AP World Vocab

Unit 0

Paleolithic Era

The earliest period of human history from about 2.6 million years ago to 10,000 BCE. It was distinguished by the hunter-gatherer´s nomadic lifestyle and the use of basic stone tools.

Pastoral Society

Hybrid groups of people that were nomadic but also farmed.

Chiefdom

A political organization where a village or community is led by a chief. The role of chief is passed down by blood, and there are distinct social classes.

Patriarchy

A social system where men are the head of the family, government, or main authority.

Hinduism

An evolving family of traditions from India centered on dharma (duty), karma (consequences), samsara (rebirth), and moksha (liberation).

Upanishads

A collection of sacred Indian philosophical texts from c.800 to 400 BCE that formed the foundation of Hinduism.

Siddhartha Gautama

The Buddha - A historical prince who founded Buddhism in South Asia during 6th century BCE.

Theravada Buddhism

An older branch of Buddhism that emphasizes strict adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha, sees him only as an enlightened man. Practices Monastic Discipline.

Mahayana Buddhism

A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes universal salvation, devotion, and the path of the Bodhisattva (an enlightened being who delays Nirvana to help others).

Confucianism

A Chinese ethical and philosophical system founded by Confucius in 6th-5th century BCE, focused on social harmony, filial piety, and virtuous behavior. Education was a major part in achieving this.

Han Dynasty

The second major imperial dynasty. Established a centralized Confucian government, the civil service exam, and the Silk Road.

Daoism

An ancient Chinese belief system that teaches people to live in harmony with the natural flow of the universe.

Judaism

Quran

Circa

Conduit

Syncretism

Surplus

Agrarian

Elite

Neolithic Revolution

Specialization

Social Hierarchy

Mesopotamia

Code of Hammurabi

Zoroastrianism

Caste

Diaspora

City-state