Prologue Vocab

AP World Prologue Vocabulary

city state

A city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.

Mauryan Empire

Ancient Indian empire (322-185 BCE), unified much of India; founded by Chandragupta Maurya.

Gupta Empire

Ancient Indian empire (c. 320-550 CE) known as a 'Golden Age' for advancements in science, mathematics, and arts.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese philosophical concept legitimizing an emperor's rule based on their moral governance and divine approval.

Qin Han

Two major Chinese dynasties: Qin (221-206 BCE) unified China under an emperor; Han (206 BCE-220 CE) expanded territory and established lasting governmental structures.

Persian Empire

A vast ancient empire (modern Iran) known for its extensive territory, effective administration, and diverse culture.

Greece

Influential ancient civilization of independent city-states (like Athens and Sparta) known for philosophy, early forms of democracy, and significant cultural achievements.

Roman Empire

A vast ancient empire centered around the Mediterranean, known for its extensive territory, strong military, and lasting cultural and legal contributions.

Byzantine Empire

The continuation of the Roman Empire in the east after the fall of Rome, known for its rich culture and Orthodox Christianity.

Abbasid Caliphate

Third Islamic caliphate (750-1258 CE), marking a 'Golden Age' of Islamic civilization with advancements in arts, sciences, and philosophy.

Sui Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty (581-618 CE) notable for reuniting China after a period of division and initiating the Grand Canal.

Tang Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty (618-907 CE) celebrated for its cultural flourishing and significant societal developments.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty (960-1279 CE) noted for its advancements in technology (like gunpowder and printing), culture, and economic prosperity.

Ghana

An ancient West African kingdom known for its wealth from gold trade and its significant role in the trans-Saharan trade route.

Great Zimbabwe

An ancient city in southern Africa known for its impressive stone structures and crucial role in regional trade.

12 tables

The first written code of law for ancient Rome (c. 450 BCE), establishing basic legal principles.

stone tools

Early tools made by chipping away at stone, used by prehistoric humans for various purposes.

cuneiform

One of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians around 3500 BCE, using wedge-shaped marks.

ziggurats

Massive stepped structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as temples and religious centers.

hieroglyphics

The writing system used in ancient Egypt, consisting of pictorial symbols.

complex math

Advanced mathematical concepts developed by ancient civilizations, including geometry and early forms of algebra.

pyramids

Monumental structures built in ancient Egypt as tombs for pharaohs, showcasing advanced architectural skills.

stirrups

A device attached to a saddle that allows a rider to secure their foot, enhancing stability and control, particularly important for cavalry.

camel saddle

A specialized saddle designed for riding camels, crucial for trade and travel in desert regions.

agricultural revolutions

Significant changes in agricultural practices that led to increased food production, population growth, and societal transformations.

monsoon winds

Seasonal winds in the Indian subcontinent, crucial for agriculture (bringing rain) and influencing maritime trade routes.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in India, characterized by diverse beliefs and practices, including concepts like dharma (duty) and karma (action and consequence).

Judaism

The monotheistic Abrahamic religion of the Jewish people, centered on the belief in one God and the teachings of the Hebrew Bible.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy founded by Siddhartha Gautama, focused on the path to enlightenment and the end of suffering through understanding the Four Noble Truths.

Confucianism

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius in China, emphasizing morality, social harmony through proper relationships, and respect for authority.

Daoism

A philosophical and religious tradition in China that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the fundamental principle of the universe), often through simplicity and naturalness.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation and the belief in one God.

Islam

A monotheistic Abrahamic faith founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, with its holy scripture being the Quran.

Dar al-Islam

Meaning 'House of Islam,' referring to lands under Islamic rule, signifying the widespread influence of Islamic culture and law — center of advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy during Islamic Golden Age

Shinto

The traditional religion of Japan, focusing on ritual practices and belief in kami (spirits or deities found in nature and ancestors).

Roman Catholic

A major branch of Christianity led by the Pope, characterized by its traditions, sacraments, and hierarchical structure originating from the Roman Empire.

Orthodox Church

A branch of Christianity primarily prevalent in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, maintaining traditional beliefs and practices, separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 CE.

Teotihuacan

An ancient Mesoamerican city (flourishing c. 100 BCE-650 CE) known for its large pyramids, advanced urban planning, and cultural influence across the region.

Mayans

An ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for its advanced writing, complex calendar systems, mathematical innovations, and impressive architectural achievements.

Mississipian

A prehistoric Native American culture known for its mound-building societies and complex agricultural communities along the Mississippi River.

Toltecs

An influential ancient Mesoamerican civilization (c. 900-1150 CE) that preceded the Aztecs, known for its militaristic culture and architectural styles.

Silk Road

A vast network of land trade routes that connected East Asia with the Middle East and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods (like silk, spices) and cultural ideas.

Indian Ocean trade route

A major maritime trade network connecting East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, crucial for the exchange of spices, textiles, and other goods.

Trans Saharan trade route

A network of trade routes across North Africa, linking the Mediterranean world with sub-Saharan Africa, vital for the exchange of gold, salt, and slaves.

taxation

The system by which governments collect money from citizens and businesses (through taxes or levies) to fund public services and expenses.

entrepot

A trading post or port city where goods are collected, stored, and redistributed, often serving as a significant commercial hub.

patriarchy

A social system where males hold primary power and authority in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

civil service exam

An examination system used in Imperial China for selecting qualified candidates for government positions based on merit rather than birth.

diaspora

The scattering or dispersion of a people from their original homeland, often into new communities abroad.

shogun

A hereditary military dictator in Japan, holding significant power over the country's governance, often overshadowing the emperor.

daimyos

Powerful Japanese feudal lords who ruled over large land estates and commanded significant military and political power during various periods of Japanese history.