World History Review Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts, people, and events from World History notes.

Fall of Rome

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, caused by internal corruption, invasions, and economic instability.

Byzantine Empire

The eastern half of the Roman Empire that lasted nearly 1,000 years after the fall of Rome, with Constantinople as its capital.

Hagia Sophia

A massive church built in Constantinople during Justinian’s rule, showcasing Byzantine architecture.

Justinian

Byzantine emperor known for his law code (Justinian’s Code) and rebuilding Constantinople.

Russia

Heavily influenced by Byzantine culture, Orthodox Christianity, and Cyrillic alphabet, emerged after Mongol rule.

Middle Ages

The period in Europe between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance (approx. 500–1500 CE), marked by feudalism and the power of the Church.

Feudalism / Feudal Obligations

A political and social system where land was exchanged for military service and loyalty.

Chivalry

A code of conduct for knights focusing on bravery, honor, and respect toward women and the weak.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 limiting the English king’s power and establishing legal rights for nobles.

The Church during the Middle Ages / Cathedrals

The Catholic Church dominated daily life, education, and politics; cathedrals were large churches built in Gothic style.

Bubonic Plague / Black Death (Causes & Effects)

A deadly disease that spread via trade routes, killing millions in Europe; led to labor shortages and weakened the feudal system.

The Crusades (Causes & Effects)

Religious wars to reclaim the Holy Land; increased trade and cultural exchange but also deepened divisions between Christians and Muslims.

The Rise of Islam

Emerged in the 7th century in Arabia through the prophet Muhammad; spread rapidly across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The core beliefs and practices of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam's Golden Age

A period of cultural, scientific, and intellectual achievement in the Muslim world (8th–13th centuries).

Monotheism

Belief in one god (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Judaism).

Polytheism

Belief in many gods (e.g., Hinduism, ancient Greek religion).

Ghana, Mali, & Songhai (Kingdoms of W. Africa)

Powerful West African trading empires that grew rich from gold-salt trade and Islam’s influence.

Mansa Musa

Emperor of Mali known for his wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and promotion of Islamic culture.

The Mongol Empire

The largest land empire in history, founded by nomadic warriors from Central Asia in the 13th century.

Genghis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire, known for unifying Mongol tribes and military conquests.

Kublai Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan, ruler of the Yuan Dynasty in China, expanded trade and cultural exchange.

The Silk Road

A major trade route connecting Asia and Europe; helped spread goods, ideas, and cultures.

Japanese Feudalism / Bushido

A hierarchical system similar to European feudalism; Bushido was the samurai code of honor.

The Renaissance

A “rebirth” of classical learning and culture that began in Italy around 1300 and spread across Europe.

Italy: Cradle of the Renaissance

Italy’s geography, wealth from trade, and connection to classical antiquity made it the ideal place for the Renaissance to begin.

Key Players of the Renaissance

Figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli who advanced art, science, and political thought.

Humanism

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing classical studies.

The Printing Press

Invented by Gutenberg; revolutionized the spread of knowledge and increased literacy.

Protestant Reformation

A movement to reform the Catholic Church, leading to new Christian denominations.

Martin Luther

German monk who started the Reformation by posting the 95 Theses against Church abuses.

Scientific Revolution

A period of major scientific discoveries that changed the way people understood the world and nature.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and practices from one group to another through trade, conquest, or migration.

Impact of Trade

Trade helped spread goods, technologies, religions, and cultures across civilizations.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step approach to research involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

Heliocentric Theory

The idea that the sun, not the Earth, is the center of the solar system; proposed by Copernicus.