AP World Post Classical Era

Grand Canal

• A vast network of man-made waterways in China, completed during the Sui Dynasty.

• Connected northern and southern China, facilitating the transportation of goods, especially grain, and promoting economic integration.

Tang Cosmopolitanism

• The Tang Dynasty (618–907) was marked by a cultural and intellectual openness.

• The capital city, Ch'ang-an, was a center for trade, culture, and foreign influence, with people from all over Asia and beyond.

Terrace Farming

• A farming method used in mountainous regions, where steps or terraces are cut into the land to create flat surfaces for agriculture.

• Allowed for better land use and irrigation.

Woodblock Printing

• An early form of printing in which text or images were carved into a block of wood and then inked to transfer onto paper.

• Invented during the Tang Dynasty and played a significant role in spreading literature and religious texts.

Pagoda

• A tiered, tower-like structure with multiple eaves common in East Asia, typically associated with Buddhist architecture.

• Served as temples or relic storage, symbolizing heaven and earth's connection.

Jurchen

• A Tungusic people from northeastern China who founded the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234).

• They conquered much of northern China, defeating the Khitan-led Liao Dynasty.

Gunpowder

• Invented during the Tang Dynasty, initially for medicinal purposes and later adapted for military use.

• Revolutionized warfare with its use in explosives, firearms, and cannons.

Tang Code

• The legal system established by the Tang Dynasty.

• Based on Confucian principles, it influenced subsequent Chinese dynasties and neighboring countries.

Foot Binding

• A practice in which young girls’ feet were tightly bound to keep them small, viewed as a symbol of beauty and status.

• Started during the Tang Dynasty and continued into the 20th century.

Silk Road

• A network of trade routes connecting East Asia to the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

• It was crucial for the spread of silk, spices, and other goods.

Civil Service Exam

• A rigorous exam system introduced during the Tang Dynasty to select government officials based on merit rather than aristocratic birth.

• Helped to shape the bureaucracy of imperial China.

Sinification

• The process of adopting Chinese culture, language, and customs by non-Chinese societies.

• Notable in the spread of Chinese influence to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Emperor Yang Jian

• The founder of the Sui Dynasty (581–618), which reunited China after a period of disunity.

• Known for his military campaigns and the creation of the Grand Canal.

Equal Field System

• A land distribution system that allocated land based on the family’s needs and land availability.

• Aimed to ensure more equitable distribution and reduce the concentration of land ownership.

Shinto Religion

• The indigenous religion of Japan, emphasizing the worship of kami (spirits) found in nature.

• It is animistic and involves rituals, festivals, and offerings to spirits.

Neo-Confucianism

• A philosophical movement that sought to revive Confucian thought in response to Buddhism and Daoism.

• Emphasized rational thought, ethics, and morality, incorporating metaphysical ideas.

Emperor Taizong

• The second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, ruling from 626–649.

• Known for his military victories, strong leadership, and patronage of arts and culture.

Commercial Revolution in China

• A period of economic expansion and technological innovation during the Tang and Song Dynasties.

• Includes the widespread use of paper money, the expansion of trade, and the rise of markets and urban centers.

Buddhism

• A religion originating in India that emphasizes the path to enlightenment, meditation, and ethical living.

• Became a significant influence in China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

General Song Taizu

• The founder of the Song Dynasty (960–1279), known for his military leadership and establishment of a stable, centralized government.

• Encouraged cultural and intellectual developments.

Songtsen Gampo

• The 33rd king of Tibet, who played a crucial role in the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

• Known for marrying Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, strengthening ties between Tibet and China.

Wu Zetian (Empress Wu)

• The only female emperor in Chinese history, ruling during the Tang Dynasty.

• She consolidated power through manipulation and support from the Buddhist clergy and was known for her ambitious political and military strategies.

Zhu Xi

• A leading Neo-Confucian philosopher during the Song Dynasty.

• His interpretation of Confucianism became the standard curriculum in imperial China.

Archipelago

• A group of islands clustered together in a large body of water.

• Notably, Japan is an archipelago with four main islands and many smaller ones.

Whirling Dance

• A type of dance commonly associated with Sufi traditions in the Islamic world.

• Involves spinning in circles, representing spiritual ascension and connection to the divine.

Scholar-bureaucrats

• Educated individuals in China who passed the civil service exams and worked as government officials.

• Formed the backbone of the imperial bureaucracy.

