AP World History Semester 1 Key Terms

Astrolabe

An elaborate device historically used by astronomers and navigators. Its uses include locating and predicting the positions of the sun, moon, and planets, determining local time, and to cast horoscopes. It was used in the Islamic Golden Age, the European Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Was invented in the Hellenistic world in about 150 BC.

Black Stone

meteorite placed in shrine (Ka'ba) in Mecca, Muslims pay homage to it

bakufu

military-style government of the Japanese shogun

Brahma

(Brahmin) The highest social class in Indian society compromised of priests and scholars. Class system was justified by the creation story about Purusha. The Brahmins were the embodiment of intellect and knowledge. They taught about reincarnation and how it was connected to the class system. The underlying message of their teachings was that the only way to improve your situation is to perform your duties and then be born into a higher class. Their duties included performing prayers, rituals, and sacrifices.

The Anasazi

1,000-3,000 CE. Important culture of what is now the Southwest United States. Centered on Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Mesa Verde in Colorado, the Anasazi culture built multistory residences and worshiped in subterranean buildings called kivas. Had to learn how to grow corn, squash, and beans in the dry land they lived on. Stored water to use during droughts. Had many gods that were often represented by elements of nature.

Axum/Ethiopia

A Christian state in Africa that developed Coptic Christianity because of the strong Muslim influence and isolation from other branches of Christianity. Also identified as Ethiopia in medieval writings. Was a naval and trading power that ruled northwest Africa for 1,000 years. Had a long relationship with Islam.

Cardinal Richelieu

A French clergyman and noble that lived from 1585 to 1642. He was first consecrated as a bishop but later entered politics. He rose to Secretary of State and then to Louis XIII's chief minister. He was succeeded by Mazarin, who had been his student. Sought to consolidate royal power by restraining the influence of the nobility. Tried to ensure French dominance in the 30 Years War by checking the power of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty. Famous patron of the arts.

Albrecht Durer

A German artist who lived from 1471 to 1528 who has been conventionally regarded as the greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance. His woodcuts established his reputation across Europe. His body of work includes altarpieces, religious works, numerous portraits, self-portraits, and copper engravings. The woodcuts retained a Gothic style. One of the first European landscape artists. Also was involved in principles of mathematics and perspective.

Bartolomeu Dias

A Portuguese explorer who was a nobleman of the royal household. He sailed around the southernmost tip of Africa in 1488, the first European known to have done so. Appointed by King John II of Portugal to do this in hopes of finding trade routes to India. Named his discovery The Cape of Good Hope on his return voyage became it opened a route to the east, eliminating the middlemen.

Adam Smith

A Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economy who lived from 1723 to 1790. Best known for his class work "The Wealth of Nations". Laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory. Was very controversial in his own day and received a lot of criticism. Worked as a teacher and tutor throughout Europe. Expounded on how rational self-interest and competition can lead to economic prosperity.

1683 - Unsuccessful Ottoman siege of Vienna

A battle of the Holy Roman Empire in alliance with the Holy League versus the Muslim Ottoman Empire and their chiefdoms. Took place at a mountain near _____. Marked the beginning of the political hegemony of the Habsburg dynasty in the Holy Roman Empire and Central Europe. Won by the combined forces of the Holy League and the Holy Roman Empire. Marked the turning point in the Ottoman-Habsburg wars.

Agora

A central spot in ancient Greek city-states. Means "gathering place" or "assembly". Was the center of athletic, artistic, spiritual, and political life of the city. Citizens often gathered there for military duty or to hear statements from the king. Later, it also served as a marketplace where merchants kept stalls to sell their goods. Greek equivalent of the Roman forum. Still present in the majority of Mediterranean social and urban structures.

Babur

A conqueror from Central Asia who, following a series of setbacks, finally succeeded in laying the basis for the Mughal dynasty in the Indian subcontinent and became its first emperor. Was a direct descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. Culturally influenced by the Persians. He lived from 1483 to 1530. Pursued interests in art and literature.

1600 - Battle of Sekigahara

A decisive battle which cleared the path to the Shogunate for Tokugawa Leyasu. It took him three more years to consolidate his position of power but it is widely considered to be the beginning of the Tokugawa Bakufu, the last shogunate to control Japan. Leyasu's forces fought against those of Mitsunari. He redistributed the land, rewarding those who had helped him and became quite wealthy himself.

