AP World History: Unit 2: Networks of exchange

During this period of time, networks of exchange emerged. Examples include the Silk Roads, Trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade routes.

What are the Silk roads?

The Silk Roads were a network of trade routes connecting East Asia with the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between various civilizations. Religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam are known for spreading along this trade route. Technological transfers such as gunpowder, paper, and the compass also emerge here. But, so do diseases like the Bubonic Plague.

What is the Indian Ocean trade route?

The Indian Ocean trade routes were a network of maritime routes that connected the East African coast, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, facilitating trade in goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals, as well as cultural exchanges. It facilitated the spread of goods such as compasses, rudders, and the astrolabe. Also spread religions like Islam and Buddhism.

What is the Trans-Saharan trade route?

The Trans-Saharan trade routes were a network of overland routes that connected North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating the trade of goods such as gold, salt, and ivory. This trade network enabled cultural exchanges and the spread of Islam across the region.

Magnetic compass

A navigational instrument that shows direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles, crucial for maritime exploration and trade.

Rudder

A flat piece of wood or metal hinged vertically at the back of a boat, used for steering and controlling the direction of the vessel.

Junk ship

A type of ancient Chinese vessel, known for its flat bottom, high sides, and often multiple sails, used for trade and transportation on rivers and seas.

Caravanserai

A roadside inn providing accommodations for travelers and their animals, often found along trade routes in Asia and the Middle East. Allowed caravans and their camels to rest in a protected environment, which would encourage trade.

Monsoon winds

Seasonal winds in South Asia that bring heavy rains, facilitating navigation and trade during certain months. The winter monsoon winds bring hot, dry weather whereas the summer monsoon winds bring rain.

Who was Mansa Musa?

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire in West Africa during the 14th century, known for his wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and contributions to education and architecture. He is often credited with bringing Islamic culture and scholarship to the region. He is known, and though to be one of the richest people to have ever lived.

What is Timbuktu?

A historical city in Mali, known for its wealthy trade, significant Islamic scholarship, and as a center of learning during the medieval period.

Khanates

Regions ruled by a khan, particularly in Central Asia, such as the Mongol Empire's subdivisions. Each khanate operated semi-autonomously under the authority of a central khan.

Pax Mongolica

A term that describes the period of peace and stability throughout the Mongol Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries, which facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and communication across vast regions. Around 150 years of relative peace and stability created by the Mongol empire. This revived the Silk Roads, and provided the safety and stability necessary for them to operate. It led to the spread of disease, goods, ideas, and technology.

Golden Horde

A Mongol khanate that ruled over much of Russia and parts of Eastern Europe during the 13th to 15th centuries, known for its significant influence on the Russian principalities and trade routes.

Bubonic Plague

A deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through fleas and rats. It resulted in widespread mortality across Europe and Asia during the 14th century, significantly impacting populations and societies.

Who was Ibn Battua?

A Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world and beyond during the 14th century. His journeys were documented in his travelogue called the "Rihla," contributing greatly to geographic and cultural knowledge of the time.

Who was Marco Polo?

A Venetian merchant and explorer known for his travels to Asia in the late 13th century. His accounts of the wealth and wonders of the East were documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," influencing European exploration.