AP World Prep

Mongol Empire

Largest land empire; promoted trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia via the Pax Mongolica.

Pax Mongolica

Period of relative stability that improved Silk Road safety and trade under Mongol rule.

Silk Roads

Overland trade routes connecting China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Indian Ocean Trade

Maritime network linking East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia using monsoon winds.

Monsoon winds

Seasonal wind patterns that sailors used to navigate Indian Ocean trade routes.

Caravanserai

Roadside inns that supported merchants and caravans along the Silk Roads.

Swahili city-states

East African port cities that blended African and Islamic culture and profited from Indian Ocean trade.

Mansa Musa's hajj

Pilgrimage that increased Mali's prestige and deepened trans-Saharan connections.

Trans-Saharan trade

Trade network across the Sahara exchanging gold, salt, and enslaved people.

Zheng He

Ming admiral who led massive treasure fleets to project Chinese power across the Indian Ocean.

Treasure fleets

Large Chinese expeditions that showcased Ming wealth and reinforced tributary ties.

Black Death

Bubonic plague that spread along trade routes and caused massive population loss in Eurasia.

Paper money

Currency used in Song China that facilitated long-distance commerce.

Commercialization

Growth of trade and markets leading to increased urbanization and economic specialization.

Diasporic merchant communities

Communities like Muslims and Jews who facilitated trade across regions.

Technological transfer

Spread of innovations like gunpowder, paper, and the compass across Afro-Eurasia.

Cultural syncretism

Blending of cultural traditions along trade routes (e.g., Swahili culture).

Bill of exchange

Early form of credit allowing merchants to travel without carrying large amounts of coin.

Song China maritime trade

Growth of seaborne commerce supported by better ships and navigational tech.

Magnetic compass

Navigation tool that improved long-distance sea travel.

Yam system

Mongol postal relay stations that sped communication and trade across Eurasia.

Astrolabe

Instrument used to measure latitude and aid navigation on Indian Ocean routes.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant whose travel accounts reflected Eurasian connectivity under the Mongols.

Sogdian merchants

Central Asian traders who facilitated Silk Road exchanges between China and the Middle East.

Samarkand

Silk Road oasis city that prospered as a hub of trade and cultural exchange.

Kashgar

Central Asian city at a key Silk Road crossroads connecting China and the West.

Calicut (Kozhikode)

Major Indian Ocean port city on India's Malabar Coast known for spice trade.

Strait of Malacca

Strategic chokepoint connecting the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

Malacca Sultanate

Powerful port state that controlled trade through the Strait of Malacca.

Kilwa

Wealthy Swahili city-state linked to gold trade from the African interior.

Sofala

East African port trading gold with Indian Ocean merchants.

Venice

European merchant republic that controlled Mediterranean trade and linked to Silk Road goods.

Genoese merchants

Italian traders who competed with Venice in Mediterranean commerce.

Hanseatic League

Northern European merchant alliance that dominated Baltic and North Sea trade.

Caravan trade

Overland merchant travel using camels and pack animals across deserts and steppes.

Camel saddle

Technology that enabled large-scale trans-Saharan trade by increasing cargo capacity.

Ibn Battuta

Moroccan traveler whose journeys illustrated Islamic and trade connections across Afro-Eurasia.

Chinese junk ships

Large, sturdy vessels that expanded Chinese maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.

Sternpost rudder

Ship technology that improved maneuverability and long-distance navigation.

Lateen sail

Triangular sail adopted widely that improved sailing against the wind.

Luxury goods trade

Exchange of high-value goods like silk, spices, and porcelain over long distances.

Porcelain

High-quality Chinese ceramics that were widely traded across Afro-Eurasia.

Spice trade

Commerce in pepper, cloves, and other spices that enriched Indian Ocean ports.

Spread of Islam to Southeast Asia

Merchant activity and Sufi missionaries introduced Islam to port cities and rulers.

Bubonic plague

Another name for the Black Death, spread along trade routes in the 1300s.

Trade diasporas

Minority merchant communities that facilitated commerce across regions.

Emporia

Large trade cities where merchants from many regions exchanged goods.

Credit systems

Financial tools like bills of exchange that reduced risk in long-distance trade.

Caravanserai networks

Chain of inns that provided security and supplies for overland merchants.

Pax Mongolica security

Mongol enforcement that reduced banditry and supported safer trade routes.