World History Notes (Semester 1)

The Fall of Rome

A Tale of Two Romes

Mythical Version

  • Trojan prince Aeneas discovers the Latins while looking for the promised land.

  • Romulus and Remus - sons of a Latin princess and the god Mars (god of war).

    • Abandonment and Upbringing: The twins are abandoned, raised by a she-wolf, and later discovered by a shepherd.

    • Founding of Rome: Romulus kills Remus and becomes the first king of Rome.

Historical Version

  • Settlement of the Latins: The Latins settled on Palatine, a fertile area of Italy, around 1200 B.C.

  • Etruscan Rule: The Etruscans ruled over the Latins in Rome for 200 years.

  • Establishment of the Republic: The Romans overthrew the Etruscan kings and established a Republic around 509 B.C..

Republic Collapses

  • Gracchus Brothers: Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus attempted reforms to limit the landholdings of the rich and redistribute land to the poor.

    • Consequences: They were killed as a result of their reforms.

  • Civil War: Their deaths led to a civil war in Rome, paving the way for Julius Caesar's rise to power.

Julius Caesar

  • Formation of the First Triumvirate: Julius Caesar joined forces with Crassus (a wealthy Roman) and Pompey (a popular general).

    • Political Dominance: The three men dominated Rome as the first Triumvirate.

  • Conquest of Gaul: Caesar led the Roman army into Gaul (modern-day France) and successfully conquered the region.

  • Conflict with Pompey: Pompey ordered Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome.

    • Disregard for Orders: Caesar refused to disband his army, leading to a confrontation.

Julius Caesar Continued

  • Caesar's Takeover: Pompey was driven out of Rome by Caesar’s army, allowing Caesar to take control as a dictator.

  • Assassination: Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome; his desire for power led to his assassination by senators, including Cassius and Brutus.

  • Aftermath: Following his death, a civil war erupted, which obliterated what remained of the Roman Republic.

The Second Triumvirate

  • Leadership After Caesar's Death: After Caesar’s demise, three leaders took control:

    • Octavian: nephew and adopted son of Caesar.

    • Mark Antony: experienced general.

    • Lepidus: a powerful politician.

  • Internal Conflict: The alliance ended in violence and jealousy.

  • Rise of Octavian: Although claiming to restore the republic, Octavian became known as "Augustus" and took power as the sole leader of Rome.

Pax Romana

  • Definition of Pax Romana: A period characterized by peace and prosperity in Rome starting with Augustus' rule.

  • Geographical Expansion: The Roman Empire expanded to cover more than 3 million square miles and had a population of between 60 to 80 million people.

  • Duration: This period lasted for about 200 years.

Religion During Pax Romana

  • Polytheism: Romans worshipped many gods, comparable to Greek deities but with Roman names.

  • Shift in Beliefs: By A.D. 100, many Romans showed interest in Asian religious practices.

  • Emergence of Christianity: Christianity began to develop during this period, eventually leading to the establishment of Catholicism.

Exit Ticket

  1. D. Economic Troubles

  2. False

  3. B. Citizens became poorer

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Timeline

  • The Visigoths, a powerful Germanic tribe, rebelled against the Romans

    • Leadership: Led by Alaric, they captured and sacked Rome in A.D. 410.

  • Second Invasion: In A.D. 455, the Vandals became the second barbarian group to sack Rome.

  • End of Western Empire: In A.D. 476, Germanic leader Odoacer overthrew the emperor of Rome, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Causes for the Fall of the Roman Empire

Military Causes

  • Foreign Invasions: Numerous barbarian tribes launched invasions.

  • Army Decline: The Roman army began to suffer from a lack of training and discipline.

  • Reliance on Mercenaries: Rome increasingly relied on mercenaries—foreign soldiers paid to serve, lacking full loyalty.

Political Causes

  • Succession Issues: There were no clear rules for the emperor's succession.

  • Corruption: Widespread corruption among public officials persisted.

  • Division of Empire: The division weakened the empire.

  • Loyalty Shift: People lost loyalty to the emperor and shifted their allegiance to the Christian church.

Economic Causes

  • High Taxes: Taxes rose to support the army and government.

  • Middle Class Decline: The middle class became poorer and lost land.

  • Emphasis on Slavery: Reliance on slavery as a labor source grew.

Charlemagne and the Franks

Medieval Times

  • Definition: The term “medieval” comes from Latin, meaning “middle.”

  • Historical Context: This period signifies the transition from ancient to modern times, also known as the Dark Ages or Middle Ages.

Germanic Kingdoms

  • Formation: Germanic kingdoms emerged from early barbarian tribes.

  • Structure: These tribes lived in small communities governed by unwritten customs and led by kings and warrior nobles, based on loyalty.

  • Most Successful Kingdom: The most notable Germanic kingdom was founded by the Franks.

