AP World History Unit 2.5-2.6 Vocabulary Words

Swahili

A language and culture that developed along the East African coast through African and Indian Ocean cultural exchange.

Hangzhou

A major Chinese city and trading center connected to the Grand Canal and maritime trade.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious or cultural beliefs and practices.

Chan (Zen) Buddhism

A form of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and direct spiritual experience.

Monasteries

Religious communities where monks or nuns live, worship, study, and work.

The Book of Margery Kempe

A medieval autobiography describing the religious experiences and travels of Margery Kempe.

Commerce

The buying and selling of goods and services.

Urban Cities

Large population centers that became important for trade, culture, government, and economic activity.

Paper Making

The process of producing paper, which spread from China to other regions and supported education and recordkeeping.

Secularism

The separation of religious institutions or beliefs from government and other parts of public life.

Gift of Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling

A travel account by Ibn Battuta describing the societies, cities, and cultures he encountered.

Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling

A travel account by Ibn Battuta documenting his journeys across Africa, Asia, and the Islamic world.

Crop Diffusion

The spread of crops and agricultural practices between different regions.

Overgrazing

When livestock consume vegetation faster than it can naturally regrow, damaging the land.

Deforestation

The clearing or removal of forests, often for farming, settlement, or resources.

Soil Erosion

The removal of fertile topsoil by wind, water, or human activity.

Plague

A contagious disease that spread along trade routes and caused major population loss, especially during the Black Death.