AP World History 2.1 Flashcards

Samarkand

Samarkand

One of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia, located in present-day Uzbekistan, and a key city on the Silk Road. Samarkand thrived from the 7th century AD, becoming a center for trade, culture, and scholarship. Its role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange contributed to the spread of knowledge and innovations, shaping the intellectual landscape of the medieval world.

caravanserai

Roadside inns built along trade routes to provide shelter and services for travelers and merchants. They became prominent during the 9th century, particularly in the Islamic world. Caravanserais facilitated trade by providing safe havens for goods and travelers, promoting commerce and cultural exchange, which were essential for the development of trade networks and economic growth.

flying cash

An early form of paper currency used in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). It allowed merchants to conduct transactions without carrying heavy coins. Flying cash revolutionized trade by increasing transaction efficiency, leading to the development of more complex economic systems and the eventual spread of paper money globally.

Hanseatic League

A commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and towns in Northern Europe, active from the 13th to 17th centuries. It facilitated trade across the Baltic and North Seas. The League established trade networks and economic cooperation, influencing the development of modern trade associations and regional economic integration.