AP World History; 2.1 Vocabulary

Magnetic compass

A instrument used by sailors to determine their position that was invented in China during the Han Dynasty and improved upon during the Song Dynasty

Rudder

Used to steer a ship

Junk

Improved ships that fascinated oceanic trade.

Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan built an empire in the 12th century that reached its maximum territorial size in the 13th century, spanning the majority of Asia and expanding westward to the Dnieper River in eastern Europe.

Kashgar

Silk Road, which controlled medieval caravan routes, functioned as a commercial post and strategically significant city on the Silk Road connecting China, the Middle East, and Europe

Samarkand

Samarkand has long been a crossroads for commerce in the region, and it was a significant city known for its craft output, complete with a citadel and powerful defences

Caravanserai

Roadside inns along key commercial routes, such as the old Silk Road, that also served as interchange points for products, ideas, and culture

Money

The official currency issued by a government or national bank

Economy

The system of production, distribution and consumption

Flying Cash

Invented in China, originally it was used by merchants as a note of exchange, but the government adopted the idea

Paper Money

Money made out of paper to not waste metals

Banking Houses

A merchant would deposit his riches with a financial institution, which would then issue a bill of exchange that could be used to purchase items

Bill of Exchange

A document confirming that the bearer was legally promised payment of a specific amount on a specific date—and received that amount in exchange

Hanseatic League

Protect and manage regional trade; establish standard trade tariffs and levies for all merchant guilds under its jurisdiction