Boers

A distinct group of the larger Afrikaner nation. It denotes the descendants of the Dutch-speaking settlers of the Eastern Cape frontier in southern Africa during the 18th century, as well as those who had left the Cape Colony during the 19th century to settle in an independent sovereign republic. Their primary motivations for leaving the Cape were to escape British rule and extract themselves from constant border wars.

Bill of Rights

A document of the Parliament of England passed in 1689. It laid down limits on the powers of the crown, set out the rights of Parliament, rulers for freedom of speech, the requirement for regular elections to Parliament, and the right to petition the monarch. Established the liberty of Protestants and condemned James II. Invited William and Mary of Orange to become joint sovereigns of England. One of the most important documents in British political history.

Absolute monarchies

A form of government in which the ______ has complete power over his or her people. Wields unrestricted political power. They are often hereditary positions. In theory, they exercise total power over the land but in practice, they are often counterbalanced by political groups from the aristocracy, clergy, etc. Some have weak or symbolic legislatures. Historical examples include Russia and France for a period of time.

Bands

A group of people with a common interest or purpose. They tended to be nomadic or hunter gathers who followed their game or food sources. They were partly responsible for the beginnings of agriculture.

Boyars

A member of the highest rank of the feudal Bulgarian and Kievan Russian aristocracies. They were second only to the ruling princes from the 10th century to the 17th century. They wielded considerable power through their military support of the princes. Occupied the highest state offices and received extensive grants of land. Usually similar to knights but after the Mongol invasion, much of their power was lost.

Asante (Ashanti)

A nation of people who live predominantly in, and are native to, Ghana and the Ivory Coast of Africa. They speak the Akan language and the _____ dialect. Prior to European colonization, they developed a large and influential empire in West Africa. Grew from a loose confederation of small city-states. Finally defeated by Britain in 1901 after much resistance.

Baroque

A period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance and music. The style began around 1600 in Rome and spread to most of Europe. Its popularity was encouraged by the Catholic Church, which decided that the arts should communicate religious themes in direct and emotional involvement.

1492 - Reconquista of Spain

A period of history of the Iberian Peninsula that lasted from the first Islamic invasion to the fall of Granada, the last Islamic state on the peninsula. Christian rulers stressed the Christian and Muslim cultural divide and the necessity to drive the Muslims out. They commonly fought among themselves. The European Crusades served to confirm the idea of a Christian attempt to establish their presence throughout the world.

1618-1648 - 30 Years War

A series of wars fought principally in Central Europe, involving most of the countries of Europe. It was one of the longest and most destructive conflicts in European history. Began with religion as the motivation (Protestant vs. Catholic) but developed into a more general conflict. A major consequence was the devastation of entire regions by famine, disease, and even bankruptcy. Ended with treaties that were part of the Peace of Westphalia.

1607 - Foundation of Jamestown

A settlement in the Colony of Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Established by the Virginia Company of London after several other failed attempts. Served as the capital of the colony for 83 years. Located within the territory of the Powhatan Confederacy. The natives provided crucial provisions for the survival of the colonists. They eventually engaged in brutal warfare. Brought Polish and dutch colonists, and eventually Africans to serve as slaves.

Bureaucracy

A type of government administration managed by departments staffed with nonelected officials. Often criticized for their complexity, inefficiency, inflexibility, and seen as a threat to individual freedom. Today, it refers to the administration governing any large institution. Used throughout history in places including Sumer, ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and Confucian China.

British East India Company

An English joint-stock company formed for pursuing trade with the ____ _______. Commonly traded in basic commodities such as cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, tea, and opium. They received their royal charter from Queen Elizabeth in 1600. Shares of the company were owned by wealthy merchants and aristocrats. The government had only indirect control. Eventually came to rule large areas of the Indian subcontinent. Dissolved in 1874 and absorbed into the English government

Arth-sastra

An Indian treatise on government written by Kautilya, a Brahmin that guided Chandragupta in his conquests and consolidation of power. It is a product of the third century CE in its present form but probably goes back to Kautilya. It is a pragmatic guide to political success and advocates the mandala theory of foreign policy. Also presents schemes for increasing tax revenues and prescribes the use of spies to watch the kingdom. Includes the topics of statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.

