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Old World

Definition

The term "Old World" refers mainly to Africa, Europe, and Asia or Afro-Eurasia; known collectively as part of our planet's largest landmass which was known by many civilizations for millennia before discovering other continents like America or Australia.

Analogy

If we continue with our video game analogy from earlier - think about your favorite classic game you've played over and over again. That's like what life was for people living in Africa, Europe or Asia - familiar territories with established rules.

Related terms

Feudalism: A social system that existed in Europe during Middle Ages where nobles held lands from Crown in exchange for military service while vassals were tenants of nobles, while peasants were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him homage, labor, and a share of the produce.

Silk Road: An ancient network of trade routes that connected East and West, and was central to cultural interaction between them for centuries.

Renaissance: A period in European history marking the transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity and covering the 15th and 16th centuries.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.