Islamic Spain, known for its cultural,

intellectual, and architectural achievements during the Middle Ages. As a major center of

learning and coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, it exemplified the

cultural richness of the Iberian Peninsula during the period when Dar al-Islam flourished

from 1200 to 1450.

Dar al-Islam

refers to the regions of the world where Islam is the dominant

religion and where Muslims can practice their faith freely. This concept encompasses a

variety of Islamic empires and states that thrived between 1200 and 1450, highlighting

the cultural, economic, and political interactions within these regions as well as their

influence on global trade routes.

Delhi Sultanate

a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled over

large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the late 12th century to the early 16th century.

It marked the establishment of Muslim rule in India and played a significant role in the

cultural, religious, and political landscape of the region during its time.

Egyptian Mamluks

a military class of former slave

soldiers who rose to power in Egypt, establishing a sultanate that lasted from the 13th to

the 16th centuries. This unique ruling group was known for their military prowess and

played a significant role in the broader Islamic world during the period from 1200 to

1450, contributing to the political and social dynamics of Dar al-Islam.

Islam

a monotheistic Abrahamic faith founded in the 7th century CE, based on

the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. It emphasizessubmission to the will of Allah (God) and has significantly influenced cultures, societies,

and economies across the globe.

Jizya

a tax historically levied on non-Muslims in Islamic states, particularly

during the caliphates and empires from 1200 to 1450. It was imposed as a form of

financial obligation in exchange for protection and the right to practice one's own religion

within an Islamic state. This tax reflected the broader policies of tolerance towards

religious minorities while establishing a distinction between Muslim citizens and non-

Muslims.

Mongol Empire

the largest contiguous land empire in history,

established in the early 13th century by Genghis Khan and expanding rapidly across Asia

and into Europe. Its influence reshaped trade, culture, and political dynamics across

Eurasia, connecting diverse regions through a network of roads and facilitating the

exchange of ideas, goods, and technologies.

Ottoman Empire

a vast and influential Islamic state that

existed from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, encompassing parts of

Europe, Asia, and Africa. It played a crucial role in shaping political, cultural, and

economic landscapes across these regions, particularly as it navigated challenges related

to modernization, nationalism, and imperialism.

Qutb al-Din Aibak

a prominent figure in the establishment of

the Delhi Sultanate in India, serving as its first ruler from 1206 to 1210. He was

originally a Turkish slave who rose to power through military success, exemplifying the

shifts in power dynamics within Dar al-Islam during this period, particularly as Islam

spread into the Indian subcontinent.

Quran

the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as

revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Central to the faith, the

_____ not only provides spiritual guidance but also establishes legal, moral, and social

frameworks for Muslim communities, especially during the era of Dar al-Islam from

1200-1450.

Seljuk Turks

a medieval Turkic state that emerged in the 11th

century, playing a significant role in the political and military landscape of the Islamic

world. They are known for their conquests in Persia, the Levant, and Anatolia, which

helped to establish the framework for later Islamic empires and shaped the relationship

between different cultures within the region.

Sharia Law

a system of Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith,

governing both personal conduct and legal matters for Muslims. It encompasses a

comprehensive set of guidelines that dictate ethical, moral, and legal behavior, shaping

social order within Islamic societies. During the period from 1200 to 1450, __________ played a crucial role in unifying diverse Muslim communities under common legal

frameworks while influencing cultural practices across Dar al-Islam.

Toledo

a historic city in central Spain known for its rich cultural and religious

diversity during the medieval period, particularly under Muslim rule from the 8th to the

11th century. It became a key center of learning and translation, where scholars from

various backgrounds collaborated, making significant contributions to philosophy,

science, and the arts in the context of Dar al-Islam.

Umayyad Caliphate

the first major Islamic caliphate,

ruling from 661 to 750 CE, known for its vast expansion and establishment of a unified

Islamic empire. The caliphate played a crucial role in the spread of Islam and the Arab

culture across the Middle East, North Africa, and into parts of Europe, setting the stage

for subsequent Islamic governance.

Andes Mountains

the longest continental mountain range in

the world, stretching along the western edge of South America. They played a crucial role

in shaping the cultures and societies of the region, influencing agriculture, trade, and the

development of civilizations such as the Inca Empire from 1200 to 1450.

Animism

the belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a spiritual

essence, making them alive in a way. This perspective views the natural world as

interconnected, where everything has a spirit or life force. In the Americas from 1200 to

1450, _______ played a significant role in shaping the religious practices and cultural

traditions of various Indigenous groups, influencing their relationship with nature and

their understanding of the universe.

Aztec Empire

a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that

flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its rich

culture, complex social structure, and impressive architectural achievements. It was

characterized by a tribute system, a polytheistic religion, and an expansive trade network,

playing a crucial role in the development of pre-Columbian America.

Chinampas

a form of ancient agricultural innovation used by the Aztecs,

consisting of floating gardens built on shallow lake beds. These unique farming methods

allowed for highly productive and sustainable agriculture, significantly contributing to

the Aztec Empire's ability to support a large population and complex society.

Huitzilopochtli

the Aztec god of war, sun, and human sacrifice,

playing a central role in Aztec mythology and religion. He was considered the patron

deity of the Mexica people and was integral to their cultural identity, influencing aspects

of warfare, agriculture, and ritual practices during the period from 1200 to 1450 in the

Americas.

