Periodization of Empires

ap world history

Song Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

noted for economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and advancements in technology and philosophy.

Yuan Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

established by the Mongols, marked by the unification of China and significant cultural exchange.

Ming Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

known for its consolidation of power, maritime exploration, and cultural achievements.

Ashikaga Shogunate

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

a feudal military government in Japan characterized by political instability and the rise of samurai culture.

Kamakura Shogunate

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

the first shogunate in Japan, known for its establishment of samurai as the ruling class and the introduction of a feudal system.

Orogero Shogunate

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

a short-lived military government in Japan marked by continued conflict and power struggles among rival samurai factions.

Great Khan (Quan Dynasty)

Post Classical (1200-1450), East Asia

the title used by the Mongol rulers, notably Genghis Khan and his descendants, who unified vast territories across Asia and established the Mongol Empire.

Khmer Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Southeast Asia

a powerful empire known for its monumental temple complexes, especially Angkor Wat, and its influence on Southeast Asian culture and trade.

Srivijaya Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Southeast Asia

a maritime and commercial kingdom that controlled trade routes and was influential in the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Majapahit Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Southeast Asia

a dominant maritime empire known for its cultural achievements and significant influence over trade in the region, particularly during the 14th century.

Sukhothai Kingdom

Post Classical (1200-1450), Southeast Asia

a kingdom known for its contributions to art and architecture, and is often regarded as the first Thai kingdom, laying the foundation for Thai culture.

Delhi Sultanate

Post Classical (1200-1450), South Asia

a series of Islamic dynasties that ruled parts of India, noted for their contributions to architecture, culture, and the spread of Islam in the region.

Sinhala Kingdom

Post Classical (1200-1450), South Asia

the kingdom that played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism and known for its advanced irrigation systems and unique architectural styles.

Rajput Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), South Asia

a group of warrior clans in India known for their valor and establishment of numerous princely states, contributing to the region's military and cultural history.

Vijayanagara Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), South Asia

an empire known for its prosperity, extensive trade networks, and contributions to art and architecture, including the famous Hampi ruins.

Mamluk Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), Middle East

a dynasty that emerged in Egypt, known for its military prowess and the establishment of a powerful rule that lasted for centuries, influencing trade and culture in the region.

Buyid Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), Middle East

an Iranian dynasty that ruled a large part of the Islamic world, recognized for its cultural achievements and influence over the Abbasid Caliphate.

Abbasid Caliphate

Post Classical (1200-1450), Middle East

a major Islamic caliphate that succeeded the Umayyads, known for its cultural, scientific, and intellectual advancements, as well as its capital in Baghdad, which became a center of learning and trade.

Seljuk Turks

Post Classical (1200-1450), Middle East

a significant group of Turkic nomads who expanded their empire into Persia and the Middle East, playing a crucial role in the Islamic world and contributing to the rise of Sunni Islam.

Ilkhanate Dynasty

Post Classical (1200-1450), Middle East

a division of the Mongol Empire that ruled Persia and surrounding regions, known for its role in the cultural and political integration of the Mongols into Iranian society.

Byzantine Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Europe
The eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, known for its rich culture, strong centralized government, and as a seat of Orthodox Christianity, with its capital at Constantinople.

Kievan Rus

Post Classical (1200-1450), Europe

a federation of Slavic tribes under the rule of the Varangians, known for its adoption of Christianity and cultural developments that laid the foundation for modern Russia and Ukraine.

Holy Roman Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Europe

a multi-ethnic complex of territories in central Europe, which was characterized by a decentralized political structure and the significant influence of the Catholic Church.

Golden Horde

Post Classical (1200-1450), Europe

a Mongol khanate that exercised control over parts of Russia and Eastern Europe, facilitating trade and cultural exchange during its dominance.

Ghana

Post Classical (1200-1450), Africa

an ancient West African empire known for its wealth in gold, trade routes, and cultural exchanges with surrounding regions.

Mali

Post Classical (1200-1450), Africa

a prominent West African empire that succeeded Ghana, known for its wealth, especially in gold, and for the flourishing of culture and learning, particularly during the reign of Mansa Musa.

Hausa

Post Classical (1200-1450), Africa

a collection of city-states in Northern Nigeria, known for their trade, agriculture, and unique culture, significantly contributing to the spread of Islam in West Africa.

Swahili Coast

Post Classical (1200-1450), Africa

a region of city-states along the East African coast that thrived on trade, cultural exchanges, and interactions with merchants from Arabia, Persia, and India, leading to a rich blend of cultures.

Great Zimbabwe

Post Classical (1200-1450), Africa

a medieval African city known for its impressive stone structures and trade connections, particularly in gold and ivory, showcasing the sophistication of its civilization.

Aztec Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Americas

a Mesoamerican civilization known for its advanced agricultural practices, rich mythology, and impressive architectural achievements, including temples and pyramids.

Inca Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Americas

a vast empire in South America known for its advanced agricultural techniques, extensive road system, and remarkable stone architecture, including Machu Picchu.

Mayan Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Americas

a Mesoamerican civilization noted for its hieroglyphic script, astronomical and mathematical advancements, and impressive city-states like Tikal and Chichen Itza.

Chagatai Khanate

Post Classical (1200-1450), Central Asia

a Mongol khanate formed after the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire, known for its cultural exchange and influence on trade along the Silk Road.