Cardinal Mazarin

An Italian Catholic clergy member, diplomat, and politician, who served as the chief minister of France. He lived from 1602 until 1661. He was a noted collector of art and jewels and is known for bequeathing diamonds to Louis XIV. He studied at a Jesuit College and served as a captain of the infantry. Was not liked by ordinary Frenchmen. Very involved in the politics of the Church and France.

Amerigo Vespucci

An Italian explorer, navigator, and cartographer who lived from 1454 to 1512. He was the first to demonstrate that Brazil and the West Indies did not represent Asia's eastern outskirts as Columbus had believed. Instead he said that they constituted an entirely separate landmass they hadn't known about before. Originally referred to as the New World, it eventually was named for this explorer.

Augustine

An early Christian theologian whose writings are considered very influential in the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. Was the bishop of Hippo in the Roman province of Africa. Viewed as one of the most important Fathers of the Church. Helped to formulate the doctrine of original sin after his own conversion. Many of his teachings are not accepted in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, and various cities.

Catal Huyuk

An early Neolithic town located in central Turkey. Its ruins cover 32 acres and include elaborately decorated mud-brick houses. The walls of the houses form a continuous wall around the town. Prospered from long distance trade in obsidian that craftspeople used to make tools, weapons, etc. There is no evidence of a dominant class or centralized political structure. Surrounded by agricultural fields. Hunting still important and prominently featured in wall paintings. Numerous diverse religious shrines full of female goddesses. Metallurgy was an important economic activity and technology.

Buddhism

Based on the teachings and beliefs of Siddhartha Gautama, "the Enlightened One." The main principles are the Four Noble Truths : 1. life is suffering 2. suffering comes from desire 3. the solution lies in curbing desire 4. desire can be curbed by following the Eightfold Path of right view, aspiration, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditation. He soon attracted many followers. It center on the individual and seeking Enlightenment. He left no final instructions when he died. Spread throughout and was influential in India, Central, Southeast, and East Asia. Eventually split into multiple sects.

5th century BCE - Greek Golden Age and birth of philosophy

Began with the successful defense of the Greek homeland. The Athenians built up their navy and became an imperial power. They transformed warfare and politics and brought power and wealth to Athens. A new democratic system emerged. The economy grew and beautiful monuments were built. The profits of the empire attracted creative artists and thinkers. These teachers instructed people in the new discipline of rhetoric. They included Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who all revolutionized philosophy in Greece.

"The Middle Kingdom"

Chinese belief that they were the center of the world

Alexandria, Egypt

City on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt founded by Alexander. It became the capital of the Hellenistic kingdom of the Ptolemies. It contained the famous Library and the Museum - a center for leading scientific and literary figures. Its merchants engaged in trade with areas bordering the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Linked Egypt and the Mediterranean worlds. Had a population of half a million that was extremely diverse and encourage mixing of lifestyles.

Bantu

Collective name of a large group of sub-Saharan African languages and of the peoples speaking these languages. Moved south through Africa spreading language and culture. Comes from word meaning "people". The migration of Bantu-speakers (who originated near modern boundary of Nigeria and Cameroon) likely spread iron technology. Established an economic basis for new societies. Traditions mixed with preexisting societies to become Pan-African practices.

333 CE - Roman capital moved to Constantinople

Constantine transferred the imperial capital from Rome to Byzantium, an ancient Greek city on the Bosporus strait leading from the Mediterranean into the Black Sea. It was renamed in honor of the emperor. The move reflected changes already taking place. It was closer than Rome to the threatened borders in eastern Europe. The urban centers and middle class better withstood the 3rd century crisis. More educated people and more Christians lived in the area.

220 CE - end of Han Dynasty

Eventually created when Liu Bang (Gaozu) prevailed among rebel groups. They created the machinery and ideology of imperial government that would prevail for two millennia. Maintained many Legalist-inspired institutions to control diverse populations and territories. Faced challenges to recover from the rebellions. Fell into decline because military vigilance burdened finances. They were forced to hire foreign soldiers that weren't always loyal to the state. Civil wars broke out and Cao Cao terminated the dynasty.

1571 - Battle of Lepanto

Fought between a fleet of the Holy League, an alliance of southern European Catholic states, and the main fleet of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were decisively defeated after about five hours of fighting on the edge of the Gulf of Corinth off the coast of Greece. The victory of the Holy League prevented the Ottomans from expanding further along the Mediterranean. It was the last major naval battle in the Mediterranean fought entirely between galleys.