Incan Empire

a vast and powerful civilization that flourished in

the Andes region of South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish

conquest in the 16th century. Known for its advanced agricultural practices, impressive

architectural achievements, and centralized political structure, the ____________

significantly impacted the history of the Americas and showcased the complexity of land-

based empires during its time.

Inti

the Inca sun god, revered as a central figure in Inca religion and culture.

Considered the ancestor of the Inca rulers, Inti was believed to provide light, warmth, and

agricultural fertility, making him essential for survival and prosperity in the Andean

region. His worship was integral to the Inca state, influencing social organization,

political power, and agricultural practices.

Maya Empire

a Mesoamerican civilization that thrived from

around 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, known for its advanced

knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and writing. During the period from 1200 to

1450, the ____ were divided into numerous city-states with distinct political and social

structures, characterized by monumental architecture, complex calendars, and rich

religious practices.

Mita

a labor system used by the Inca Empire where communities were

required to send a certain number of workers to fulfill labor obligations for state projects,

such as building infrastructure and agricultural work. This system allowed the Inca to

mobilize a large workforce for public projects while maintaining social order and

community cohesion. It reflects the organization and governance of labor in pre-

Columbian societies in the Americas during this period.

Mississippian culture

a complex, mound-building Native

American civilization that thrived in the southeastern United States from approximately

800 CE to 1600 CE. Known for its large earthen mounds used for ceremonial and

political purposes, this culture played a significant role in the development of social

hierarchies, trade networks, and urban centers in the Americas during a crucial period of

pre-Columbian history.

Polytheism

the belief in or worship of multiple deities, often representing

various aspects of life and nature. This belief system was prevalent in many ancient

civilizations, including those in the Americas, where it shaped cultural practices, rituals,

and social structures.

Quipu

an ancient Incan device made of colored, knotted strings that was used

for record-keeping and communication. It served as a vital tool for the Inca civilization,

allowing them to manage their extensive empire, maintain accounting records, and

convey information efficiently without a written language.

Sapa Inca

the title given to the emperor of the Inca Empire,

representing both the political and spiritual leader of this vast South American

civilization. The _________ held absolute power and was believed to be a direct

descendant of the sun god, Inti, which reinforced their divine right to rule. This

connection to the sun and religion played a crucial role in unifying the diverse cultures

within the empire and maintaining social order.

Tenochtitlan

the capital city of the Aztec Empire, established on an

island in Lake Texcoco in central Mexico around 1325. It became one of the largest and

most impressive cities in the world at its peak, showcasing advanced engineering,

architecture, and urban planning that contributed to the empire's power and influence in

the Americas.

Clan Structure

a social organization in which groups of related

families, or clans, come together to form a cohesive community, often based on shared

ancestry and kinship. In the context of Africa from 1200 to 1450, _______________ played a

crucial role in shaping political systems, social relations, and economic activities within

various societies, influencing trade networks and cultural practices across the continent.

Ethiopia

a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa, known for its

rich history and cultural heritage, including its ancient kingdom of Aksum. It played a

significant role in trade and cultural exchange in the region and was notable for its unique

position as one of the few African nations that successfully resisted European

colonization.

Ghana

a powerful West African kingdom that thrived from around the 6th to

the 13th century, known for its wealth, trade in gold, and its strategic location along

trans-Saharan trade routes. This kingdom set the stage for later empires, influencing

political organization and trade patterns in West Africa, which laid important foundations

for resistance movements in the 20th century.

Great Zimbabwe

a medieval city in southeastern Africa that

served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, flourishing from the 11th to the 15th

century. This remarkable site is known for its impressive stone ruins and walls,

showcasing advanced engineering and trade networks that connected the region to the

broader Indian Ocean trade routes.

Griots

traditional West African storytellers, poets, and musicians who serve

as oral historians and keepers of culture. They play a vital role in preserving the histories

and genealogies of their communities, using songs, stories, and proverbs to transmit

knowledge and values from one generation to the next, especially during the period from

1200 to 1450 when African societies were increasingly interconnected through trade and

cultural exchange.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

a vast system of

maritime trade routes that connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and

Southeast Asia from around 1200 to 1450. This network facilitated the exchange of

goods, culture, and ideas, significantly impacting the economies and societies of the

regions involved.

Mali Empire

a prominent West African empire that flourished

from the 13th to the 16th centuries, known for its wealth, culture, and trade networks. It

played a crucial role in the trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitating the exchange of gold,

salt, and other goods, while also being a center for Islamic scholarship and culture.

Mansa Musa

the ninth emperor of the Mali Empire, reigning from

1312 to 1337, and is often remembered for his extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca and his

immense wealth. His rule marked a period of significant cultural and economic growth in

West Africa, as he established Mali as a major center of trade and learning, influencing

connections across Africa and beyond.

Oral Tradition

the practice of passing down stories, history, and

cultural knowledge through spoken word rather than written text. This method played a

vital role in preserving the histories and identities of African societies from 1200 to 1450,

especially in areas where literacy was limited. It served not only as a means of

storytelling but also as a way to transmit moral lessons, cultural norms, and social values

across generations.