AP World History vocab

Reincarnate

to be born again in a new body after death, reflecting the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in various belief systems.

Caste system

a hierarchical social structure in India, where individuals are born into specific social groups that determine their occupation, lifestyle, and status.

Vedic Religions

ancient religious traditions of India that were based on the Vedas, including rituals, beliefs, and practices that laid the foundation for Hinduism.

Hagia Sophia

a former Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, later an Islamic mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, notable for its massive dome and architectural significance.

Arabs

a diverse group of people primarily inhabiting the Arab world, sharing language, culture, and historical ties. They have made significant contributions to art, science, and philosophy throughout history.

Desertification

the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Camel Saddle

a type of saddle designed for riding camels, allowing for better stability and comfort during long journeys across deserts.

Mecca

a city in western Saudi Arabia, considered the holiest city in Islam, where millions of Muslims pilgrimage annually for Hajj.

Mohammed

The founder of Islam, revered by Muslims as the final prophet who received divine revelations recorded in the Quran, and who unified the Arabian Peninsula under Islamic monotheism in the 7th century CE.

Five Pillars of Islam

The five core practices of Islam: faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).

Haji

A Muslim who has completed the pilgrimage to Mecca, or the annual pilgrimage itself

Islamic Conquest