pre-ap world history rome and islam

Who was Constantine? Why is he significant?

Constantine was a Roman emperor who legalized Christianity. His actions led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Who were the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Franks and Vandals?

The Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Franks, and Vandals were Germanic tribes that migrated into the Roman Empire. They eventually conquered and settled in different parts of the empire.

What were some of the major causes of the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire was caused by a combination of factors, including political instability, economic problems, and barbarian invasions.

Who were the Mayans? Where did they live?

The Mayans were a civilization that lived in Central America. They were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy and their complex writing system.

What were some Mayan discoveries and accomplishments?

The Mayans developed a sophisticated calendar system and made advancements in mathematics and astronomy. They also created a complex writing system that is still being deciphered today.

Who were the Zapotecs? Where did they live?

The Zapotecs were a civilization that lived in southern Mexico. They were known for their impressive architecture and their unique writing system.

Where is Aksum?

Aksum is located in modern-day Ethiopia.

What was Aksum’s major religion when it was at its height?

Aksum's major religion when it was at its height was Christianity.

Why and when did Aksum decline in power and wealth?

Aksum declined in power and wealth due to a combination of factors, including environmental changes, political instability, and the rise of other kingdoms.

What was Arabia like before Muhammad? Why is this period called a “time of ignorance”?

Arabia before Muhammad was a diverse region with many different tribes and religions. It is called a "time of ignorance" because there was no central religious or political authority.

What is the Kaaba stone?

The Kaaba stone is a sacred stone in Mecca that is believed to have been given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel. It is a central object of worship in Islam.

Who was Muhammad? What were some important events of his life? 

Muhammad was the founder of Islam. He is considered by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by God.

What is the hijrah? What is the Islamic calendar like?

The hijrah was Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and begins with the year of the hijrah.

In what ways was Muhammad’s role different from that of many other religious leaders like Buddha and Jesus?

Muhammad's role was different from that of other religious leaders because he was not only a prophet but also a political and military leader.

What is the Quran (Koran)? What is hadith? 

The Quran is the holy book of Islam. Hadith is a collection of sayings and traditions of Muhammad.

How do Muslims regard Jesus and the Bible? What are “peoples of the book” and how are they to be treated under Muslim rule?

Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet and the Bible as a holy book. "Peoples of the book" are Jews and Christians, who are to be treated with respect under Muslim rule.

What are the Five Pillars? [Be prepared to name them!]

1)Statement of Faith
2)Pray five times a day
3)pilgrimage to Mecca
4)Charity
5)fasting during ramadan

What is a caliph?

A caliph is the leader of the Muslim community.

What language spread along with Muslim conquests?

The Arabic language spread along with Muslim conquests.

What was the Rashidun Caliphate? How were its leaders picked?

The Rashidun Caliphate was the first caliphate after the death of Muhammad. Its leaders were chosen from among the early followers of Muhammad.

What were reasons for the success of Muslim armies during the Rashidun caliphate?

The success of Muslim armies during the Rashidun caliphate was due to a combination of factors, including their strong faith, their military skills, and the weakness of their enemies.

Why might many people have welcomed Muslim conquerors in the 7th and 8th centuries?

Many people may have welcomed Muslim conquerors because they were seen as liberators from oppressive rulers.

What is jihad? What are its two meanings?

Jihad is an Islamic term that means "struggle" or "effort." It can refer to the internal struggle to live according to Islam or to the external struggle to defend Islam.

What is the "ummah"?

The ummah is the global community of Muslims.

What caused the Sunni-Shia split? What are "twelvers"? 

The Sunni-Shia split was caused by a dispute over who should be the leader of the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad. "Twelvers" are a branch of Shia Muslims who believe in twelve imams, or spiritual leaders.

What country is mostly composed of Shiites? How does this affect its relationship with Saudi Arabia?

Iran is mostly composed of Shiites. This affects its relationship with Saudi Arabia, which is a Sunni-majority country.

What do the terms halal and haram mean? What are examples of these? What is its stated purpose?

Halal means "permissible" and haram means "forbidden" in Islam. These terms are used to describe a wide range of things, including food, clothing, and behavior.

How is the Muslim calendar different from the Western calendar?

The Muslim calendar is a lunar calendar, while the Western calendar is a solar calendar. This means that the Muslim calendar is about 11 days shorter than the Western calendar.

What were the Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties? Where were their capitals?

The Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties were two of the most important dynasties in Islamic history. The Umayyad capital was Damascus, and the Abbasid capital was Baghdad.

What was the Battle of Tours and why is it important? Who was Charles Martel?

The Battle of Tours was a battle in which the Franks, led by Charles Martel, defeated the Muslim armies. It is considered an important event in European history because it stopped the Muslim advance into Europe.

What was the House of Wisdom?

The House of Wisdom was a center of learning in Baghdad that attracted scholars from all over the world.

How have Muslim views of women changed over time?

Muslim views of women have changed over time and vary depending on the region and the interpretation of Islamic texts.

Who was Omar Khayyam?

Omar Khayyam was a Persian poet, astronomer, and mathematician.

What are some important discoveries and innovations that came from Islamic Civilization in the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries?   

Islamic Civilization made many important discoveries and innovations in the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries, including advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

How was life in Muslim Spain different from life under the Abbasid Caliphate?

Life in Muslim Spain was different from life under the Abbasid Caliphate in that it was more tolerant of other religions and cultures.

What are Islamic marriage customs like? What is a wali?

Islamic marriage customs vary depending on the region and the culture. A wali is a guardian or representative of the bride.

What was Islamic rule in Baghdad under the Abbasids like?

Islamic rule in Baghdad under the Abbasids was a golden age of Islamic culture and learning.

What are The 1001 Nights? Who was Shahrazad?

The 1001 Nights is a collection of folk tales from the Middle East. Shahrazad was the storyteller who told the tales to the king.

How were slaves treated in the Abbasid Caliphate?

Slaves in the Abbasid Caliphate were treated differently depending on their origin and their status.

Where did the Abbasids take slaves from? 

The Abbasids took slaves from a variety of places, including Africa, Europe, and Asia.

What was the Zanj rebellion?

The Zanj rebellion was a major slave revolt that took place in the Abbasid Caliphate.

How did trade expand under the caliphates?

Trade expanded under the caliphates due to the establishment of a vast network of trade routes.

Why did the Abbasid make use of eunuchs at their court?

The Abbasids made use of eunuchs at their court because they were seen as more trustworthy than other men.