AP World Chapter 4- Academic Vocab

Assimilation

The process by which a person or a group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group. In the context of Mongol conquests, it refers to the Mongols adopting aspects of conquered cultures.

Temujin (Chinggis)

The birth name of Chinggis Khan, who was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, becoming one of the most feared conquerors of all time.

Mongol World War

A term used by some historians to refer to the period of widespread Mongol conquests and expansions across Eurasia during the 13th century, significantly impacting numerous civilizations.

Khubilai Khan

The fifth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China, ruling from 1260 to 1294.

Yuan Dynasty

A major dynasty in the history of China, established by Khubilai Khan, leading to Mongol rule over China from 1271 to 1368.

Ming Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty that succeeded the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, ruling from 1368 to 1644, known for its strong centralized government and cultural flourishing.

Hulegu

A Mongol ruler who conquered much of Southwest Asia, including the Abbasid Caliphate, and established the Ilkhanate in Persia.

Safavid Empire

One of the most significant ruling dynasties of Persia (modern Iran) after the fall of the Sasanian Empire, ruling from 1501 to 1736, known for establishing Shia Islam as the official religion.

Khanate of the Golden Horde

A Mongol-Tatar state established by Batu Khan, a grandson of Chinggis Khan, that ruled over vast areas of Eastern Europe and parts of Central Asia from the 13th to the 15th century.

Black Death Plague

One of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting from an outbreak of bubonic plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which spread across Afro-Eurasia in the mid-14th century, causing widespread death and societal disruption.

Kipchak

A Turkic nomadic people who formed a confederation and dominated the Pontic-Caspian steppe, parts of which later became integrated into the Golden Horde.

Persia

An ancient historical region in Western Asia, corresponding to modern-day Iran, which was subject to Mongol conquest and the establishment of the Ilkhanate.

Ortugh

A form of commercial association and joint venture in the Mongol Empire, where wealthy individuals provided capital to merchant caravans (often Muslim or Uighur merchants) for long-distance trade, sharing profits and risks.

Genghis Khan

The founder and first Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire, who came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful military leaders in history.