All Flashcards
Define Periodization.
The division of history into specific blocks of time, marked by turning points or significant shifts.
What is Feudalism?
A political system in Western Europe characterized by distinct social classes and land ownership in exchange for service.
What is Sinicization?
The process of non-Chinese societies adopting Chinese culture, technology, and systems.
Define Dar al-Islam.
Refers to the lands under Islamic rule, particularly during the growth of Islam in the Middle East.
What is a Caliphate?
A Muslim empire ruled by a Caliph, considered the successor to Muhammad. Examples include the Umayyads and Abbasids.
Define Renaissance.
A period in European history marking the end of the post-classical era, characterized by a revival of interest in classical art and literature.
What are Griots?
Traditional West African storytellers responsible for passing down oral histories and cultural knowledge.
What is Caesaropapism?
A political system where the head of state also controls the religious institutions, as seen in the Byzantine Empire.
What is the Epic of Sundiata?
A traditional West African oral history about Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Kingdom of Mali.
Define SPICE themes.
Social, Political, Interactions with the Environment, Culture, Economics. A framework for analyzing historical events.
When did the Post-Classical Era start?
Around 1200 CE, marking the growth of empires after the fall of Rome.
When did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca occur?
In 1324, causing an economic crisis due to the amount of gold distributed.
When did the Post-Classical Era end?
Around 1450 CE, marking the start of the Renaissance and European expansion.
What was the significance of the Fall of Rome (476 CE)?
Marks the end of the classical era and sets the stage for the growth of new empires in the post-classical period.
What was the significance of the Fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453?
Marks the end of the Byzantine Empire and is one reason to end the period in 1450.
What was the impact of the Mongol conquests?
Facilitated trade route growth and impacted China through the Yuan Dynasty.
What was the impact of the rise of Islam?
Led to the growth of the Middle East and the establishment of caliphates.
What was the impact of the Black Death?
Spread along trade routes, causing significant demographic and economic disruption.
What was the impact of the Crusades?
Increased contact between Europe and the Middle East, stimulating trade and cultural exchange.
What was the impact of the development of the printing press?
Facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas, contributing to the Renaissance and the Reformation.
Who was Mansa Musa?
Ruler of Mali in the 14th century, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Who was Sundiata Keita?
The founder of the Kingdom of Mali in the 13th century, celebrated in West African oral tradition.
What was Muhammad's role in history?
The founder of Islam, whose teachings led to the growth of the Middle East.
Who was Genghis Khan?
The founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which facilitated trade route growth.
Who was Ibn Battuta?
A Moroccan scholar and traveler who documented his extensive journeys across the Islamic world.
Who was Marco Polo?
A Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled to China during the Yuan Dynasty.
Who was Zheng He?
A Chinese admiral and diplomat who led large-scale naval expeditions during the Ming Dynasty.
Who was Charlemagne?
The King of the Franks who united much of Europe during the early Middle Ages.
Who was William the Conqueror?
The Duke of Normandy who invaded and conquered England in 1066.
Who was Saladin?
A Muslim military leader who fought against the Crusaders in the Levant.