AP World Unit 2: Networks of Exchange Vocab

Transfers of Greco-Islamic medical knowledge to Western Europe

Spread of advanced medical texts and practices through trade, crusades, and translation centers.

Transfer of numbering systems to Europe

Introduction of Arabic numerals and the decimal system from the Islamic world, improving mathematics and record-keeping.

Adoption of Uygher script

Writing system adopted by the Mongols for administration and record-keeping across their empire.

Growth of the city-states of the Swahili Coast

Expansion of trade centers linking African, Arab, and Asian merchants through Indian Ocean commerce. Grew wealthy.

Growth of Gujarat

Development of a major Indian Ocean trade center known for textile production and merchant wealth.

Growth of the Sultanate of Malacca

Emergence as a strategic maritime trading hub connecting Southeast Asia, China, and India.

Diaspora of Arab & Persian communities in East Africa

Settlement of merchants and scholars that facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of Islam. Settled in port cities and married locals, in turn, spread Islam.

Diaspora of Chinese merchant communities in Southeast Asia

Migration of traders who boosted commerce, cultural exchange, and economic networks in the region. Also settled and married in port cities, spreading Chinese culture.

Malay diasporic communities in the Indian Ocean Basin

Settled across trade networks, spreading language, culture, and maritime knowledge. Also settled and married in port cities.

Camel Saddle & its effect on trade networks

allows for camels to carry more stuff, enabling larger caravans and expanding the volume of trade networks

Impact of caravans on the growth of trans-Saharan trade

Enabled large-scale, organized transport of goods, increasing trade volume and connecting distant regions.

Cultural influence of Buddhism in East Asia

Shaped art, architecture, education, and government practices while blending with local traditions.

The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism into Southeast Asia

Introduced religious beliefs, political ideas, and cultural practices through trade and state sponsorship.

The spread of Islam into sub-Saharan Africa and Asia

Facilitated by trade, missionary activity, and political alliances, influencing culture, law, and education.

Diffusion of gunpowder from China

Spread to Eurasia, transforming warfare, military technology, and state power.

Diffusion of paper from China

Spread across Eurasia, revolutionizing record-keeping, education, and literature.

Ibn Battuta

Moroccan traveler and scholar whose extensive journeys documented Islamic culture, trade, and societies across Afro-Eurasia.

Margery Kempe

English Christian mystic known for her spiritual autobiography detailing pilgrimages, religious devotion, and medieval society.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant whose travels to Asia recorded trade, culture, and political systems along the Silk Roads.

Diffusion of bananas in Africa

Introduced from Southeast Asia, boosting food security and supporting population growth.

The diffusion of new rice varieties in East Asia

Spread of fast-ripening strains increased agricultural productivity and supported population growth.

The spread of citrus in the Mediterranean region

Introduced from South and East Asia, enhancing diets, agriculture, and trade.