Battle of Thermopylae

Fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I in 480 BCE. Took place over three days during the second Persian invasion of Greece. A small Greek force managed to hold off a huge Persian army by blocking a narrow pass. Eventually, the Persians overran them and were victorious. However, the following year the Persian army was defeated the invasion unsuccessful. The battle is seen as one of the best examples of the damage that an army defending their native soil can inflict on a larger opponent.

Caesar Augustus (Octavian)

Founder of the Roman Empire and its first ruler. Born into a wealthy plebian family. Formed the 2nd triumvirate to defeat the assassins of Julius Caesar. Restored the outward appearance of a republic but actually retained power as a military dictator. His reign issued an era of relative peace known as pax romana. Dramatically enlarged the size of the empire. Reformed the tax system, developed networks of roads, established a standing army, and rebuilt much of the city. Succeeded as Emperor by his adopted son, Tiberius.

323 BCE - Alexander the Great

His death suddenly at the age of 32. It began a half-century of chaos as the most ambitious of his officers struggled for control of the empire. It was broken up into three major kingdoms, each ruled by a Macedonian dynasty - the Seleucid, Ptolemaic, and Antigonid kingdoms. They were frequently at odds with each other, a rough balance of power. The epoch was known as the Hellenistic Age because many lands were powerfully influenced by Greek culture.

Byzantine Empire

Historians' name for the Eastern portion of the Roman Empire from the fourth century onward, taken from an early name for Constantinople, the capital city. The empire fell to the Ottomans in 1453. The emperors established Christianity as their official religion. Inherited Roman traditions and combined them with the political rule of the Eastern church. Constant military pressure deprived the empire of long periods of peace. Situated as a center of commerce between cultures.

Aryans

Immigrants who arrived at the Ganges River Valley by the year 1000 BCE from Persia or central Asia. Settled with the Harrappans in India. Vedas (collection of hymns, songs, prayers, and rituals honoring the gods of the Aryans) suggested the beginning of the caste system. Spoke Indo-Aryan languages.

Alexander the Great

King of Macedonia in northern Greece. Between 334 and 323, he conquered the Persian Empire, reached the Indus Valley, founded many Greek-style cities, and spread Greek culture across the Middle East. Son of Phillip II of Macedonia. Maintained the framework of Persian administration, recognizing it was well-adapted to local cultures. Adopted some elements of Persian culture and married several Iranian women. Additionally had visions of glory but bean to see himself as legitimate successor. Saw the difficulty of using brute force and so used cooperation like the Achaemenids.

Attila the Hun

Leader of the Hunnic Empire, which stretched from the Ural River to the Rhine River and from the Danube to the Baltic Sea. Was one of the most feared enemies of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. Was unable to take Constantinople or Rome, however, United his subjects to create one of the most powerful armies Asia had ever seen. Plundered and mercilessly devastated everything in his path.

180 CE - end of Pax Romana

Literally, "Roman peace", it connoted the stability and prosperity that Roman rule brought to the lands of the Roman Empire in the first two centuries CE. The movement of people and trade goods along Roman roads and safe seas allowed for the spread of cultural practices, technologies, and religious ideas. Some urban dwellers grew rich. Rome was able to import massive quantities of grain and other products to feed their population. Merchants traded in luxury goods from outside the empire. The central government transferred wealth to the interior provinces.

Ashurbanipal

One of the last kings of the Neo-Assyrian empire. His palace was located in Nineveh, where archaeologists have discovered more than 25,000 tablets or fragments that make up the famous Library of Ashurbanipal. It contained official documents and literary and scientific texts. Much of our knowledge of Mesopotamian culture comes from this discovery. Was a popular king but known for his cruel actions toward his enemies. Ruled from 668-627 BCE.

1533 - Pizarro toppled the Inca

One of the most important campaigns in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. After years of preliminary exploration and skirmishes, 168 Spanish soldiers and their allies captured the native leader, Atahualpa, at the Battle of Cajamarca. It took decades of fighting but ended in Spanish victory and colonization of the region as the Viceroyalty of Peru.

221 BCE - Qin unifies China

One of the states during the Zhou Warring States Period. Conquered its rivals and related China's first empire. Founded by Shi Huangdi, who used severe Legalist methods to exploit the natural and human resources of the empire. Targeted rival landowning aristocracies and put in place a new and centrally controlled administrative system with district officials appointed by the king. Emerged as the winner because of its military preparedness, adoption of Legalist methods, and ambition of Shi Huangdi.