Ch'ang-an

• The capital city of several Chinese dynasties, especially during the Tang Dynasty.

• A cultural and political hub, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and diverse population.

Hangzhou

• The capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), known for its beauty, commerce, and culture.

• Famous for its West Lake and as a center of the silk trade.

General An Lushan (An Lushan Rebellion)

• A military general who led a rebellion against the Tang Dynasty in 755, weakening the dynasty.

• The rebellion caused massive destruction and led to political instability.

Cultural Diffusion

• The spread of cultural elements such as language, religion, technology, and art between societies.

• The Silk Road and maritime trade routes were key to cultural diffusion across Asia and Europe.

MONGOLS

• A nomadic people originating from the Central Asian steppes, known for their vast empire under Genghis Khan.

• The Mongol Empire was one of the largest contiguous empires in history.

Asian Steppe

• A vast, treeless plain stretching across Central Asia, home to many nomadic cultures, including the Mongols.

• It played a significant role in the rise of the Mongol Empire.

Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan)

• The founder and first emperor of the Mongol Empire, known for his military genius and unification of the Mongol tribes.

• Conquered much of Asia and parts of Europe.

Shamans

• Religious leaders who act as intermediaries between humans and the spiritual world.

• Often found in Central Asia and other indigenous cultures, playing roles in healing, rituals, and divination.

The Khanates

• The divisions of the Mongol Empire after Genghis Khan’s death, ruled by his descendants.

• Major Khanates included the Golden Horde, the Ilkhanate, and the Yuan Dynasty in China.

Tanistry

• A system of succession in Mongol and other Central Asian cultures, where the successor was chosen from among the most capable family members.

• Practiced in the early Mongol Empire before hereditary succession became common.

Pax Mongolica

• A period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire (13th–14th centuries) that facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and travel across Eurasia.

Golden Horde

• A Mongol state in the western part of the Mongol Empire, covering parts of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Eastern Europe.

• It was named after the "Golden" color of the khan's tent and was known for its dominance over Russia.

Bantu Migrations

• The movement of Bantu-speaking peoples from West Africa to other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

• They spread agriculture, ironworking, and language across much of Africa.

Sahel

• A semi-arid region in Africa, just south of the Sahara Desert, that has been a center of trade and culture.

• It is home to important historical empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

Animism

• The belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe have souls or spirits.

• Found in many indigenous religions, especially in Africa and Asia.

Sundiata

• The founder of the Mali Empire, known for his victory over the Soso Empire and establishing a powerful kingdom in West Africa.

Mansa Musa

• The wealthy emperor of Mali, famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and his promotion of Islam and education in his empire.

• His wealth and generosity were legendary.

Mecca

• A holy city in Saudi Arabia, central to Islam, as it is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba.

• It is the destination for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Trans-Saharan Trade

• Trade routes crossing the Sahara Desert, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and slaves between West Africa, North Africa, and Europe.

Ibn Batutta & Marco Polo

• Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler who documented his extensive journeys across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

• Marco Polo was an Italian merchant whose travels to China and Asia were recorded and sparked European interest in the East.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

• A trade network connecting East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Southeast Asia, and China.

• It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

Dhow

• A type of sailing vessel used in the Indian Ocean trade.

• Characterized by its lateen sails, dhows were crucial for maritime trade across the Arabian Sea and beyond.

Sui Dynasty (581–618)

• The Sui Dynasty was the short-lived dynasty that reunited China after a period of disunity.

• Emperor Yang Jian, the founder, undertook major reforms, including the creation of the Grand Canal, which connected northern and southern China.

• The Sui Dynasty laid the foundation for the more successful Tang Dynasty, although it collapsed due to over-expansion and heavy taxation.

Tang Dynasty (618–907)

• The Tang Dynasty is considered one of China's golden ages, marked by cultural, political, and economic achievements.

• The dynasty expanded China's borders significantly, promoted trade along the Silk Road, and saw the spread of Buddhism.

• The capital city, Ch’ang-an, was a cosmopolitan center of commerce and culture.

• The Tang Code established a legal system that influenced later Chinese dynasties.

• The civil service examination system was formalized during this period, allowing for the recruitment of talented bureaucrats based on merit.

Song Dynasty (960–1279) & Southern Song (1127–1279)

• The Song Dynasty was known for its advancements in technology, trade, and culture.

