AP World History Unit 3 Review

Mesoamerican Civilizations

• Mayas: Flourished in Mexico and Northern Central America until around 1600; known for astronomical observations, advanced calendars, hieroglyphics, and pyramids.
• Aztecs: Established in the Valley of Mexico by 1300; engaged in warfare for conquest; practiced polytheism and human sacrifices to appease the sun god.
• Incas: Notable civilization in western South America with a stronghold in present-day Peru; empire conquered by Francisco Pizarro.

Notable Civilization Practices

• Chinampas: Innovative floating gardens used by Aztecs for agriculture.
• Moche Civilization: Flourished on the north coast of Peru from 200-700 CE, with advanced irrigation systems and brick temples.
• Toltecs: Influential postclassic empire in central Mexico from 900 to 1168 CE, claimed as ancestors by the Aztecs.

Islamic World

• Bedouins: Nomadic pastoralists in the Arabian Peninsula; early adopters of Islam.
• Mecca: Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and central site of Islamic rituals.
• Medina: City where Muhammad migrated in 622 CE to escape persecution; significant in Islamic history.
• Kaaba: Most sacred shrine in Islam, located in Mecca, shaped like a cube.

Founding of Islam

• Muhammad: Founder of Islam, considered the last Prophet; received divine revelations from the angel Gabriel.
• 5 Pillars of Islam: Core practices of the faith include declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Quran: Sacred text composed of revelations given to Muhammad from 610 to 632 CE.

Islamic Community and Governance

• Umma: The global Muslim community extending from Mauritania to Pakistan.
• Shari'a: Divine law derived from the Quran and Hadith, dictating all aspects of Muslim life.
• Jihad: Holy struggle for moral, spiritual, or political goals.

Division in Islam

• Sunni: Major branch of Islam supporting the first four caliphs as rightful leaders.
• Shi'ite: Branch that recognizes Ali as legitimate successor to Muhammad, rejecting earlier caliphs.

Historical Context and Religious Impact

• Dar al Islam: Refers to lands under Islamic rule.
• "People of the Book": Term Muslims use for Jews and Christians, acknowledging their monotheistic beliefs.
• Caliph: Religious and political successor to Muhammad in the Muslim community.
• Sufis: Mystical group within Islam seeking closeness to God through various spiritual practices.

Chinese Advances and Dynasties

• Grand Canal: Major waterway linking the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers; crucial for trade and transport.
• Equal Field System: Land allocation system in China based on fertility and need.
• Empress Wu: Only woman to rule China in her own name; expanded the empire and promoted Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty.
• Neo-Confucianism: Fusion of Confucian and Buddhist ideas, maintaining a core Confucian philosophy.

Innovations and Cultural Practices

• Magnetic Compass: Invention aiding navigation by indicating direction.
• Flying Money: Early form of credit in China, reducing risks of robbery during trade.
• Foot Binding: Cultural practice in China to restrict women's movement by altering foot size.

Japanese Feudal System

• Feudalism: Political and social system where nobles offered land and protection in exchange for loyalty and service.
• Shogun: Hereditary military leader in Japan.
• Daimyo: Feudal lords in Japan commanding private armies of samurai.
• Samurai: Warriors constituting Japan's feudal military aristocracy.

Cultural and Religious Movements

• Shinto: Japanese religion focusing on divine spirits in nature.
• Zen Buddhism: Emphasizes meditation and intuition for enlightenment rather than faith.
• Vikings: Seafaring people from Scandinavia known for raids across northern and western Europe (8th-10th centuries).

European Historical Context

• Norman Conquest: Events in 1066 where Norman forces invaded and ruled England.
• Seljuk Turks: Nomadic group that conquered Baghdad in 1055; allowed the caliph to retain a religious role.
• Eastern Orthodoxy: Branch of Christianity rejecting papal authority, significant in church history.

Church and Society in Medieval Europe

• Roman Catholic Church: Key branch of Christianity forming from the Roman Empire's division.
• Pope: Leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Patriarch: Heads of Eastern Orthodox Churches.
• Iconoclast Movement: Controversy surrounding the use of religious images in worship.

Key Figures and Events

• Charlemagne: Frankish king who expanded his realm and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800.
• Serfs: Peasants bound to the land, providing labor in exchange for protection.
• Manor: Large estate ruled by a lord.
• Fief: Land granted to vassals in exchange for loyalty.

Chivalry and Guilds

• Chivalry: Code of conduct for knights emphasizing bravery and loyalty.
• Monasticism: Way of life where individuals withdraw to devote themselves to faith.
• Syncretism: Blending of multiple religious traditions.
• Guild: Medieval association of craftsmen or tradespeople.

Renaissance and Wars

• Florence: Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
• Crusades: Military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims (11th-13th centuries).
• Pope Urban II: Called for the Crusades, urging Christians to reclaim the Holy Land.
• Black Plague: Devastating disease that killed one-third of Europe’s population, leading to the decline of feudalism.
• Hundred Years War: Prolonged conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453, ending English territorial claims.

Social Issues

• Anti-Semitism: Prejudice and discrimination against Jewish people.
• The Great Schism: Division between papal authority and authority of the different Christian churches, leading to multiple claimants to the papacy.

Test your knowledge of key civilizations from Unit 3 of AP World History. This quiz covers pivotal cultures like the Mayas and Aztecs, focusing on their contributions and historical significance. Ideal for students preparing for exams or reviews.