Results of Germanic Invasions

  • Trade Decline: Trade diminished significantly.

  • Infrastructure Collapse: Roads, bridges, and cities fell into disrepair.

  • Legal Decay: Formal laws became increasingly rare.

  • Educational Decline: Little formal learning persisted.

The Franks

  • Background: A Germanic group located in Gaul.

  • Unity Under Leadership: United by King Clovis I, who converted to Catholicism and allied with the Church.

  • Dynasty Formation: Founded the Merovingian dynasty that ruled the Franks for 200 years.

Charles Martel

  • Nickname: Known as “Charles the Hammer.”

  • Political Role: Served as Mayor of the Palace (Majordomo) around 714 CE.

  • Military Achievement: Won the Battle of Tours in 732, halting the Muslim advance into Europe.

Islamic Caliphates

  • Definition: The Islamic caliphates were the successors to the prophet Muhammad.

Pepin the Short

  • Relationship: Son of Charles Martel and a devout Catholic, notably short at 4ft 1.

  • Protection of the Church: Protected the Catholic Church against invading tribes like the Lombards.

  • Anointment: The church anointed him “King by the Grace of God.”

  • Dynasty Foundation: Founded the Carolingian dynasty that ruled from 751-987.

Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne

  • Title: Known as the father of Europe.

  • Parentage: Son of Pepin the Short.

  • Reign: Ruled from 768-814.

  • Empire Expansion: Extended the Frankish Empire, spread Christianity, and encouraged learning.

  • Support of the Church: Provided protection to the Catholic Church.

    • Key Territories: Two territories instrumental in Christianity's expansion included Austrasia and Neustria.

A Christian Empire

  • Coronation: Crowned on Christmas Day, 800 CE, by Pope Leo III.

  • Title: Charlemagne became known as the “Holy Roman Emperor.”

Influence of the Roman Catholic Church

  • Decline of Secular Authority: The power of secular authority waned while the church's authority surged.

  • Preservation of Culture: Monasteries preserved Greco-Roman cultural achievements.

  • Missionary Work: Missionaries contributed to introducing Christianity and the Latin alphabet to Germanic tribes.

  • Role of Parish Priests: Parish priests met both the religious and social needs of the community.

Charlemagne's Legacy

  • Posthumous Conflict: Charlemagne’s grandsons fought for control over the empire following his death.

  • Treaty of Verdun: In 843, they signed this treaty, which divided the empire into three kingdoms.

The Rise of Islam

Geographic Context

  • Location: The Arabian Peninsula, located in Southwest Asia (the Middle East).

  • Cultural Intersection: Serves as a bridge linking Africa, Asia, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

The Arabian Peninsula

  • Terrain: Predominantly desert with a majority of the population being nomadic.

  • Bedouin Society: Organized into clans or tribes that provided security and support amid harsh conditions.

  • Settlement Growth: By the early 600s, many Arabs established themselves in oases or market towns.

  • Trade Development: Permanent trade routes formed between the Byzantine and Persian Empires along with the Silk Roads, facilitating trade in spices, incense, silk, and other goods.

  • Transport Innovations: Camels were utilized for transporting goods.

The Arabian Peninsula Pt. 2

  • City of Mecca: Located along trade routes; the Ka’aba served as a shrine to various tribal gods, where idols were added.

    • Imam: The term for an Islamic priest or preacher.

  • Monotheistic Influence: Arabic Christians and Jews also resided in the area and worshiped a single god.

    • Names for God: Allah (Arabic), Eluhim (Hebrew), and El (Aramaic).

Muhammad

  • Birth: Born in Mecca around 570; little is known about his youth.

  • Career: Worked as a trader for a wealthy widow named Khadijah, marrying her at age 25.

  • Spiritual Awakening: Disturbed by idol worship, Muhammad began fasting and meditating on the fate of his people.

  • Divine Revelation: At around age 40, he heard the angel Gabriel proclaim the oneness of God, Allah.

  • Prophet Status: He believed he was the last in a series of prophets, which started with Abraham and included figures like Moses and Jesus.

Abrahamic Religions

  • Lineage: Muhammad is a descendant of Abraham, shaping his religious beliefs.

  • Shared Roots: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all Abrahamic faiths that worship the same God.

Muhammad Spreads Islam

  • Umma Concept: The Umma emerged, comprising Arabs, Muslims, and Jews into one community.

  • Return to Mecca: In 630, Muhammad, leading 10,000 followers, returned to Mecca.

    • Conversions: Many Meccans converted to Islam and joined the Umma.

Muhammad's Death and Legacy

  • Demise: Muhammad died two years later in 632 at the age of 62.

  • Qu'ran Compilation: After his death, his revelations were compiled and written in Arabic, forming the Qu’ran.

The Qu'ran

  • Significance: The Qu'ran is the holy book of Muslims, seen as a sequel to the Torah and Gospels.

