World Civ I Exam 3

What is important about the fact that Mohammed was born in the city of Mecca? Mecca was an important trade city where Mohammed had contact with Jewish and Christian traders, exposing him to monotheistic beliefs.

What and who would Mohammed have come into contact with growing up in Mecca that may have influenced him (especially which religious traditions)? He came into contact with Jewish and Christian traders and their religious traditions.

How did most of the Arabic tribes outside of cities like Mecca and Medina live before Islam? They were semi-nomadic Bedouins living in tribes led by elders.

What were their religious beliefs before Mohammed? They were polytheistic and believed in multiple gods, often with a chief god or goddess.

How did Mohammed live his life before the beginning of his revelations (what profession did he have, etc.)? He was a merchant from the Quraysh clan, married Khadija, and meditated in caves before his revelations.

What was the Umma and how did it unite the Arabs in a way that they had not been before? The Umma was a unified community of Muslims based on shared faith that brought Arab tribes together into a stronger force.

What did Mohammed say was the relationship between his new religion and both Judaism and Christianity? (What did they have in COMMON – such as patriarchs, beliefs, etc.) Islam was the final monotheistic revelation and shared belief in one God and recognized prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam? (you do not have to know the Arabic names for them) Declaration of faith, prayer five times a day, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

What was the House of Wisdom, and what important work was being done there? The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a center where scholars studied and advanced math, science, medicine, and literature.

What important work were Muslim, Jewish, and Christian scholars doing in Al-Andalus in the 1200s to 1400s that contributed to the beginning of the Renaissance? They translated and preserved knowledge, especially classical works, which later spread to Europe.

Who were the Bantu peoples and how was the role they played in African civilization similar to that of the Indo-Europeans in Europe and Asia? The Bantu were a group that spread language, culture, and agriculture across Africa similar to how Indo-Europeans spread culture in Europe and Asia.

What role did the Berber people play in trade in Africa? The Berbers connected North Africa to long-distance trade routes and facilitated exchange of goods.

What invention of the Berbers allowed Africa to connect with the Silk Road and its branches? The camel saddle allowed long-distance travel across the Sahara.

What very important products were traded from Africa that were highly valued along the Silk Road? Gold, salt, ivory, cloth, and beads were traded.

What system of rule and inheritance existed in Ghana? Ghana had a matrilineal monarchy.

What important products were traded from Ghana? Gold and salt were major trade goods.

How did Mali also benefit from trade? Mali became wealthy and developed Timbuktu as a center of scholarship.

What parts of Africa became Muslim, and what benefits did these areas gain from contact with Islam? North Africa became part of the Muslim Caliphate and gained literacy, record-keeping, and knowledge in science and math.

What was the relationship between Aksum (Ethiopia) and Christianity (think about how this area was close to what had been the Roman Empire)? Aksum adopted Christianity early due to its proximity to the Roman Empire.

Who were the first Americans? Paleo-Indians.

Where did they come from and what routes did they take to reach the Americas? They migrated from Asia across the Bering Strait land bridge.

Why can we compare the Empires of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca to the Roman Empire? What qualities did they share with the Roman Empire? (think about size of population, large cities, architecture, trade networks, diversity etc. BE SPECIFIC with these.) They had large populations, major cities, advanced architecture, organized governments, and extensive trade networks.

Which main groups of Native Americans settled in what is now the United States? Plains Indians, Pueblo Indians, and Mississippian Indians.

Why were the native peoples of the New World called “Indians” by Europeans? Europeans mistakenly believed they had reached India.

What did the Aztecs and Incas have in abundance that the Spanish conquerors wanted? Gold and wealth.

How did colder winters contribute to the susceptibility of people to illness? Harsh winters weakened people and reduced food supply, making them more vulnerable to disease.

Where did the Black Plague originate? It spread along the Silk Road through Mongol territories.

How did it initially spread to Europe? It spread through trade routes and ships.

Which animals were responsible for its initial spread? Fleas on rats.

Who were the Flagellants and how were they indicative of the reactions people had to the Plague? They were groups who whipped themselves as punishment for sins, showing fear and desperation.

What levels of society did this disease impact and how did this contribute to the fear and paranoia of the period? It affected all people regardless of age or class, increasing fear and social breakdown.

Who were the Mongols and what part did they play in both the spread of the Plague and the transmission of Islam to Central Asia? The Mongols were a nomadic empire that spread the plague along trade routes and helped spread Islam.

What was the 100 Years War and what countries were involved? It was a war between England and France from 1337 to 1453.

What were they fighting over? Control of French territory.

Why was the fall of Constantinople so devastating to Europeans? It ended the Byzantine Empire and forced scholars to flee to Europe.

What advantages did the smaller population enjoy in the aftermath of the Plague and other crises of this period? More resources per person and higher wages.

How did this contribute to the emergence of the Renaissance? It allowed for growth in education, culture, and renewed interest in classical learning.