• The Northern Song (960–1127) was eventually overthrown by the Jurchen, who established the Jin Dynasty. The Southern Song (1127–1279) continued from the southern capital of Hangzhou.

• The Song Dynasty is credited with major technological innovations like printing, gunpowder, and the compass.

• The period saw the rise of a merchant class and booming international trade, particularly through the maritime routes.

• Neo-Confucianism, led by thinkers like Zhu Xi, became dominant during the Song Dynasty.

Jin Dynasty (1115–1234)

• The Jin Dynasty was founded by the Jurchen people, who conquered the northern part of China, defeating the Liao Dynasty.

• The Jin dynasty ruled over northern China while the Southern Song Dynasty controlled the south, leading to a divided China.

• Eventually, the Jin were defeated by the Mongols under Genghis Khan.

Sinification of Vietnam (Ly), Tibet (Yarlung), Korea (Silla & Koryo), & Japan (Heian)

Vietnam (Ly Dynasty)

• The Ly Dynasty (1009–1225) is when Vietnam experienced significant Sinification, incorporating Chinese culture, governance, and Confucian ideals.

• Buddhism also became the dominant religion during this period.

• Vietnam retained its own identity but adopted many aspects of Chinese administration and culture, including the use of Chinese characters.

Tibet (Yarlung Dynasty)

• The Yarlung Dynasty (7th–9th centuries) saw Tibet engage in Sinification under the influence of China, particularly during the Tang Dynasty.

• The marriage of Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to Chinese princesses helped strengthen ties with the Tang Dynasty and facilitated the introduction of Chinese culture, Buddhism, and governance.

• However, Tibet also retained its distinct religious and political structures, resisting complete Sinification.

Korea (Silla & Koryo Dynasties)

• Silla Dynasty (57 BCE–935 CE): Korea's Silla Dynasty was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, particularly during the Tang Dynasty. Silla adopted Confucianism and Buddhism and modeled its government structure on the Chinese imperial system.

• Koryo Dynasty (918–1392): The Koryo Dynasty continued many of these Sinified practices but also developed its own unique culture. The Koryo rulers were influenced by China in terms of governance, military structure, and the promotion of Confucian ideals, but they maintained Korean cultural distinctiveness.

Japan (Heian Period)

• The Heian Period (794–1185) saw Japan adopting many elements of Chinese culture, including Chinese writing, Confucian principles, and Buddhist practices.

• During the Heian period, Japan's aristocracy embraced Chinese culture, but the development of a unique Japanese culture, especially in art, literature, and religion, led to the creation of Japan's distinct identity.

Ghana Empire (circa 300 AD – 1200 AD)

• The Ghana Empire was one of the earliest empires in West Africa, known for its wealth derived from controlling trade routes, particularly in gold and salt.

• The capital city of Koumbi Saleh was a thriving commercial center.

• Ghana's rulers adopted Islam after trade with Muslim merchants but maintained traditional religious practices.

• The empire eventually declined due to internal strife and external invasions.

Mali Empire (1235–1600)

• The Mali Empire was one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in West Africa, particularly during the reign of Mansa Musa.

• Mansa Musa, the most famous emperor, made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, demonstrating his immense wealth and spreading Islamic culture across the empire.

• Timbuktu became a major center of learning and culture, attracting scholars, artists, and merchants.

• Mali’s wealth was largely derived from its control of trans-Saharan trade, particularly in gold and salt.

Songhai Empire (circa 1464–1591)

• The Songhai Empire succeeded Mali as the dominant power in West Africa and became one of the largest and most powerful empires in African history.

• The empire was known for its military strength, its centralized government, and its control over the lucrative trade routes in West Africa.

• Timbuktu remained a major intellectual and cultural hub during the Songhai period.

• The empire eventually fell to a Moroccan invasion in 1591.

Timbuktu

• Located in present-day Mali, Timbuktu was a major center of trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship during the medieval period.

• It became a renowned city for its libraries, universities, and learning institutions, particularly during the Mali and Songhai empires.

• Scholars from all over the Islamic world came to Timbuktu to study and exchange ideas.

Swahili Coast

• The Swahili Coast stretches along the East African coastline, from southern Somalia to northern Mozambique.

• It was a hub of trade and culture, with cities like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar thriving through maritime trade with the Arabian Peninsula, India, and later, Europe.

• The Swahili people developed a unique culture that blended African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences.

• The Swahili language, which emerged as a lingua franca in this region, is still spoken today, with Arabic and Bantu influences.