Assyrians

People that came from northern Mesopotamia and created the Neo-Assyrian empire from 900-600 BCE. The empire extended from western Iran to Syria-Palestine. They used force and terror and exploited the wealth and labor of their subjects. They also preserved and continued the scientific and cultural developments of Mesopotamian culture. Important areas of control were the Tigris River and Fertile Crescent. Created a new kind of empire dedicated to the enrichment of the imperial center. Controlled international commerce throughout the empire

Benedict of Nursia

Responsible for introducing the Egyptian practice of monasticism to western Europe. Began his career as a hermit in a cave but eventually organized several monasteries, each headed by an abbot. Monasteries based on his rule spread far beyond Italy. The rule he wrote envisions a life of devotion and work, along with celibacy, poverty, and obedience. Was the starting point for most forms of western European monastic life and remains in force today. Later recognized as a saint.

Caravels

Small, highly maneuverable three-masted ships used by the Portuguese and Spanish in the exploration of the Atlantic. First developed in the 15th century under the sponsorship of Henry the Navigator. The use of lateen sails gave them speed and the ability to sail into the wind. Their economy, speed, agility, and power made them the best sailing vessels of their time. A drawback included limited space for crew and cargo, which made them less profitable.

1588 - Defeat of the Spanish Armada by the British

The "Invincible" fleet of Spain suffered a great loss to an English naval force under the command of Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake. The fleet had been on a mission to secure control of the English Channel and transport a Spanish army to the British Isle. It consisted of 130 ships carrying 2,500 guns, 8,000 seamen, and almost 20,000 soldiers. Their ships were slower and less well-armed than their opponents. Introduced effective long-range weapons to naval warfare.

Beginnings of Bronze Age and early civilizations - 3,000 BCE

The Bronze Age is the era in which bronze was the primary metal for tools and weapons. The dates varied around the world. The demand for bronze helped create long-distance networks for trade. This time period was characterized by a shift from stone tools, as well as the development of trade routes and ideographic and syllabic writing.

476 - Fall of Rome

The Western Empire was increasingly overrun by Germanic peoples. The last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was abdicated. Often seen as the end of Roman history. Declined because of political, military, and economic problems. These included the frequent change of rulers, Germanic raids during periods of anarchy, several regions breaking away from the central government, and the population shift to the countryside.

Animism

The attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena. Found in many religions before the advent of world religions like Christianity and Buddhism. There are many religions like this in East Asia, especially in undeveloped areas in the form of folk religion. Usually grew out of primal religions mixed with a world religion. Often involve a strong element of fear.

Beginnings of agriculture - 8,000 BCE

The change from food gathering to food production. Agriculture arose independently in many places. In some places, it included the domestication of animals for food as well as crops. Maybe have been caused by global climate changes. A turning point in history because it allowed for a rapid increase in population and altered humans' relationship with nature. Agriculture arose in combination with new kinds of stone tools.

The Analects

The collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries. Believed to have been written during the Warring States Period and finished in the mid-Han dynasty. One of the central texts of Confucianism. Tried to teach virtue and fulfilling one's role in society. His goal was to produce men who would speak correctly and demonstrate integrity in all things.

527 - Justinian's rule of Byzantine Empire

The eastern empire flourished during this time period. A complete collection of laws and edicts was compiled in Latin by seventeen legal scholars. It was called Corpus Jurius Civilis (Body of Civil Law). The armies also briefly reoccupied some old imperial territories in Italy and Tunisia. The last monument to this reign was Constantinople's Hagia Sophia cathedral. It represents a continuation of artistic creativity manifested in religion. Also, an epidemic of bubonic plague characterized this time period.

Capitalism

The economic system of large financial institutions - banks, stock exchanges, investment companies - that first developed in early modern Europe. Commercial _______, the trading system of the early modern economy, is often distinguished from industrial _____, the system based on machine production. The means of production are controlled by private owners and is free from direct government interference.

1453 - Ottomans capture Constantinope

The fall of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, which occurred after a siege led by Sultan Mehmed II. It marked the end of the Roman Empire, which had lasted for nearly 1,500 years. It was also a massive setback for Christianity because it allowed Muslims to advanced much farther into Europe. Some historians use this event to mark the end of the Middle Ages.

