AP World History: Post-Classical (c. 1200–1450) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, trade networks, key terms, and social structures from the AP World History Post-Classical period (c. 1200–1450).

Caliph

Leader associated with the political/religious leadership of the Islamic community.

Caliphate

State or political system associated with a caliph.

Cultural diffusion

Spread of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and practices between societies.

Feudalism

Decentralized political/social arrangements involving land, loyalty, protection, and military service.

Monasticism

Religious life centered on dedicated communities or withdrawal from ordinary society.

Pastoralism

Economic system based heavily on herding domesticated animals.

Pax Mongolica

Relative stability under Mongol rule that facilitated Eurasian interaction in some regions.

Syncretism

Blending or combining elements from different cultural or religious traditions.

Silk Roads

Major trade network that connected East Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Indian Ocean trade network

Trade network that linked East Africa, Arabia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China, depending heavily on knowledge of monsoon winds, maritime technology, navigation, and port cities.

Trans-Saharan trade route

Trade network that connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world.

Yuan China

Period where Mongol rulers governed a major sedentary civilization while maintaining connections to their steppe heritage.

Nomadic pastoralism

An economic system centered on mobility and herding, requiring flexible participation in economic tasks.

Sedentary agriculture

An economic system centered on permanent settlement and farming, allowing for more specialized labor tied to permanent land.

Confucianism

A major tradition in China that emphasized hierarchy, duty, education, proper relationships, filial piety, and social order.

European Feudal Structure

A decentralized hierarchy consisting of lords, knights, peasants/serfs, and manorial relationships.

Japanese Feudal Structure

A decentralized hierarchy consisting of shogun, daimyo, samurai, and peasants.