World History: Empires, Religions, and Cultural Interactions (500-1500 CE)

What are two differences between the Aztec and Incan empires?

1. The Aztec empire was primarily located in present-day Mexico, while the Incan empire was in South America, mainly Peru. 2. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as a central part of their religion, whereas the Incas focused more on ancestor worship and less on human sacrifice.

What are two similarities between the Aztec and Incan empires?

1. Both empires had complex social hierarchies and centralized governments. 2. Both utilized advanced agricultural techniques to support their populations.

How did Islamization differ in Anatolia, India, and West Africa from 500-1500?

In Anatolia, Islamization was largely through conquest and the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. In India, it was a mix of conquest and cultural exchange, while in West Africa, it spread primarily through trade and peaceful conversion.

What were two impacts of the European Crusades on the European world?

1. The Crusades increased trade between Europe and the East, leading to economic growth. 2. They also contributed to the rise of centralized monarchies as kings gained power from leading the Crusades.

What were two impacts of the European Crusades on the Islamic world?

1. The Crusades led to increased military organization and unity among Islamic states. 2. They also fostered a sense of identity and resistance against foreign invaders.

What are three SPICET elements of the Maya civilization?

1. Social: The Maya had a hierarchical society with a king at the top. 2. Political: They established city-states that often engaged in warfare. 3. Cultural: The Maya developed a complex writing system and advanced mathematics.

What is one piece of specific evidence for each major theme in a SPICET chart for Western Christendom?

Social: The feudal system; Political: The establishment of the Holy Roman Empire; Intellectual: The rise of universities; Cultural: The influence of the Catholic Church.

What is gender parallelism in the context of the Incan and Aztec Empires?

Both empires had distinct roles for men and women, where men typically held political power while women managed household affairs, reflecting a parallel structure rather than strict hierarchy.

How did Buddhism split, and what are the primary differences between its branches?

Buddhism split into Theravada and Mahayana branches. Theravada focuses on individual enlightenment and the original teachings of the Buddha, while Mahayana emphasizes the role of bodhisattvas and the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment.

What are three ways in which Islam affected Spain?

1. The introduction of advanced agricultural practices. 2. The flourishing of science, philosophy, and the arts during the Islamic Golden Age. 3. The establishment of a multicultural society that blended Muslim, Christian, and Jewish influences.

How did the Byzantine and Persian empires influence the expansion of Islamic/Arab Empires?

Both empires provided military and administrative models that the Islamic empires adopted, and their territories were often the initial targets of Islamic conquests.

How did Confucianism connect Chinese society?

1. It emphasized filial piety and respect for elders, which reinforced family structures. 2. It established social hierarchies that influenced governance and education.

How did the ulama help bind together the Islamic world?

The ulama served as religious scholars who interpreted Islamic law and teachings, providing a unified framework for Islamic practices across diverse cultures.

What role did the Maya civilization play in the history of the Americas?

The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced pre-Columbian societies, known for its achievements in writing, astronomy, and architecture, influencing later cultures in the region.

How was Confucianism challenged by Daoist and Buddhist beliefs?

Daoism emphasized harmony with nature and spontaneity, contrasting with Confucianism's structured approach to social order, while Buddhism introduced concepts of suffering and enlightenment that differed from Confucian ideals.

How did madrassas act as a unifier in Islamic expansion?

Madrassas served as educational institutions that spread Islamic teachings and fostered a sense of community among Muslims across different regions.

Name two pre-Columbian civilizations in North America and one similarity and difference.

Civilizations: Mississippian and Ancestral Puebloans. Similarity: Both built complex societies with trade networks. Difference: The Mississippian culture was more urbanized with large cities, while Ancestral Puebloans were more rural and focused on agriculture.

What was the primary role of women in the Aztec Empire?

Women in the Aztec Empire were primarily responsible for household duties and child-rearing, but some could also hold positions of power, such as priestesses.

What was the primary role of women in the Incan Empire?

Women in the Incan Empire were involved in agricultural work and textile production, and they also participated in religious ceremonies.

What is an example of Europe taking a discovery from another location and creating new technology?

The adoption of the compass from Chinese navigation techniques, which improved European maritime exploration.

What is the division within Islam between Sunnis and Shias?

The division arose from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, with Sunnis supporting elected leaders and Shias advocating for leadership through Muhammad's family.

