AP WH Unit 1 - Fiveable Flashcards

Abbasid Caliphate

The Abbasid Caliphate was the third Islamic caliphate, established in 750 CE, that succeeded the Umayyad Caliphate and lasted until the Mongol invasion in 1258. Notable for its cultural, economic, and scientific advancements, as well as its role in establishing Baghdad as a major center of trade, learning, and culture during the Islamic Golden Age.

Allah

The Arabic word for God in Islam, representing the singular, all-powerful deity worshipped by Muslims. Central to Islamic faith and therefore shaping cultural and social structures within the Islamic world from 1200-1450.

Cordoba

A significant city in Islamic Spain, known for its cultural, intellectual, and architectural achievements during the Middle Ages, serving as a center of learning and coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Dar al-Islam

Refers to the regions of the world where Islam is the dominant religion and where Muslims can practice their faith freely, encompassing various Islamic empires and states that thrived between 1200 and 1450.

Delhi Sultanate

A series of Muslim dynasties that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the late 12th century to the early 16th century, marking the establishment of Muslim rule in India and playing a significant role in the region's cultural and political landscape.

Egyptian Mamluks

A military class of former slave soldiers who rose to power in Egypt, establishing a sultanate that lasted from the 13th to the 16th centuries, known for their military prowess and political influence during this period.

Islam

A monotheistic Abrahamic faith founded in the 7th century CE based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran, significantly influencing cultures and societies across the globe.

Jizya

A tax historically levied on non-Muslims in Islamic states as a form of financial obligation in exchange for protection and the right to practice one's own religion.

Mongol Empire

The largest contiguous land empire in history, established in the early 13th century by Genghis Khan, reshaping trade, culture, and political dynamics across Eurasia.

Ottoman Empire

A vast and influential Islamic state from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, shaping political and cultural landscapes across these regions.

Quran

The holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, providing spiritual guidance and establishing legal, moral frameworks for Muslim communities.

Seljuk Turks

A medieval Turkic state that emerged in the 11th century, known for its conquests in Persia and Anatolia, establishing the sultanate and promoting Sunni Islam.

Sharia Law

A system of Islamic law governing personal conduct and legal matters for Muslims, derived from the Quran and Hadith, providing guidelines for ethical behavior.

Toledo

A historic city in central Spain known for its cultural and religious diversity, a key center of learning and translation among various backgrounds during the medieval period.

Umayyad Caliphate

The first major Islamic caliphate, ruling from 661 to 750 CE, known for its vast expansion and establishment of a unified Islamic empire across the Middle East and North Africa.

Andes Mountains

The longest continental mountain range in the world, influential in shaping the cultures and societies of the region, impacting agriculture and trade in civilizations like the Inca Empire.

Aztec Empire

A powerful Mesoamerican civilization known for its rich culture, complex social structure, and impressive architectural achievements, existing from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Chinampas

Floating gardens used by the Aztecs for agriculture, allowing for sustainable farming and significant population support.

Huitzilopochtli

The Aztec god of war and sun, a central deity in Aztec mythology and cultural identity, influencing aspects of warfare and ritual practices.

Incan Empire

A vast pre-Columbian civilization in the Andes known for its extensive road systems, centralized political structure, and agricultural advancements.

Inti

The Inca sun god, revered as a central figure in Inca religion and culture, essential for agricultural fertility and survival.

Maya Empire

A civilization thriving in Mesoamerica known for advanced mathematics, astronomy, and writing, existing from 2000 BCE to the Spanish conquest.