Around 1200 CE, marking the growth of empires after the fall of Rome.

In 1324, causing an economic crisis due to the amount of gold distributed.

Around 1450 CE, marking the start of the Renaissance and European expansion.

Marks the end of the classical era and sets the stage for the growth of new empires in the post-classical period.

Marks the end of the Byzantine Empire and is one reason to end the period in 1450.

Facilitated trade route growth and impacted China through the Yuan Dynasty.

Led to the growth of the Middle East and the establishment of caliphates.

Spread along trade routes, causing significant demographic and economic disruption.

Increased contact between Europe and the Middle East, stimulating trade and cultural exchange.

Facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas, contributing to the Renaissance and the Reformation.

Cause: Mansa Musa's religious devotion and desire to fulfill Islamic obligations. Effect: Displayed Mali's wealth, caused economic disruption due to gold distribution, and promoted education and arts.

Causes: Internal political instability, economic decline, and external invasions. Effects: Led to the rise of feudalism in Western Europe and the growth of new empires.

Causes: Genghis Khan's military leadership and desire for expansion. Effects: Facilitated trade route growth, impacted China through the Yuan Dynasty, and spread the Black Death.

Causes: Muhammad's teachings and the desire for a unified religious and political system. Effects: Led to the growth of the Middle East, the establishment of caliphates, and the spread of Islamic culture.

Causes: Religious zeal, the desire to reclaim the Holy Land, and the promise of wealth and land. Effects: Increased contact between Europe and the Middle East, stimulated trade and cultural exchange, and led to religious and political tensions.

Causes: Spread along trade routes by fleas on rats. Effects: Significant demographic decline, economic disruption, and social unrest.

Causes: Renewed interest in classical art and literature, economic prosperity, and the patronage of wealthy families. Effects: Cultural and intellectual flourishing, the development of new artistic and scientific techniques, and the questioning of traditional authority.

Causes: The desire for new trade routes, the spread of Christianity, and the pursuit of wealth and power. Effects: Increased global interconnectedness, the Columbian Exchange, and the rise of European colonialism.

Causes: Dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church, the spread of humanist ideas, and the invention of the printing press. Effects: Religious divisions, the rise of Protestant denominations, and religious wars.

Causes: The questioning of traditional authority, the development of new scientific instruments, and the pursuit of knowledge. Effects: New scientific discoveries, the development of the scientific method, and the rise of modern science.

Ruler of Mali in the 14th century, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.

The founder of the Kingdom of Mali in the 13th century, celebrated in West African oral tradition.

The founder of Islam, whose teachings led to the growth of the Middle East.

The founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which facilitated trade route growth.

A Moroccan scholar and traveler who documented his extensive journeys across the Islamic world.

A Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled to China during the Yuan Dynasty.

A Chinese admiral and diplomat who led large-scale naval expeditions during the Ming Dynasty.

The King of the Franks who united much of Europe during the early Middle Ages.

The Duke of Normandy who invaded and conquered England in 1066.

A Muslim military leader who fought against the Crusaders in the Levant.