  • Language: Arabic is the language of the Qu'ran, and it holds that only the Arabic version contains the true word of Allah.

The Muslim Way of Life

  • Dietary Rules: Adherence to prohibition: no alcohol or pork consumption.

  • Religious Structure: Absence of priests or a central religious authority; individuals can worship Allah directly.

Ulama and Religious Practices

  • Scholar Class: The Ulama - a class of scholars who interpret and apply Muhammad’s teachings to daily life.

  • Five Pillars of Islam: Essential practices that all Muslims should observe:

    • Declaration of Faith: Shahada; professing that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.

    • Daily Prayer: Salah; performing prayers five times a day.

    • Almsgiving: Zakat; giving to the poor.

    • Fasting: Observing Ramadan, a month of fasting.

    • Pilgrimage: Hajj; a pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims must strive to undertake at least once in their life if able.

The 4 Rightly Guided Caliphs

  • First Caliph: Abu Bakr was elected as the first Caliph (meaning “Deputy” of the Prophet), causing the initial split within the Muslim community.

    • Conflict Resolution: He fought against Bedouin tribes that sought to break from the Ummah, utilizing military strength to maintain unity.

    • Rashidun Leaders: He and the next three Caliphs are referred to as the “Rightly Guided Caliphs” or Rashidun.

Abu Bakr and Sect Formation

  • Supporter Division: Followers of Abu Bakr became known as the Sunni sect.

  • Opposition: Those who supported Ali and his son Husain formed the Shi’a sect, or Shiites, a division that persists today, with Sunnis being the majority.

Uthman Ibn Affan

  • Third Caliph: Uthman ibn Affan was elected as the third Caliph.

  • Expansion of Islam: He spread Islam throughout Egypt and into Northern Africa.

    • Resistance: Uthman’s familial ties, as members of the Umayyads who initially opposed Muhammad, created resentment, culminating in his assassination in 659, which exacerbated tensions among Muslims.

Ali Ibn Abi Talib

  • Fourth Caliph: Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and the second person to convert to Islam, became the fourth Caliph.

  • Conflict with Uthman's Family: His leadership faced conflict with Uthman’s family, led by Mu’awiyah, the Muslim governor of Syria.

    • Diplomatic Approach: Ali attempted negotiation over warfare and ultimately was assassinated in 661.

Europe After Charlemagne

Overview

  • Impact of Charlemagne's Death: Marked the end of a centralized government in Western Europe.

  • Invasions: A series of invasions effectively destroyed the Carolingian Empire.

  • Major Invading Groups:

    • Vikings

    • Magyars

    • Muslims

Vikings

  • Identity: Seafaring people from Scandinavia.

  • Travel and Warfare: Warriors traveled in longboats, reaching as far as Newfoundland.

  • Plundering: Initially engaged in plundering monasteries until their conversion to Christianity.

Magyars

  • Origins: Early Hungarian people, originally hired as mercenaries by the Byzantines.

  • Conversion: Later converted to Christianity and by the 900s, reached Gaul and southern Italy.

  • Military Activities: Engaged in raiding and pillaging similar to Vikings until being defeated by the Saxons and forced into Central Europe, with attacks ceasing in 955.

Muslim Invasions

  • Conquests: The Umayyad Caliphate defeated the Visigoths and conquered the Iberian Peninsula.

  • Al-Andalus: The Iberian Peninsula, ruled by the Moors from 711 to 1492, featured Cordoba as its capital, which became a major center for education and the largest city in Western Europe.

Angles and Saxons

  • Invasions: The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes invaded England from continental Europe.

  • Power Vacuum: They filled the political void left after Rome's fall, thus the term "Anglo-Saxon" derives from their influence.

Societal Results

  • Distrust in Monarchy: Populations began to lose faith in the ability of kings to protect them from invasions.

  • Influence of Local Lords: People started to look to local leaders for military security; questo gave rise to a system where nobles exchanged land for loyalty and military assistance, ultimately known as Feudalism.

Feudalism

  • Land Distribution: Land was granted to vassals—lower-ranking lords—in return for loyalty.

  • Fief Designation: Estates given to vassals were referred to as Fiefs.

  • Legal Formalization: This arrangement evolved into a more formalized legal system over time.

Roles Within Feudalism

  • Monarchs: Kings and queens who owned the land.

  • Lords: Vassals who served the monarch.

  • Knights: Noblemen who received honor and land in exchange for serving as soldiers to lords.

  • Serfs: Peasant workers tied to the land, who worked on the estates.

The Manor System

  • Economic Structure: An economic system operating within Feudalism, which revolved around the manor—estates that included farms, houses, and villages.

  • Tax Collection: The lord collected taxes from the serfs laboring on the land.

  • Self-Sufficiency: Manors were designed to be self-sufficient, with the lord overseeing all economic activity.