World History Modern AP Edition - Prologue to Postclassical Civilizations (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Prologue to the Postclassical era as presented in the notes.

Agricultural Revolution

Around 10,000 years ago (about 8000 B.C.E.), climate warmed and humans began farming and domesticated animals, producing a surplus that enabled a shift from hunter–gatherer lifestyles.

surplus

More food produced than was needed for immediate consumption, allowing some people to specialize in nonfood activities.

specialization

Development of distinct occupations (artisans, merchants, priests) made possible by surplus food.

city-state

Independent political unit consisting of a city and surrounding territory, common in Mesopotamia.

ziggurat

Massive stepped temple-tower in Mesopotamian city-states symbolizing political and religious power.

cuneiform

One of the world’s first writing systems, developed by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia.

hieroglyphics

Egyptian writing system using symbolic pictures; used in monumental inscriptions.

polytheism

Belief in many gods; characteristic of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and other early religions.

monotheism

Belief in a single, supreme deity; exemplified by Judaism and later other faiths.

Hinduism

South Asian religion with origins among the Aryans; Vedas; concept of multiple deities as expressions of a single ultimate reality; caste system.

Vedas

Ancient Indian scriptures that shape Hindu beliefs and social order.

caste

Rigid hereditary social classes in Hindu society that limit social mobility.

reincarnation

Belief that the soul is reborn into new bodies across many lifetimes.

nirvana

In Buddhism, the state of enlightenment and release from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama; Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path; aim is to end suffering and achieve Nirvana.

Ashoka

Mauryan emperor who promoted Buddhism, built edicts, and expanded roads and welfare.

Mauryan Empire

First large-scale political unity in South Asia (322–187 B.C.E.); peak under Ashoka.

Gupta Empire

Classical Indian empire (c. 320–550 C.E.) known for the Golden Age, advances in medicine and mathematics, and promotion of Hinduism.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing education, benevolence, respect for authority, filial piety, and social harmony.

Daoism

Philosophical tradition focusing on harmony with nature and inner reflection.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese political doctrine that heaven grants emperors the right to rule; disasters signal loss of mandate.

Qin Dynasty

First unified Chinese imperial dynasty; standardized script, weights/measures, and infrastructure like canals and roads.

Han Dynasty

Chinese golden age; expansion of empire, civil service exams, innovation (gunpowder, paper money), and large-scale trade.

Silk Roads

Network of overland trade routes connecting Eurasia, enabling exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.

Twelve Tables

Rome’s early written law code, foundational for Roman legal tradition.

Roman Republic/Empire

Roman political evolution from republic to centralized empire with extensive roads and law.

Hagia Sophia

Grand church built in Constantinople under Justinian; later a mosque; now a museum.

Justinian Code

Consolidation of Roman law that influenced European legal systems for centuries.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern Roman Empire centered in Constantinople; preserved Roman and Greek traditions for centuries.

Diaspora

The scattering of Jews beyond Israel, spreading Jewish communities across the Mediterranean and Europe.

Teotihuacan

Major ancient city near present-day Mexico City; large grid streets and monumental temples; influential in later Mesoamerica.

Mayan civilization

Mesoamerican civilization known for its complex writing system, calendar, and concept of zero.

Cahokia

Mississippian civilization center near modern St. Louis; major urban trade hub.

Toltecs

Mesoamerican civilization that influenced later Aztecs; polytheistic/animistic religious elements.

Great Zimbabwe

Ruling kingdom in southeast Africa that traded gold and ivory; declined due to mining issues.

trans-Saharan trade

Trade across the Sahara facilitated by camels; linked West Africa’s Ghana and later empires to North Africa and beyond.

Dar al-Islam

The Islamic political and cultural world; “House of Islam.”

Five Pillars of Islam

Core practices: faith declaration, five daily prayers, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

sharia

Islamic legal system derived from the Quran; blends religious and civil law.

Sunnis

Main branch of Islam; caliphs chosen by community consensus.

Shi’a

Branch of Islam that supports leadership by Muhammad’s lineage; prominent in Iran and Iraq.

Abbasid Caliphate

Islamic caliphate (750–1258) overseeing a Golden Age with Baghdad as a center of learning and culture.

jizya

Tax on non-Muslims in Islamic states in exchange for protection and freedom to practice other religions.

Grand Canal

Major canal system built by the Sui Dynasty linking southern and northern China for trade and unity.

gunpowder

Explosive discovered in China; later transformative for warfare and technology.

paper money

Currency system developed in China (Tang/Song) that facilitated large-scale trade.

tribute system

China’s approach requiring neighboring states to pay tribute in exchange for trade privileges.

Shogun

Military ruler in Japan who held real power; nominal emperor remained.

daimyo

Powerful regional lords in feudal Japan who controlled land and troops.

samurai

Warrior class serving the daimyo in feudal Japan.

Shinto

Indigenous religion of Japan focusing on ancestors and nature spirits.

Borobudur

Buddhist temple on Java, Indonesia (around 800 C.E.), illustrating religious syncretism.

Crusades

Religious military campaigns (starting 1095) to regain Jerusalem; stimulated contact and exchange with the broader world.

Charlemagne

Frankish king crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 C.E.; promoted learning and church-state ties.

zero

Concept understood by the Maya and others; key innovation in Mayan mathematics and calendars.

Maya calendar

Sophisticated calendar system developed by the Maya; demonstrated advanced astronomy and mathematics.