APWH Unit 1 & 2

Dar al-Islam

The Islamic world; refers to lands under Muslim rule where Islamic culture, trade, and scholarship flourished.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for technological innovations, a strong bureaucracy, and cultural flourishing.

Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing order, hierarchy, education, and respect for elders and authority.

Feudalism

A decentralized political system based on mutual obligations between kings, nobles, and vassals; common in Europe and Japan.

Bhakti Movement

A devotional Hindu movement emphasizing love and personal relationships with deities; challenged caste and rituals.

Srivijaya Empire

A maritime empire in Southeast Asia (Indonesia) that controlled trade routes and promoted Buddhism.

House of Wisdom

A major Abbasid center of learning in Baghdad where scholars translated and preserved classical knowledge.

Mamluk Sultanate

A Muslim state in Egypt ruled by former enslaved soldiers (mamluks); known for halting Mongol expansion.

Majapahit Empire

A Hindu-Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia that dominated maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

Delhi Sultanate

A Muslim kingdom in northern India that introduced Islam and Persian culture to the subcontinent.

Silk Roads

Overland trade routes connecting East Asia, Central Asia, and Europe; promoted exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade network across the Sahara Desert connecting West Africa to North Africa and the Mediterranean; known for gold and salt.

Indian Ocean Trade

Maritime trade network that connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Mongol Empire

Largest contiguous land empire in history; promoted safety and trade across Eurasia (Pax Mongolica).

Caravanserai

Roadside inns along trade routes (especially the Silk Roads) that supported merchants and promoted trade.

Diaspora

The movement or dispersion of people from their homeland; merchant diasporas spread culture and religion.

Astrolabe

A navigational tool used to determine latitude at sea; improved navigation and expanded trade.

Bills of Exchange

Early form of credit used by merchants to safely transfer money over long distances.

Samarkand

Major trade city in Central Asia along the Silk Roads; a cultural and commercial hub under the Mongols.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant and traveler who visited China and documented the wealth and culture of the Yuan Dynasty.