AP World History: Unit 2 - Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–1450)

Silk Roads

A network of overland routes connecting East Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Luxury Goods

High-value, low-weight goods traded along the Silk Roads.

Mongol Empire

Unified the Eurasian landmass, leading to improved trade safety.

Flying Cash

A Chinese credit system allowing merchants to deposit and withdraw paper money.

Banking House

Early institutions in Europe that handled bills of exchange.

Bill of Exchange

A document promising payment at a set date to the holder.

Kashgar

A critical trading city located in Western China.

Samarkand

A city in Uzbekistan, known for cultural exchange and trade.

Caravanserai

Fortified inns along trade routes where travelers could rest.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire, known for his military prowess.

Yuan Dynasty

The Mongol dynasty established in China by Kublai Khan.

Golden Horde

The Mongol Khanate that ruled over Russia and demanded tribute.

Il-Khanate

The Mongol Khanate that conquered Baghdad and ended the Abbasid Caliphate.

Chagatai Khanate

The Mongol Khanate that controlled the Silk Road trade hubs.

Pax Mongolica

The period of stability under Mongol rule that facilitated trade.

Stern Rudder

An innovation from China that improved ship steering and stability.

Lateen Sail

A triangular sail that allowed ships to navigate against the wind.

Astrolabe

An instrument used by sailors to determine latitude by the stars.

Dhow

A type of ship used in Arab and Indian Ocean trade.

Junk

A Chinese ship structure characterized by watertight compartments.

Sultanate of Malacca

An Islamic kingdom that controlled trade through the Strait of Malacca.

Swahili City-States

East African city-states that engaged in trade with the Indian Ocean.

Diasporic Communities

Merchant communities settled in foreign lands to facilitate trade.

Admiral Zheng He

A Ming Dynasty admiral known for leading large trade expeditions.

Camel Saddle

An innovation that enhanced the capacity of camels for trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade

The network of trade routes across the Sahara Desert.

Mali Empire

A West African empire that became dominant in trade and culture.

Mansa Musa

The wealthy ruler of Mali noted for his pilgrimage to Mecca.

Timbuktu

A center for Islamic learning and trade in the Mali Empire.

Sundiata

The founder of the Mali Empire, known for his legendary achievements.

Buddhism

A religion that spread through trade routes into East Asia.

Hinduism

A religion that spread into Southeast Asia, influencing local cultures.

Islam

A religion that spread in Africa and South Asia through trade.

Ibn Battuta

A Moroccan traveler who documented his extensive journeys in the Islamic world.

Marco Polo

A Venetian traveler whose accounts of China fascinated Europe.

Margery Kempe

An English mystic known for her autobiographical travel writings.

Champa Rice

A drought-resistant rice that led to population growth in China.

Bananas

A calorie-rich crop that facilitated Bantu migrations in Africa.

Sugar/Citrus

Luxury crops that increased demand and led to plantation slavery.

Bubonic Plague

A disease transmitted via trade routes that devastated Europe's population.

Hanseatic League

An alliance of cities for trade control in Northern Europe.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities through interaction.

Economic Impact

Effects of trade on local economies, including wealth accumulation.

Technological Innovations

Advancements that improved trade efficiency and navigation.

Religious Tolerance

A characteristic of Mongol governance, allowing diverse beliefs.

Feudalism Decline

The reduction of feudal systems due to labor shortages after the plague.

Flow of Trade Goods

The exchange of items such as gold, salt, and textiles through trade routes.