AP world units 1 & 2 vocab

What is Neo-Confucianism?

A movement aimed at reviving Confucian thought by integrating Buddhist and Daoist elements, establishing social hierarchies, and emphasizing filial piety, education, and meritocracy.

What role did the Censorate Agency play in governance?

It conducted surveillance over the rest of the government, adding checks and reinforcing competency in government positions.

What was significant about Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty?

It was the capital with over a million people, featuring luxury businesses and a variety of goods and services, furthering culture and expanding trade.

How did waterways influence food distribution in ancient China?

Canals, rivers, and lakes enabled efficient food distribution, supporting the large population and economic activities.

What was the practice of foot binding?

A tradition in which women bound their feet, crushing bones and altering foot structure for beauty standards, reflecting the suppression of women.

What does the concept of 'middle kingdom' refer to in Chinese culture?

The idea of China as the center of the world, superior to 'barbarians' beyond its borders, asserting diplomatic superiority.

What is the Kowtow ritual?

A series of ritual bowings and prostrations performed by visitors to show respect, submission, and honor to the emperor.

Who were the Xiongnu?

An early nomadic confederacy that raided Northern China and maintained diplomatic relations, becoming a political equal.

What was the Sultanate of Delhi?

A series of Turkic and Muslim empires that centralized administration and spread Islam across the Indian subcontinent.

Who were the Sufis?

Individuals considered 'God-filled men' who detached from worldly affairs and popularized Islam.

What did Kabir advocate in his poetry?

He suggested religious harmony and opposed ritualistic practices, serving as a precursor to Sikhism and leading the Hindi Bhakti movement.

What are the main beliefs of Sikhism?

A monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak, emphasizing equality, selfless service, devotion to one God, and critiquing the caste system.

What was Timbuktu known for?

A major West African city crucial for trade and Islamic scholarship, especially during the Mali and Songhai empires.

Who were the Mexica?

The people of the Valley of Mexico who founded Tenochtitlan and established the Aztec Empire.

What was the Triple Alliance?

A political and military alliance formed in 1428 between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan that dominated central Mexico and established the Aztec Empire.

What was Tenochtitlan?

The capital city of the Aztec Empire located at Lake Texcoco, featuring advanced engineering, canal systems, and chinampas.

What are chinampas?

Artificial islands built in shallow lakes used as 'floating gardens' for agriculture, essential for the sustainable food source of the Aztec Empire.

Who is Huitzilopochtli?

The supreme deity of the Aztecs, embodying the Sun and War, who guided the Mexica migration and demanded sacrifices.

What language did the Inca Empire use?

Quechua, which was the official language of the Inca Empire and represented the living culture of the Andean people.

What is gender parallelism?

A societal structure where men and women have separate but equally important roles, granting women some autonomy.

What characterized the Yuan Dynasty?

Mongol rule over China where the Mongols adopted various aspects of Chinese cultural and administrative practices.

Who was Khubilai Khan?

The grandson and successor of Genghis Khan who completed the conquest of China and ruled the Yuan Dynasty.

Who was Hulegu?

A grandson of Genghis Khan who led assaults on Persia and became il-Khan of Persia.

What is notable about Khutulun?

The warrior daughter of Qaidu Khan who challenged gender roles through her proficiency in horseback riding and archery.

What was the Kipchak Khanate?

Also known as the Golden Horde, a khanate that controlled parts of Russia and provided significant tribute to the Mongols.

How did monsoon winds facilitate trade?

Seasonal wind patterns allowed for predictable travel and facilitated the growth of commercial cities in Indian Ocean Trade.

What is the Swahili language?

A Bantu language spoken by coastal civilizations that adopted Arabic script for trade and commerce.

What was Great Zimbabwe known for?

The capital of the wealthy Kingdom of Zimbabwe, recognized for its stone architecture and role in the Indian Ocean Trade.

What is Jenne-Jeno?

An urban center in the Niger River Valley representing a stateless society known for iron and rice specialization.

What role did camel caravans play?

They facilitated the Trans-Saharan trade network and pilgrimage, enabling trade across vast desert areas.