AP World History

Prehistory

The period before written records, including the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.

Civilization

A complex society characterized by cities, organized government, social classes, specialized labor, religion, and writing.

Aristocracy

A social class of wealthy, powerful nobles who often inherited their status and controlled land or government.

Egalitarian

A society where people have relatively equal social status, wealth, or political power.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men generally hold greater authority in families, government, and economic life.

Theocracy

A government where religious leaders or beliefs control political authority.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of ideas, technologies, languages, and customs between societies.

Slavery

A system where people are treated as property and forced to work without freedom.

Paleolithic

The 'Old Stone Age' characterized by hunting and gathering and simple stone tools.

Out of Africa

The theory that modern humans originated in Africa and migrated globally 60,000–100,000 years ago.

Hunter-Gatherer

A person who survives by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants.

Nomad

A person or group that regularly moves from place to place, not living permanently in one location.

Clans, Tribes

Clans are family ancestry groups; tribes are larger groups sharing culture and leadership.

Animism

The belief that animals, plants, and natural forces possess spirits.

Neolithic Revolution

The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settled communities.

Irrigation

The artificial movement of water to farmland to increase agricultural production.

Domestication

The process of selectively breeding and controlling plants and animals for human use.

Artisan

A skilled craftsperson who produces goods like pottery or textiles.

Metallurgy

The process of extracting and working metals to create tools and weapons.

River Valley

A fertile region around a major river where early civilizations developed.

Fertile Crescent

A fertile region of Southwest Asia where agriculture and early civilizations emerged.

Hieroglyphic

A writing system used by ancient Egyptians featuring pictures and symbols.

Pharaoh

The title for rulers of ancient Egypt, seen as both political and sacred figures.

Monotheism

The belief in one god, exemplified by Judaism, which influenced Christianity and Islam.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods or goddesses, common in many ancient religions.

Abraham

A biblical patriarch regarded as a significant ancestor in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Hebrews

An ancient Semitic people linked with the Israelites and the development of Judaism.

Diaspora

The scattering or migration of a people from their traditional homeland.

Hinduism

A diverse religious tradition from South Asia based on the Vedas, dharma, and karma.

Caste System

A hereditary social hierarchy traditionally associated with Hindu society.

Zoroastrianism

An ancient Persian religion emphasizing the struggle between good and evil.

Zhou Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that developed the concept of the Mandate of Heaven.

Qin Shi Huangdi

The founder of the Qin Dynasty and China's first emperor.

Han Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that expanded territory and promoted Confucianism.

Mandate of Heaven

The belief that a ruler's authority comes from heaven, justifying the replacement of unsuccessful dynasties.

Confucianism

A philosophy emphasizing respect, family loyalty, social harmony, and proper behavior.

Civil Service Exam

Examinations based on Confucian teachings used to select officials in imperial China.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy emphasizing harmony with the Dao and the natural world.

Siddhartha Gautama/Buddha

The South Asian spiritual teacher known as the Buddha, the foundation of Buddhism.

Buddhism

A religion based on the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths.

Mauryan Empire

An extensive empire in South Asia associated with rulers Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.

Gupta Empire

A flourishing South Asian empire noted for achievements in various fields during India's 'Golden Age'.

Persia

A historical region centered in modern-day Iran, home to powerful empires.

Athens

A Greek city-state known for philosophy, culture, and an early form of democracy.

Democracy

A government system where political power is exercised by the people.

Socrates/Plato/Aristotle

Three influential Greek philosophers whose ideas impacted philosophy and education.

Hellenistic

Relating to the period when Greek culture mixed with other cultures after Alexander the Great.

Plebeian/Patrician

In ancient Rome, patricians were elite families and plebeians were common citizens.

Byzantine Empire

The eastern continuation of the Roman Empire that preserved culture and law.

Constantinople

The capital of the Byzantine Empire, significant for trade and politics.

Jesus of Nazareth

A Jewish teacher whose teachings formed the basis of Christianity.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes connecting East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Abbasid Caliphate

An Islamic dynasty known for achievements in science and culture.

Shinto

An indigenous Japanese religious tradition emphasizing sacred spirits.

Shogun

A military ruler of Japan with real political power.

Daimyos

Powerful landowning lords controlling territories and samurai in feudal Japan.

Catholicism

The largest branch of Christianity centered on the authority of the pope.

Eastern Orthodoxy

A major branch of Christianity that developed in the Byzantine Empire.

Serfdom

A labor system in which peasants are legally tied to a lord's land.