AP World History: Trade Networks, Empires, and Pandemics

Vocabulary flashcards covering Afro-Eurasian trade networks, the Mongol Empire, West African kingdoms, navigational technologies, and the Black Death.

Oasis

A watered hub in a desert formed when distant rainfall sinks deep into the ground, serving throughout history as an essential stop for water, food, plants, and travel to enable human survival and trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade

A major trade network linking North Africa to West Africa across the Sahara Desert that peaked between the 12th and 15th centuries; merchants traveled by camel using oasis stops to exchange luxury goods, fostering economic growth and spreading Islam.

Silk Roads

Ancient trade routes spanning across Eurasia that facilitated cultural exchange and commerce.

Genghis Khan

Originally named Temujin, he gathered Mongol chieftains at an assembly called a kuriltai, where he was elected Khan of the Mongolian kingdom.

Kuriltai

A council meeting of Mongol chieftains where Temujin was elected Khan of the Mongolian kingdom.

Mongol Empire

The largest continuous land empire in history, spanning from Asia to Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean/Persian Gulf between 1206 and 1368; established through diverse military tactics, it encompassed the Yuan dynasty in China and the Golden Horde in Russia while expanding trade routes and initiating the Pax Mongolica.

Pax Mongolica

Also known as the "imperial peace," a period of significant economic growth, cultural exchange, and global trade across Afro-Eurasia during the 13th and 14th centuries under Mongol rule.

Technological Advancements in Trade

Innovations including the magnetic compass, rudder, junk ship, and lateen sails that greatly improved long-distance travel and made it easier for different territories to acquire and trade goods.

Camel Saddle

An adaptation for trans-desert transportation, designed in up to 15 different specialized varieties to facilitate travel and commerce.

Caravan

Organized groups of travelers, merchants, and pilgrims journeying together for mutual safety across dangerous deserts and long-distance trade routes.

Mali Kingdom

A powerful, wealthy trading state in West Africa that traded gold resources, expanded its administrative reach, and achieved major global economic influence during its 14th-century Golden Age.

Mansa Musa

The famous ruler of the Mali Kingdom during its 14th-century Golden Age, widely recognized as the wealthiest person of his era with an estimated fortune of $400 billion.

Songhai Kingdom

A dominant West African power that expanded its territory and held control over trans-Saharan trade routes.

Black Death (Bubonic Plague)

A catastrophic pandemic that struck Europe, Asia, and North Africa between 1346 and 1353, killing up to 60% of Europe's population.