Bartolome de las Casas

The first bishop of Chiapas in southern Mexico. He lived from 1474 to 1566. He devoted most of his life to protecting Amerindian peoples from exploitation. His major achievement was the New Laws of 1542, which limited the ability of Spanish settlers to compel Amerindians to labor for them. One of the first advocates for universal human rights.

Akbar the Great

The greatest ruler of the Mughal Dynasty in India who lived from 1542 to 1605. Enlarged the Empire to include nearly all of the Indian subcontinent. Established a centralized system of administration and adopted a policy of integrating conquered rulers through diplomacy. Won the support of his non-Muslim subjects. Developed a strong and stable economy, leading to commercial expansion and a growth of culture. Patron of art and literature. Powerful military system.

1492- Columbus sailed the ocean blue

The first voyage of a famous Italian explorer who was sponsored by the monarchs of Spain. This voyage along with his others marked the beginning of the European exploration and colonization of the American continents. He believed falsely that the lands he had reached were part of Asia and refused to accept that, in fact, he had "discovered" the Americas.

Atahualpa

The last ruler of the Inca Empire before the Spanish conquest. Lived from 1497 to 1533. Became emperor when he defeated his half-brother in a civil war sparked by the death of their father. He was captured by Francisco Pizarro during the Spanish conquest and used to control the Incas. He was eventually executed, effectively ending and disintegrating the empire.

Bhagavad-Gita

The most important work of Indian sacred literature, a dialogue between the great warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna on duty and the fate of the spirit. Attempts to depict the nature of deity by emphasizing the diversity and multiplicity of the god when, in reality, a higher unity lies behind these things. This is a metaphor for Indian civilization and how its diversity is united by shared views and values. Offers an attractive resolution to the tension in Indian civilization. Popular in Hinduism.

Catherine the Great

The most renowned and longest-ruling female leader of Russia from 1762 until 1796. Her reign was known as Russia's golden age. She was assisted by her highly successful generals and governed when Russia was expanding rapidly by conquest and diplomacy. Reformed the administration and founded many new cities. Continued to modernize Russia but had several rebellions because serfdom was still in effect. Age of the Russian Enlightenment.

Aborigines

The original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. There is great diversity among their communities, each with its own mix of cultures, customs, and languages. Estimates date their arrival up to 60,000 years ago. Most likely migrated from Africa long ago and then became isolated for much of their history. Mainly lived as hunter-gatherers and moved with the availability of food.

1689 - Glorious Revolution and the establishment of the English Bill of Rights

The overthrow of King James II of England by Parliament and William of Orange, who was Dutch. It permanently ended any chance of Catholicism being re-established in England. James's overthrow began modern English parliamentary democracy with the ______, one of the most important documents in the political history of Britain. Since then, the monarch has never held complete power.

Babylonians

The people of the city of Babylon, the most important city in Mesopotamia. Was particularly important under Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar. Became a major political and cultural center that participated in the destruction of the Assyrians. Was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian kingdom, during which it underwent a cultural renaissance.

6th century BCE - life of Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tsu

The period in which founders of three major religions/ ways of thought lived and spread their ideas during. One, "The Enlightened One" came from princely origins but soon rejected that lifestyle and searched for Nirvana. He gained many followers. The second attracted students to whom he presented his ideas on government, morality, and conduct. Influenced Chinese governments for many years. The last was the founder of its rival, Daoism. Urged a withdrawal from Chinese society and a return to the tranquility of nature.

Aurangzeb

The sixth Mughal Emperor that ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent. He lived from 1618 to 1707 and his reign lasted for 49 years. Among the wealthiest of all the Mughal rulers. A pious Muslim that abandoned some of Akbar's secular policies. A strong and effective ruler and with his death the great period of the Mughal Dynasty came to an end.

1517 - Martin Luther

The start of the Protestant Reformation marked by _____'s publication of his 95 Theses. He began by criticizing the relatively recent practice of selling indulgences but expanded to touch on many doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church. It led to the creation of many new Protestant churches. The core motivation behind these changes was theological but many other factors also played a part.

