Major Empires to Know for AP World History

Study Tools

• Studied by 441 people
• Features available:
  • Learn
  • Practice Test
  • Spaced Repetition
  • Match
  • Flashcards

Important Empires and Terms

Delhi Sultanate

• Timeframe: 1206 to 1526
• Region: Northern India
• Characteristics: Series of Muslim dynasties, facilitated Indo-Islamic culture

Rajputs

• Role: Prominent warrior class
• Known for: Chivalry, resistance against foreign invaders

Vijayanagara Empire

• Established: 1336
• Region: South India
• Known for: Capital Hampi, trade networks

Khmer Empire

• Highlights: Built Angkor Wat
• Culture: Blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions
• Region: Controlled parts of Southeast Asia

Aztecs

• Known for: Militaristic conquests, Tenochtitlan, polytheistic religion with human sacrifices

Inca Empire

• Largest pre-Columbian empire
• Features: Extensive road network, terrace farming, quipu (knotted strings for record-keeping)

Majapahit Empire

• Region: Southeast Asia
• Significance: Dominant maritime power, blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture

Mongol Empire

• Founded by: Genghis Khan
• Known for: Largest contiguous land empire, skilled cavalry, promoting trade along Silk Road

Ottoman Empire

• Known for: Military strength, cultural blending
• Major event: Capture of Constantinople in 1453

Safavid Empire

• Founded by: Shah Ismail I
• Known for: Establishing Twelver Shia Islam as state religion, cultural achievements

Mughal Empire

• Founded by: Babur
• Known for: Architectural contributions (e.g., Taj Mahal), policies of religious tolerance

Qing Empire

• Description: Last imperial dynasty of China
• Faced: Internal uprisings, external pressures

Maritime Empires

• Examples: Portugal and Spain
• Known for: Overseas exploration, global trade networks

Chinampas

• Description: Floating gardens used by Aztecs
• Significance: Agricultural ingenuity

Quipu

• Used by: Incas
• Purpose: Record numerical data for administration, trade, and census

Pax Mongolica

• Description: Period of stability under Mongol Empire
• Effect: Promoted trade and cultural exchange across Silk Road

Devshirme

• Used by: Ottomans
• Description: Recruitment system converting Christian boys into Janissaries

Sleymaniye Mosque

• Description: Architectural masterpiece of Ottoman Empire
• Influences: Blend of Islamic and Byzantine

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

• Location: Isfahan
• Significance: Symbolic of Persian architecture and culture during Safavid Empire

Hinduism Revival

• Efforts by: Vijayanagara rulers
• Purpose: Promote Hinduism during Islamic dominance in northern India

Canton System

• Used by: Qing Dynasty
• Description: Trade policy restricting foreign merchants to specific ports and conditions