Ap World

What is prehistory?

Refers to the era before the invention of writing and the keeping of historical records. Relies on archaeological evidence and inference to understand human activity.

What is archaeology?

The study of past peoples and cultures by analyzing their material remains. These remains include tools, pottery, structures, and other artifacts.

what are artifacts?

Objects made or modified by humans. Provide critical insights into past cultures, technologies, and daily life.

What is migration?

Movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances. Can lead to cultural exchange, conflict, and significant demographic and environmental changes.

What is prehistory?

Refers to the era before the invention of writing and the keeping of historical records. Relies on archaeological evidence and inference to understand human activity.

What is archaeology?

The study of past peoples and cultures by analyzing their material remains. These remains include tools, pottery, structures, and other artifacts.

what are artifacts?

Objects made or modified by humans. Provide critical insights into past cultures, technologies, and daily life.

What is migration?

Movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances. Can lead to cultural exchange, conflict, and significant demographic and environmental changes.

What is cultural diffusion?

The process by which different cultures interact and exchange ideas, technologies, and practices. A major driver of historical change, leading to innovation and syncretism.

What is social stratification?

A system of social hierarchy where status is determined by birth. Typically includes distinct classes such as nobles, commoners, and slaves, each with specific rights and obligations.

What is monarchy?

A political system in which power is held by a single ruler, such as a king or emperor. Often hereditary, with the ruler claiming divine right or military prowess.

What is oligarchy?

A political system in which power is held by a small group of people, often wealthy landowners or military leaders. Can be more stable than democracies but often excludes the majority of the population from decision-making.

What are early cities?

Early urban centers characterized by dense populations, complex social structures, and specialized labor. Centers of innovation, trade, and political power.

What is an empire?

A state that controls a vast territory and diverse populations. Often achieved through military conquest and maintained through centralized administration and resource extraction.

What is independent development?

The development of different and complex societies across the world, each adapting to its unique environment and historical circumstances. Demonstrates humanity's capacity for innovation and adaptation.

What is polytheism?

Belief in multiple gods and goddesses. Often associated with early agricultural societies and characterized by diverse pantheons and rituals.

What is agriculture?

The practice of cultivating land and raising crops. Led to settled communities, increased food supplies, and population growth, transforming human societies.

What is domestication?

The process by which humans domesticate plants and animals. Allows for more stable and predictable food supplies, supporting larger populations and the development of complex societies.

What is the neolithic revolution?

The shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture. One of the most significant transformations in human history, leading to settled communities, specialized labor, and the rise of civilizations.

What are hunter-gatherer societies?

A society of individuals who hunt game and gather wild plants for sustenance. Typically nomadic or semi-nomadic, with small populations and egalitarian social structures.

What are pastoral nomads?

Societies that are nomadic or semi-nomadic, moving seasonally to follow resources. Adaptable to diverse environments and often characterized by egalitarian social structures.

What is human-environment interaction?

The adaptation and modification of the environment by humans to meet their needs. Can have both positive and negative consequences, including increased food production, deforestation, and soil erosion.

What is metallurgy?

The use of metals, particularly bronze and iron, for tools and weapons. Revolutionized agriculture, warfare, and technology, leading to more complex societies and empires.

What is technology?

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Drives innovation and societal development, leading to new tools, techniques, and technologies.

What are geographical features?

Rivers, mountains, deserts, and oceans that shape human settlement patterns, trade routes, and cultural development. Can both facilitate and hinder human interaction and movement.

What is trade?

The exchange of goods, services, and ideas between different regions and cultures. Promotes economic growth, cultural diffusion, and interconnectedness.

What is bureaucracy?

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials. Allows for efficient administration and implementation of policies, particularly in large empires.

What is urbanization?

The process of cities being established and growing. Associated with increased population density, specialization of labor, and complex social and political structures.

What is cultural transmission?

The transmission of cultural beliefs, knowledge, and traditions from one generation to the next. Ensures the continuity of culture and values over time.

What is dynasty?

A ruling family that passes power from one generation to the next. Can provide stability and continuity but also lead to corruption and abuse of power.

What is cuneiform?

A system of writing developed in Mesopotamia, one of the earliest known forms of writing. Used for record-keeping, communication, and literature.

What are hieroglyphics?

A system of writing developed in ancient Egypt, using symbols to represent words or sounds. Used for record-keeping, religious texts, and monumental inscriptions.

What is Hammurabi's Code?

A set of rules and laws issued by Hammurabi, a king of Babylon. One of the earliest known written legal codes, prescribing punishments for various offenses.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

A concept in ancient China that rulers were chosen by gods. Could be overthrown if rulers acted unjustly and lost the support of gods.

What is feudalism?

A political, economic, and social system in which the king owns all the land and distributes it to his nobles. Nobles provide soldiers and loyalty to the king.

What is hermeneutics?

The study and interpretation of texts

What is Humanism?

The philosophy that emphasizes reason, individualism, and human potential, influential during the Renaissance.

What is the Columbian Exchange?

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

What is the Renaissance?

A cultural and intellectual movement in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries, characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy.

What is an empire?

A state that controls a vast territory and diverse populations. Often achieved through military conquest and maintained through centralized administration and resource extraction.

What are the Middle Ages?

A period of European history, lasting from about 500 to 1500 CE, characterized by decentralized political structures, feudalism, and the dominance of the Catholic Church.

What is the Industrial Revolution?

A transformation in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, characterized by the mechanization of production, the rise of factories, and urbanization.

What is communism?

A political and economic theory advocating for a society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole.

What is fascism?

A political ideology advocating for strong central control, militarism, and the suppression of opposition.

What is World War i?

A major conflict fought primarily in Europe from 1914 to 1918, involving the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire) against the Allied Powers (Britain, France