Aristotle

The third of the great classical philosophers after Socrates and Plato. Came from Stagira in the northern Aegean area. After several decades of study at Plato's Academy, he was chosen by Phillip II, who had a high regard for Greek culture, to tutor his son Alexander. Later, he founded his own school in Athens, the Lyceum. Collected and categorized a vast array of knowledge about politics, philosophy, ethics, logic, poetry, rhetoric, physics, astronomy, meteorology, zoology, and psychology

1488 - Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope

The year in which the first European sailed around the tip of Africa. The captain was appointed by King John II of Portugal with the hopes of finding a trade route to India. They sailed south along the western coast of Africa, went around the tip, and then turned back before reaching India. The entire expedition took about sixteen months. Significant because they realized they could bypass expensive overland routes and middlemen.

1521 - Cortez conquered the Aztecs

The year in which the siege of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, took place. It was under the direction of the Spanish conquistador, _______. Numerous battles were fought between the two groups but it was this final siege that was the decisive victory for the Spanish. The natives had the advantage of numbers but they were decimated by European diseases and superior weaponry.

Ashoka

Third ruler of the Mauryan Empire in India. He converted to Buddhism and broadcast his precepts on inscribed stones and pillars, the earliest surviving Indian writing. Was Chandragupta's grandson. Engaged in military campaigns that extended the boundaries of the empire. Preached nonviolence, morality, moderation, and religious tolerance in government and private life. Despite his commitment to peaceful means, he reminded transgressors that the king has the power to punish wrongdoers.

1502 - slaves to Americas

Took place across the Atlantic Ocean until the 19th century. The vast majority of the _____ were Africans from the central and western parts of the continent, sold to European traders by Africans. This system was crucial in helping European countries to create their overseas empires. The Portuguese were the first to engage in it and others followed. It is estimated that 12 million _____ were shipped.

Atlantic slave trade

Took place across the _____ Ocean from the 16th century to the 19th century. The vast majority were Africans from the central and western parts of the continent, sold to European traders, who transported them to both North and South America. Were considered cargo and moved as cheaply and quickly as possible. Estimates of the number shipped is as high as 12 million. Traders included Portugal, Britain, France, and Spain.

32 CE - Beginnings of Christianity

Took place during a period of general peace and prosperity. Roman governors of present-day Israel were insensitive to the Jewish belief in one god. Jews waited for the arrival of the Messiah, the "Anointed One," a military leader who would drive out the Romans and liberate the Jewish people. After Jesus' life and death, his followers spread his teachings among their fellow Jews and tried to persuade them that he was the Messiah and had been resurrected.

4th century - Beginnings of Trans-Saharan trade routes

Trading network linking North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa. Camel-riding nomads most likely pioneered these routes. Salt, forest products, and Roman agriculture were among the things exchanged in this system. Middlemen native to the Sahel (belt south of the Sahara) played an important role in this trade. Camel herding made it easier for people to roam the deep desert. It began as a trickle but soon expanded into a significant exchange of goods and ideas between numerous cultures.

Benedictine Rule

a collection of rules or guidelines for monks and monasteries; named for Benedict of Nursia; widely used in Europe in the Middle Ages

Carolingian family

a group of Frankish nobles that took control of the Frankish empire

caliph

a supreme political and religious leader in a Muslim government

Cahokia

an ancient settlement of southern Indians, located near present day St. Louis, it served as a trading center for 40,000 at its peak in A.D. 1200.

Aztecs

also known as Mexica, they created a powerful empire in central Mexico (1325-1521 C.E.). They forced defeated peoples to provide goods and labor as a tax.

Baghdad

capital city of Iraq; as heart of the Arab Empire, it was second only to Constantinople in terms of size and grandeur in 1000 C.E.

Bubonic Plague

disease brought to Europe from the Mongols during the Middle Ages. It killed 1/3 of the population and helps end Feudalism. Rats, fleas.

barter

exchange goods without involving money

Abu Bakr

first caliph after death of Muhammad

ayllus

in Incan society, a clan or community that worked together on projects required by the ruler

"golden age"

period of great cultural achievement

Africanity

perceived unity of the sub-Saharan cultures

Alexander Nevskii

prince of Novgorod; submitted to the invading Mongols in 1240

Bedouins

small groups of nomadic people in Arabia

canon law

the Church's own body of laws; this law applied to religious teachings, the behavior of the clergy, and even marriages and morals

caesaropapism

the dual role of the state and leader of the church in which a temporal ruler extends his own powers to theological and ecclesiastical matters

Black Death

the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe

caliphate

the territorial jurisdiction of a caliph