Review of Societies in Asia, Africa, and Europe during the 13th and 14th Centuries

Flashcards about the Silk Road, Mongol Empire, conditions in Africa, Europe, and the Black Death.

What was the Silk Road?

A network of land and sea trading routes stretching from China to the Mediterranean Sea.

What were some positive impacts of the Mongol Empire's expansion across Asia?

Religious freedom and safer trade routes.

What were some negative impacts of Mongol rule in Asia?

Deaths from conquests and disruption of farming and food production.

What contributed to famine in Asia in the early 1330s?

Civil wars, natural disasters, and crop failures.

What factors helped the Black Death spread?

Trade routes and centers between Alexandria, Constantinople, and the Black Sea.

Where does most of the information come from regarding social and economic conditions of Africa in the 14th century?

North Africa, including Egypt

Which nations were dominant in North Africa during the 14th century?

The Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and powerful dynasties across North Africa

How did sea trade and commerce fare in North Africa despite conflicts?

They thrived, especially in port cities like Tunis and Tripoli.

What system in Europe began to weaken from the tenth century onwards?

Feudalism, which had provided protection and stability.

By the early thirteenth century, approximately how many cities were in Europe?

About 600 cities

What impact did the Crusades have on Europe?

New ideas and products led to increased trade and prosperity.

What negative consequences arose from the rapid growth of towns and cities in Europe?

Overcrowded and unhealthy living conditions and increased birth rate..

What contributed to famines in Europe from around 1250 onwards?

Unusually cold and wet weather causing crop failures.

What is the Black Death?

A deadly outbreak of disease that spread across Asia, Europe, and Africa during the fourteenth century, killing millions of people

What is feudalism?

A hierarchical political and economic system in which land is granted in return for military or labour services

What does 'barbarian' mean?

A term used by ancient Romans to describe someone living outside their borders

What were the Crusades?

A series of eight wars fought by Christians and Muslims between 1096 and 1291 over control of the Holy Land

What is a census?

An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals

Why is there more historical evidence on the Black Death in Europe compared to Asia and Africa?

More written records were kept by local authorities and the church, and artists and writers recorded their experiences.