Post Classical Review 600-1450

UNIT II: 600 - 1450 C.E. QUESTIONS OF PERIODIZATION

Change Over Time Factors

• Mass Migrations: Massive movements of people caused changes to both departing and destination communities.

• Imperial Conquests: Conquering territories led to significant implications for both the victors and the vanquished.

• Cross-Cultural Trade and Exchange: Increased contact fostered the introduction of new ideas and customs across different regions.

Major Events and Developments

• Emergence of Major Religions: Religions like Christianity, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Buddhism defined geographical areas over political organizations.

• Nomadic Groups' Impact: The Bedouins and Mongols significantly influenced historical trajectories.

• Islam's Rapid Spread: Emerging in the 7th century, Islam spread quickly across the Middle East, Northern Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

• Europe's Transformation: By 1450, Europe had joined major trade routes, leading to burgeoning kingdoms asserting their influence.

• Development of Major Empires: The Inca (South America) and the Maya/Aztec (Mesoamerica) emerged during this time.

• China's Hegemony: China dominated much of Asia becoming an economically prosperous empire.

• Long-Distance Trade Evolution: Trade grew in complexity and volume along historical routes.

Investigative Topics

• The Islamic World: Islam's rise began in the 7th century with significant socio-economic effects and advancements in arts, sciences, and technology.

• Interregional Networks: Increased trade and cultural exchange strengthened China's influence and connected Europe globally, contributing to the spread of major religions.

• Mongols' Role: Initially destabilizing, their eventual governance promoted and expanded trade.

• China's Expansion: Under Tang and Song Dynasties, China experienced economic growth and reasserted control after being conquered by Mongols.

• European Developments: The feudal system burgeoned as nomadic tribes transitioned into kingdom structures, with the Church gaining immense power.

• Amerindian World Changes: Major civilizations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca rose to prominence.

Demographic and Environmental Changes

• Urbanization led to the emergence of large cities, supported by nomadic migrations (e.g., Aztecs, Mongols).

• Long-distance trade also resulted in disease spread, notably the plague pandemics of the early 14th century.

THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

Factors Contributing to Spread

• Military Organization: Well-organized armies and effective war tactics facilitated rapid expansion.

• Weakness of Empires: Byzantine and Persian empires’ decline aided in the spread of Islam.

• Religious Tolerance: Conquered peoples retained their religions, being labeled as "people of the book" if they were Christians or Jews, leading to some conversions.

THE SUNNI-SHI'A SPLIT

Major Factions

• Sunni: Accepted Umayyad rule; believed in a community selection for caliphs.

• Shi'a: Insisted on leadership being a direct descendant of the Prophet, focused on Ali's lineage.

Consequences

• Political fragmentation of the caliphate, despite shared religion.

• Development of sects such as the Sufis, pursuing spirituality amid the caliphal opulence.

CHANGING STATUS OF WOMEN

Rights and Restrictions

• Women within early Islam had legal rights (inheritance, divorce, business) largely absent in other regions.

• The Qur'an stressed equality before Allah but continued to reinforce male dominance through legal structures and customs such as veiling.

ARTS, SCIENCES, AND TECHNOLOGIES

Islamic Scholarship Contribution

• Establishment of madrasas in the Islamic world allowing for educational advancements.

• Influence of imported mathematical knowledge, including the use of numerals and algebra.

• Flourishing arts, sciences, and technologies, integrating prior classical works with Islamic principles.

INTERREGIONAL NETWORKS AND CONTACTS

Growth of Trade Routes

• Increased trade links globally, such as the Indian Ocean and Silk Road.

• Arab sailors and traders became dominant players by facilitating extensive exchanges.

AFRICAN SOCIETIES AND EMPIRES

Spread of Islam in Africa

• Islam's influence led to centralized state formations in West Africa.

• Notable empires included Ghana, rich from gold trade, and Mali, known for leaders like Sundiata and Mansa Musa.

Swahili City-States

• East African trade cities thrived, creating cultural exchanges while maintaining local identities.

THE CHRISTIAN CRUSADES (LATE 11TH THROUGH 13TH CENTURIES C.E.)

Outcomes of the Crusades

• Initiated by Pope Urban II to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

• Resulted in unanticipated consequences, including enhanced European trade connections.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MONGOLS

Mongol Conquest and Control

• Established the largest empire and facilitated trade re-establishment through the Pax Mongolica.

TRAVELERS: IBN BATTUTA AND MARCO POLO

Contributions to Cultural Knowledge

• Marco Polo: His travels to China and narratives ignited European interest.

• Ibn Battuta: Documented extensive travels across the Islamic world, aiding historical understanding.

CHINA'S HEGEMONY

Economic and Cultural Influence

• China dominated much of Asia, establishing regional superiority through trade and political ability.

THE