Must Know Dates: Era 1 - APWH Jennings

622

622

Founding of Islam

The event marks the establishment of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations in Mecca. Islam would grow into one of the largest religions to exist, influencing social structure and politics of states and people for centuries to come.

c 730

Printing invented in China

Woodblock printing invented in China, beginning the era of mass production of texts in the state and in surrounding nations. Significantly quickened the spread of technological and educational advancements.

732

Battle of Tours

A battle in northern Iberia in which forces of the Umayyad Caliphate would be stopped by the Frankish military, halting the Caliphate's conquest into Europe, which would prevent further Islamization of the European continent. (Keep in mind, the Iberian Peninsula [Spain/Portugal region], were already almost entirely occupied by the Umayyad Caliphate at this time, and wouldn't be reconquered fully until about 1250.)

1054

Great Schism in Christian Church

The Great Schism was the formal division between the Western Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, primarily over issues of religious doctrine and papal authority. In the future, this divide would greatly impact the politics of Europe, with the Catholic Church being significantly less influential in Orthodox practicing nations than in Catholic ones.

1071

Battle of Manzikert (Seljuk Turks over Byzantium)

The Battle of Manzikert was a significant defeat for the Byzantine Empire against the Seljuk Turks, leading to the loss of much territory in Anatolia. This military failure weakened the Byzantine Empire greatly, and allowed for the mass migration of Turks into the conquered regions of the peninsula, which would set the groundwork for the formation of the Ottoman Empire in the future.

1095

First Crusade

The First Crusade was initiated by Pope Urban II to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy lands from Muslim control. Despite further crusades in the future, the first crusade would be the only successful one. The series of conflicts would significantly damage existing Christian-Islamic relations, and would strain attempted future relations as well.

1206

Chinggis Khan begins Mongol conquests

This marks the start of Mongol unification and expansion under Chinggis Khan, leading to the creation of what would go on to be the second largest empire in history (but the first biggest LAND empire.) During its reign over Eurasia, the Mongol empire would proliferate trade and cultural diffusion along the now Mongol-protected Silk Road.

1258

Mongols sack Baghdad, end of the Abbasid Caliphate

The sacking of Baghdad by the Mongols would be the final calamity of the dying Abbasid Caliphate, and the state would succumb to Mongol conquest. The capital city was a massive center for trade and knowledge, which would wane under Mongol occupation. (Remember though, Islam is still VERY much practiced in the region, as the Mongols were highly tolerant, and in some cases, accepting of other religions.)

1271-1295

Marco Polo’s travels

Marco Polo's travels to China during the Yuan dynasty opened up knowledge about Asia to Europe, enhancing intercontinental trade and cultural exchanges. His accounts influenced European cartography, trade, and exploration of/with the East, particularly China.

1279-1368

Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty in China

The Yuan Dynasty had the rule of the Mongols over China, which integrated the country into a vast Eurasian empire. The Chinese suffered deaths estimated at thirty million in the conquest. While brutal, the Mongol reign would incorporate and protect Chinese trade through the military enforcement of the Silk Road and other important routes.

1324

Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage/hajj

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca is famed for its display of wealth and generosity, influencing the Islamic world's view of the wealth of the West African Mali Empire. His journey also fostered economic and cultural ties between West Africa and the Middle East.

1325-1349

travels of Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta’s extensive travels across the Islamic world and beyond provided detailed accounts of the cultures, peoples, and governance of the 14th century. His works still remain as a valuable and trustworthy source of documented history to this day.

1347-1348

Bubonic plague in Europe

The bubonic plague, or Black Death, devastated Europe, killing an estimated one-third of its population. This catastrophic event profoundly affected European society, economy, and the course of European history, including further decentralization in European states.

1368-1644

Ming Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for its great naval expeditions, such as those led by Zheng He, the construction of iconic sections of the Great Wall, and the major expansion of maritime trade with other states.

1405-1433

Zheng He’s 7 voyages

Zheng He’s voyages (sponsored by the Ming dynasty) throughout Asia via the Indian Ocean projected Chinese political influence across many states and increased trade between China and said states.

1438

Rise of Inca Empire

The rise of the Inca Empire built a vast and sophisticated civilization in the Andes, known for their engineering, architecture, and road systems, which facilitated the integration and control of its massive territory.