Name an innovation from the Song Dynasty.

The invention of movable type printing, which revolutionized the spread of information.

What are three details about the Bantu peoples of Africa?

1. They migrated across sub-Saharan Africa, spreading language and culture. 2. They practiced agriculture and ironworking. 3. Their migrations contributed to the formation of various ethnic groups and societies.

What are three details regarding Confucianism's influence on SPICET subcategories?

1. Social: It established family loyalty as a core value. 2. Political: It influenced governance through meritocratic principles. 3. Cultural: It promoted education as a means to improve society.

What are three differences between Islam and Hinduism concerning their believers?

1. Islam is monotheistic, while Hinduism is polytheistic. 2. Muslims follow the Quran, while Hindus have multiple sacred texts. 3. Islamic practices include the Five Pillars, whereas Hindu practices vary widely.

What are three effects on the Americas due to the lack of domesticated animals?

1. Limited agricultural productivity compared to Eurasia. 2. Fewer labor resources for farming and transportation. 3. A reliance on hunting and gathering for sustenance.

What are three social subcategories regarding Western Europe in the High Middle Ages?

1. The rise of the merchant class due to increased trade. 2. The role of the Church in daily life and governance. 3. The emergence of chivalric codes among the nobility.

What are three SPICET statements regarding the Axum civilization?

1. Social: Axum had a diverse population with various ethnic groups. 2. Political: It was a powerful trading empire that controlled trade routes. 3. Cultural: Axum adopted Christianity as a state religion.

What are three SPICET statements regarding the Bantu people?

1. Social: Bantu societies were matrilineal in some areas. 2. Political: They formed chiefdoms and kingdoms. 3. Cultural: They spread agricultural practices and ironworking techniques.

What are three SPICET statements regarding the expansion of European civilizations in the High Middle Ages?

1. Social: Feudalism structured society into rigid classes. 2. Political: Monarchs consolidated power and established centralized states. 3. Economic: Trade increased due to the growth of towns and markets.

What are three SPICET statements regarding the Meroe civilization?

1. Social: Meroe had a complex social hierarchy with a ruling elite. 2. Political: It was a center of trade and governance in Nubia. 3. Cultural: Meroitic writing was developed, showcasing their literacy.

What are three statements concerning Sikhism?

1. Sikhism emphasizes equality and rejects caste distinctions. 2. It was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region. 3. Sikhs follow the teachings of ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib.

What are three statements concerning Sufism?

1. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam focusing on personal experience of God. 2. Sufis often engage in practices like meditation and chanting. 3. Sufism emphasizes love and devotion to God over strict adherence to law.

What are three statements regarding political structures in Western Europe?

1. Feudalism created a decentralized political system based on land ownership. 2. The Church held significant power, influencing kings and politics. 3. The rise of city-states led to new forms of governance and civic participation.

What are three statements regarding women's roles in the European High Middle Ages?

1. Women managed households and were responsible for domestic duties. 2. Some women held positions of power, such as queens and regents. 3. Many women participated in guilds and trades, especially in urban areas.

What are three comparisons between the travelers Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta?

1. Both traveled extensively across Asia and documented their experiences. 2. Marco Polo focused on trade and commerce, while Ibn Battuta emphasized religious pilgrimage and cultural exchange. 3. Polo's accounts were more influential in Europe, while Battuta's were significant in the Islamic world.

What is a key difference in the expansion of Islam between West Africa and India?

In West Africa, Islam spread primarily through trade and peaceful conversion, while in India, it was often through conquest and the establishment of Muslim rule.

What were three limiting factors of the Americas' East-West orientation?

1. Geographic barriers like the Rocky Mountains hindered movement. 2. Varied climates affected agricultural practices. 3. Lack of domesticated animals limited transportation and labor.

What were two limiting factors affecting agricultural productivity in most regions of Africa?

1. Variable rainfall patterns leading to droughts. 2. Poor soil quality in some regions, limiting crop yields.

What are three comparative statements between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia?

1. Afro-Eurasia had a greater diversity of domesticated animals. 2. The technological advancements in Afro-Eurasia were more pronounced. 3. Trade networks in Afro-Eurasia were more extensive and interconnected.

What was the primary motivation for wars within the Aztec Empire?

The primary motivation for Aztec wars was to capture prisoners for religious sacrifices to appease their gods.