Pre-Ib US World Religions

9th Grade (2025-26)

Constantinople

Istanbul

Effects of moving the capital to Constantinople

The eastern part of the empire grew in importance while the western part declined; Constantinople became a cultural and economic hub.

Continents reached by the Byzantine Empire

Europe, Asia, and Africa

Effect of Constantine moving the capital

It shifted the center of power eastward, strengthening the Byzantine Empire.

Legal religion recognized by Constantine

Christianity

Impact of recognizing Christianity

Christianity spread and became the dominant religion; the church gained political power.

Constantine

Legalized Christianity, moved the capital to Constantinople

Constantinople

Center of trade, politics, and culture

Justinian the Great

Expanded empire, reformed laws, built Hagia Sophia

Justinian's Code

Organized Roman law; basis for many modern legal systems

Hagia Sophia

Iconic Byzantine church; symbol of architectural innovation

Trade

Linked Europe and Asia; brought wealth and diversity

Iconoclast controversy

A dispute over the use of icons in worship; led to division between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

Western Church

Roman Catholic

Eastern Church

Eastern Orthodox

Language of Mass in Western Church

Latin

Language of Mass in Eastern Church

Greek

Head of Church in Western Church

Pope

Head of Church in Eastern Church

Patriarch

Use of Icons in Western Church

Used

Use of Icons in Eastern Church

Opposed, then allowed

Can Priests Marry in Western Church

No

Can Priests Marry in Eastern Church

Yes, except bishops

Most Important Holiday in Western Church

Christmas

Most Important Holiday in Eastern Church

Easter

Factors contributing to the decline of the Byzantine Empire

Invasions, corruption, internal conflict, economic decline, and the Crusades.

Effect of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire on Europe

Led to political fragmentation, decline in trade and education, and rise of feudalism.

Middle Ages in Europe

500-1500 AD

Other names for the Middle Ages

Medieval Period, Dark Ages (early part)

Factors contributing to the creation of the Feudal system in western Europe

Fall of Rome, need for protection, decentralized power, and constant invasions.

Feudalism

A social system in medieval Europe where land was held in exchange for service.

Pope

Oversaw church laws and blessed wars.

King

Granted land, raised armies, and collected taxes.

Nobles/Lords

Governed fiefs, provided knights, and managed land and serfs.

Knight

Served lords, fought in battles, and received land for service.

Serf

Had no political power, did not fight, and farmed land for protection.

Charles Martel

Defeated Muslims at the Battle of Tours (732).

Charlemagne

United Western Europe, promoted learning, and was crowned Emperor.

William the Conqueror

Led the Norman conquest of England (1066).

Investiture Controversy

Conflict over appointing bishops leading to the Concordat of Worms and increased papal authority.

Battle of Tours

Stopped Islamic expansion into Western Europe.

Great Famine

Caused by bad weather and crop failures, leading to starvation, death, and social unrest.

Black Death

Killed 1/3 of Europe due to fleas on rats and poor sanitation, causing labor shortages and a decline in church power.

Great Schism of 1378

Caused by rival popes in Avignon and Rome, weakening Church authority.

Hundred Years' War

Caused by English claims to the French throne, leading to the rise of nationalism and decline of feudalism.

Banking

Enabled lending and investment during the Commercial Revolution.

Growth of towns

Created trade hubs during the Commercial Revolution.

Guilds

Regulated trades and protected workers.

Merchant Class

Gained wealth and influence during the Commercial Revolution.

Pope Urban II

Called for the Crusades to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims.

Reconquista

Goal was to drive Muslims out of Iberia, completed in 1492, unifying Christian Spain.

Medieval Education

Took place in monasteries and cathedral schools, teaching Latin, theology, philosophy, and logic.

Anselm of Canterbury

Known for the phrase 'Faith seeking understanding'.

Chaucer

Wrote The Canterbury Tales.

Thomas Aquinas

Merged reason with theology.

Roger Bacon

Advocated for experimental science.

Dante

Wrote The Divine Comedy.

Code of Chivalry

An ethical code for knights.

Scholasticism

Combined logic and faith.

Universities

Centers of higher learning established during the medieval period.

Gothic Architecture

Characterized by tall spires and stained glass.

Flying Buttresses

Architectural features that supported cathedral walls.

Gargoyles

Functioned as drain spouts and symbolic figures.

Magna Carta

Limited king's power and protected rights.

Parliament

A representative law-making body.

Habeas Corpus

Protection from unlawful imprisonment.

Great Council

An early English advisory body.

Domesday Book

A survey for tax and governance.

Japanese Geography

Mountainous terrain led to isolated, self-sufficient communities and proximity to the sea promoted trade and defense.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Set up centralized feudalism by controlling daimyos, enforcing social order, and isolating foreign influence.

Knights vs Samurai

Both followed honor codes; Knights served feudal lords while Samurai served daimyo.

Islamic Empire Flourishing

Occurred from the 7th to 13th centuries while Europe experienced the Dark Ages.

Prophet Muhammad

Final prophet who founded Islam.

Mecca

The holy city and pilgrimage site in Islam.

Medina

The city where Muhammad gained support.

Kaaba

The sacred shrine located in Mecca.

Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada - Faith declaration; 2. Salat - Daily prayer; 3. Zakat - Charity; 4. Sawm - Fasting during Ramadan; 5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sharia Law

Islamic law based on the Quran and Hadith.

Qur'an

Islam's holy book, believed to be God's word revealed to Muhammad.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

All are monotheistic, have holy texts, trace to Abraham, and promote moral laws.

Muslim Expansion into India

Led to cultural blending, new architecture, spread of Islam, and some conflict.

Sunni-Shi'a Split

Caused by disagreement over Muhammad's successor; Sunni = elected caliph; Shi'a = only descendants of Muhammad.

Highest Being: Hinduism

Brahman

Highest Being: Judaism

Yahweh

Highest Being: Buddhism

None (Varies

Highest Being: Christianity

God

Highest Being: Islam

Allah

Founder: Hinduism

Unknown

Founder: Judaism

Abraham

Founder: Buddhism

Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)

Founder: Christianity

Jesus

Founder: Islam

Muhammad

Origin: Hinduism

India

Origin: Judaism

Canaan

Origin: Buddhism

India

Origin: Christianity

Palestine

Origin: Islam

Mecca

Language: Hinduism

Sanskrit

Language: Judaism

Hebrew

Language: Buddhism

Pali