Mongol Empire

Post Classical (1200-1450), Central Asia

a vast empire that originated from the Mongol tribes, known for its military prowess, establishment of trade routes, and significant cultural exchanges across Eurasia.

Qing Dynasty

Early Modern (1450-1750), East Asia

a Chinese imperial dynasty that ruled from 1644 to 1912, noted for its expansion, cultural achievements, and interactions with European powers.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Early Modern (1450-1750), East Asia

a feudal regime in Japan that lasted from 1603 to 1868, characterized by strict social order, isolationist foreign policy, and economic growth.

Indonesia

Early Modern (1450-1750), Southeast Asia

a region comprising numerous islands known for its trade in spices and diverse cultures, heavily influenced by colonial powers during this period.

Mughal Empire

Early Modern (1450-1750), South Asia

a powerful Indian empire known for its rich cultural heritage, architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal, and a significant role in trade and economics during its height.

Ottoman Empire

Early Modern (1450-1750), Middle East

a major Islamic empire that controlled vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for its cultural achievements, trade networks, and significant political influence.

Safavid Empire

Early Modern (1450-1750), Middle East

an influential Persian empire known for its promotion of Shia Islam, architectural innovation, and significant role in trade and culture during its height.

Spain

Early Modern (1450-1750), Europe

a prominent European nation known for its exploration and conquests in the Americas, as well as its rich cultural and artistic achievements during the Renaissance.

Portugal

Early Modern (1450-1750), Europe

a maritime nation that played a key role in the Age of Exploration, establishing trade routes and colonies across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

France

Early Modern (1450-1750), Europe

a powerful European kingdom known for its political intrigue, artistic advancements, and significant influence during the Renaissance, as well as its central role in the development of modern nation-states.

Russia

Early Modern (1450-1750), Europe

a vast empire that began to assert its power and expand its territory under the rule of Ivan the Terrible and later Peter the Great, transforming into a major European power while embracing Westernization and modernization.

Netherlands

Early Modern (1450-1750), Europe

a key maritime and trading nation known for its influential role in global commerce during the Age of Exploration, also recognized for its cultural achievements in the arts and sciences.

Songhai Empire

Early Modern (1450-1750), Africa (NOT ASIAN)

a powerful West African empire that thrived on trade, particularly in gold and salt, and was noted for its advancements in education and culture, particularly in the city of Timbuktu.

Meiji Dynasty

Modern (1750-1900), East Asia

the period of Japanese history marked by rapid modernization and industrialization after the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to Japan's emergence as a major world power.

Egypt

Modern (1750-1900), Middle East/Africa

known for its rich history and cultural achievements, particularly during the Mamluk Sultanate, and significant trade connections with Europe and Asia.

Prussia

Modern (1750-1900), Europe

a significant European state known for its military organization and leadership, which contributed to the unification of Germany in the late 19th century.

Great Britain

Modern (1750-1900), Europe

the leading global power during this time, characterized by industrial expansion, a vast colonial empire, and significant cultural and political influence worldwide.

Germany

Modern (1750-1900), Europe

a nation that emerged as a unified state in 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War, marking its rise as a major industrial and military power in Europe.

United Provinces of Central America

Modern (1750-1900), Americas

a political entity that existed in Central America, formed from several former provinces of the Spanish Empire, characterized by its attempts at political unity and stability during a time of regional conflict and change.

Haiti

Modern (1750-1900), Americas

a nation that gained independence from France in 1804, becoming the first successful slave-led revolution and establishing itself as the first Black republic in the world.

Mexico

Modern (1750-1900), Americas

a nation that achieved independence from Spain in 1821, marked by significant social and political changes, including the establishment of a republic.

Gran Columbia

Modern (1750-1900), Americas

a short-lived republic that encompassed present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, formed after gaining independence from Spain, aiming for regional unification but ultimately fragmented due to political divisions.

Republic of China / People Republic of China

Contemporary (1900-Present), East Asia

The Republic of China, established in 1912 after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, later led to the formation of the People's Republic of China in 1949 following a civil war, significantly influencing China's political landscape and international relations.

Israel

Contemporary (1900-Present), Middle East

A nation established in 1948, following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine, which has faced ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries and significant political developments.

Iran

Contemporary (1900-Present), Middle East

A country in Southwest Asia that underwent a significant transformation after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, impacting its political structure and relations with the West.

USSR / Soviet Union

Contemporary (1900-Present), Europe

A socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, characterized by a single-party rule under the Communist Party, extensive state control of the economy, and significant influence in global politics during the Cold War era.

Italy

Contemporary (1900-Present), Europe

A nation known for its rich cultural heritage and pivotal role in European politics, especially during the formation of the European Union, and marked by economic challenges and political instability.

Austria Hungary

Contemporary (1900-Present), Europe

A historical empire that existed until its dissolution after World War I in 1918, known for its diverse ethnic composition and significant influence in Central European politics.

South Africa

Contemporary (1900-Present), Africa

A country that underwent significant political transformation post-apartheid in the early 1990s, characterized by the establishment of a democratic government and ongoing social and economic challenges.

United States of America

Contemporary (1900-Present), Americas

A nation known for its global influence, technological innovation, and cultural diversity, facing various social and political challenges, particularly regarding civil rights and immigration.

Cuba

Contemporary (1900-Present), Americas

An island nation that experienced a revolution in 1959, leading to a socialist government under Fidel Castro and resulting in extensive political and economic changes.