AP World Unit 1 Vocab

Song Dynasty

The imperial dynasty in China that ruled from 960-1279.

Bureaucracy

A government system staffed with non-elected officials.

Civil Service Exam

A test taken that proved education and was primarily focused on Confucianism.

Confucianism

A system of thought and behavior that originated in China and is focused on creating a harmonious society.

Neo-Confucianism

A revived form of Confucianism that involved and integrated ideas from Buddhism and Daoism.

Filial Piety

A Confucian concept that values respect and obedience for one’s elders.

Grand Canal

An artificial waterway system that runs from Northern to Southern China.

Champa Rice

A quick-maturing, drought resistant rice. Introduced to the Song Dynasty in the 11th century.

Meritocracy

A system where positions of power are earned rather than inherited by status of wealth.

Mandate of Heaven

A philosophical concept that decided upon a just and virtuous emperor, considered the “Son of Heaven”.

Foot-Binding

The practice of tightly wrapping and breaking the feet of young girls.

Islamic empire in the capital of Baghdad

Seljuk Turks

Muslim-Turkish group that ruled Central Asia and the Middle East from the 11-14th century

Mamluks

Slave-soldiers that were bought and trained to be warriors

Delhi sultanate

A muslim kingdom that ruled most of the Indian subcontinent

Sufism

A religious practice found within Islam

Shia

Belief in the prophet Muhammad and his descendants being the leader of Muslim society

Sunni

Belief that the caliph is earned through the political will of the Muslim community

House of Wisdom

A public academy and intellectual center in Baghdad

Caliph

The religious leader of the Islamic community