Review of Ancient Civilizations and Their Transformations

These flashcards cover key historical concepts and events discussed in the lecture about the transformations in ancient civilizations, particularly focusing on the Roman Empire, its developments, and connections to other cultures.

What relationship did Germanic peoples have with the Roman state?

Germanic tribes were sometimes allies of Rome, serving as soldiers or settlers, but also sometimes invaded or challenged Roman territories.

Why was Constantinople an ideal location for a new Roman capital city?

It was strategically located on the Bosporus, easily defended, controlled key trade routes between Europe and Asia, and was closer to the wealthy eastern provinces.

Did Rome really 'fall' in the fifth century CE? Why or why not?

The Western Roman Empire collapsed politically in the fifth century, but Roman culture, law, and Christianity continued, and the Eastern Empire (Byzantine) survived for centuries.

What made the period of Late Antiquity different from that of the ancient world?

It was a transitional period: Christianity became dominant, cities in the West declined, Germanic peoples mixed with Roman culture, and new political structures emerged.

What similarities did Aksum and Himyar share in Late Antiquity?

Both were trade-based kingdoms, had centralized rulers, controlled important trade routes, and religion played a key role in politics and legitimacy.

What characteristics made Aksum and Himyar powerful states in East Africa and Arabia?

Both controlled ports and trade routes, had strong militaries, centralized governments, and used religion to legitimize authority.

What were the clearest influences on the development and decline of the Kushan Empire?

Growth came from Silk Road trade and cultural exchange; decline was caused by Sasanian expansion, nomadic invasions, and internal conflicts.

Of all the factors that brought about the administrative disintegration of the Roman West, which do you think was the most important? Why?

The pressure from Germanic invasions was most important because it destabilized borders, weakened armies, and disrupted administration.

How did the spread of Christianity and its acceptance by emperors alter Roman society from what it was in earlier antiquity?

Christianity changed Roman social norms, moral expectations, and laws, and emperors’ support gave it political authority, shifting power away from traditional pagan institutions.

Should we continue to refer to the Byzantine Empire in this period as the Roman Empire? Why or why not?

Yes, because administratively and legally it continued Roman law and institutions, even though culturally it became more Greek.

What marked Zoroastrianism as unique among religious traditions in Late Antiquity?

Zoroastrianism was dualistic (good vs. evil), emphasized ethical behavior, and was closely tied to the Sasanian state, giving it political as well as religious authority.

How did religious beliefs serve as both unifying and divisive factors in Late Antiquity?

Religion united people under shared beliefs but also caused conflicts between different faiths and sects.

How did religious issues in Aksumite and Himyarite culture affect the development of these societies?

Conversion to Christianity in Aksum and Judaism in Himyar shaped political legitimacy, trade relationships, and alliances.

How were Aksum and Himyar affected by their relationships with the Byzantines and Sasanians, and what influence did each have on other states?

They gained trade opportunities and political support, adopted cultural and religious ideas, and influenced neighboring regions through commerce and religion.

Do you think people were focused more on religion or on politics in Late Antiquity? Why?

Religion and politics were interconnected; rulers often used religion to justify authority and guide societal rules.

Why did both the Sasanians and the Byzantines create alliances with Arab tribes in the fifth and sixth centuries CE?

To secure borders, gain military support, and protect important trade routes.

In what way did outsiders to the former Roman Empire affect its successors?

Germanic and other groups formed new kingdoms, blending Roman traditions with local customs, law, and culture.

What role did long-distance trade play in the development of the Palmyra, Kush, and Arab societies?

Trade brought wealth, cultural exchange, and made cities and kingdoms strategically important in the region.

What made the Western Roman Empire more prone to societal disruption than the Eastern Roman Empire?

Longer frontier, less urbanized.

How did the Huns affect the migration of Germanic peoples?

Pressured frontiers, pushing peoples into Roman territory.

What role did bishops play in Roman governance?

Participated in councils, dominated local politics.

Through what means did the Sasanian kings rule their empire?

Proxy governments, e.g., Armenia.

What regions did the Sasanians take from Byzantine control in the seventh century?

Syria and Palestine.

How did the Sasanians and Byzantines practice cultural exchange?

Sent embassies to each other’s courts.

In what century did the Parthian Empire collapse?

Third century.

What body of water allowed Himyar and Aksum to conduct long-distance sea trade?

Red Sea.

How did Christianity initially reach the kingdom of Aksum?

Syrian teacher Frumentius.

How did Aksumite and Himyarite leaders publicly express their religious devotion?

Inscriptions and monuments.

To what biblical figure was Aksum possibly connected?

Queen of Sheba.

To what area was the Kushan Empire able to introduce Buddhism?

China.

On what trade routes was Palmyra able to capitalize because of its location?

Silk Roads and Persian Gulf.

Of what event was Palmyra able to take advantage, to the detriment of the Kushan Empire?

Third-century crisis.