AP World Chapter 6

Practice questions!

What three common processes shaped human cultures across the globe?

1. Human migration

2. Independent Agricultural Revolutions

3. Rise of civilizations

What was the world’s estimated population at the start of the Common area, and where did most people live?

About 250 million, with over 80% living in Eurasia

Why was Africa’s agricultural productivity limited compared to Eurasia’s?

Tropical climate meant poorer soils and more disease-carrying insects and parasites.

What made Meroë different from Egypt and Nubia?

Its economic and cultural life was less dependent on the Nile, more reliant on rainfall, trade, and iron.

How did the introduction of camels change African trade?

Camels made long-distance trade across the Sahara possible, linking West Africa to North Africa and beyond.

What was unique about Meroitic writing?

It was a script derived from Egyptian hieroglyphs, still undeciphered today.

What religion influenced Axum, and how did it spread there?

Christianity, introduced through Red Sea trade and adopted by the rulers.

Why is the Niger River valley unique in African history?

It developed urban centers without a centralized state or ruling authority.

What was Jenne-jeno, and why is it important?

An early city along the Niger, showing complex urban life without kings or empires.

What major civilization dominated the Andes during the second wave?

The Moche civilization.

What were the Maya’s major achievements?

• advanced mathematics

• astronomy

• calendar systems

• monumental architecture

• writing

What was Teotihuacan, and why was it significant?

A massive Mesoamerican city (population 100,000-200,000), a political, economic, and cultural powerhouse.

What role did trade play in Mesoamerican civilizations?

Trade connected city-states and spread goods, culture, and religious ideas.

What were Tiwanaku and Wari, and where were they located?

Two large Andean highland states (500-1000 C.E.) that influenced surrounding regions.

How did Andean civilizations differ from Mesoamerican ones?

They relied heavily on vertical integration (different ecological zones), terrace farming, and lacked a written language.

What common feature United Pacific Oceania societies?

Long-distance seafaring and navigation across the Pacific.

How did Pacific Island societies spread their culture?

Through migration, colonization, and the diffusion of crops, animals, and languages.

What was “mana” in Pacific Oceania societies?

A spiritual energy or force linked to authority and power.

What was the main limitation of American civilizations compared to Eurasian ones?

Lack of large domesticated animals and advanced metallurgy.

Why are second-wave civilizations in Africa, the Americas, and Oceania important to study?

They show parallel, diverse paths of human development beyond the well-known Eurasian empires