Some of Unit 2: AP World History, Modern

Malacca (Melaka)

A port city in Malaysia that became wealthy through taxing ships going through the Strait of Malacca; it ended in 1511 after Portuguese invasion.

Gujarat

A trading state in western India that became wealthy by imposing taxes on merchants from the East and West.

Swahili city-states

Commercial centers along the east coast of Africa that became wealthy due to the Indian Ocean trade, accumulating porcelain from trading with China.

Calicut

A major port city in western India during the Indian Ocean trade period, serving as a thriving trade center connecting Africa to southern India.

Spice Island

Small islands near Indonesia, the largest producers of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.

Indian Ocean Basin

The area of the Indian Ocean that connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia with China and Japan.

Monsoon winds

Seasonal winds in India that influenced the sailing routes and timings of traders.

Lateen sails

Triangular sails that enabled sailors to better catch the wind and improve sailing efficiency.

Stern rudder

A navigational device at the back of a ship that allowed for sharper turns.

Astrolabe

An instrument that enabled sailors to accurately determine their latitude by observing the stars.

Dhow

Small wooden ships equipped with lateen sails, used during the Postclassical Era for trade.

Indian Ocean slave trade

The trade in enslaved people from East Africa to the Middle East and India, occurring prior to the Atlantic slave trade.

Diaspora

Community of merchants who settled outside their homeland as a result of trade, influenced by monsoon winds.

Zheng He (1371-1433)

A Muslim admiral who led seven voyages across the Indian Ocean to showcase the wealth of the Ming Dynasty.