AP World History The Dark Ages

What term is historically used to refer to the Early Middle Ages?

The Dark Ages.

What is the significance of the term 'Dark Ages'?

It reflects a period of technological stagnation, unstable states, and reduced trade.

What are the major cultural spheres of influence mentioned in the notes?

Sinosphere, Mediterranean, Indosphere, and Dar al-Islam.

What does 'Dar al-Islam' mean?

'House of Islam' in Arabic.

How did the fall of Western Rome impact European culture?

It created a power vacuum that allowed Tribal Kings and the Umayyad Caliphate to establish themselves.

What was the Umayyad Caliphate's significant presence in Europe?

The multicultural Sultanate of Al-Andalus in modern-day Spain.

What system did early Tribal Kings invent to establish power?

Feudalism.

What is Feudalism?

An agreement between a Lord and Vassal where land is exchanged for goods and services.

What happened to Serfdom after the Black Death?

It fell out of favor in Europe but continued in Russia until 1861.

What is the distinction between Serfdom and slavery?

Lords cannot buy Serfs; they can only buy the land the Serf is indebted to.

What sub-system of Feudalism is emphasized in England and France?

Manorialism.

Who crowned Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor?

The Pope.

What was Charlemagne's relationship with Harun al-Rashid?

They were friends who shared common enemies.

What significant event occurred in 1054 CE?

The Great Schism, which split the Christian Church into East and West.

What were the two branches of Christianity formed after the Great Schism?

The Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Church in the East.

What was the outcome of the Crusades?

Most ended in failure, with only a few limited successes in holding Jerusalem.

What motivated the Pope to declare a Crusade?

A desire to unite Catholics in Europe to conquer Jerusalem from Muslims.

What impact did Charlemagne's death have on Europe?

It led to the fragmentation of his empire and weakened Europe.

What role did Vikings play after Charlemagne's death?

They began to plunder and loot many coastal towns.

What was the cultural impact of Catholic and Orthodox missionaries?

They raced to convert populations, with Catholics converting Vikings and Orthodox converting Russians.

What characterized the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire?

It was made up of various small territories that were effectively different countries.

What were the main challenges faced by the Byzantine Empire after the split from Western Rome?

Defending against the conquests of the Caliphates and the Seljuk Turks.

What was one of the major cultural influences that grew in Unit 2?

Dar al-Islam.

What geographical features divided Europe into regions?

Mountains, rivers, and seas.