Midterm Chart

Paleolithic/Neolithic Era, Mesopotamia (Akkad, Amorites, Hittites,

Assyrians, Chaldeans)

Economic Social Religious
Nomadic – hunter gatherer civilizations (women Society was relatively egalitarian – women
Paleolithic gathered and men hunted): women most probably and men were interdependent
Era made the turn to sedentary agriculture because they
were in charge of gathering
Formation of agriculture societies There was a population explosion due to the
Neolithic Era transition towards sedentary agriculture
(increase of food production)
Status of women usually declines with the
transition to agriculture
Slavery was common (prisoners of war and debt), but Mostly patriarchal, but women had some Their gods were capricious because the
Mesopotamia was not hereditary power – could become scribes, but as time climate was harsh and unforgiving
(Akkad) Fertile Crescent (lands between Tigris & Euphrates):
climate was harsh
went on, they lost more freedom (were veiled
later on)
Competition for resources (ex: Sumer and Ur) Kings and priests were elites
Long-distance trade was vital for city-states (all the way Slavery was common (prisoners of war and
from the Indus River) debt), but was not hereditary
Sargon instituted a good taxing system
Strict social hierarchy, largely due to
Babylonian Hammurabi’s Law Code: different set of
(Amorites) punishments for lower/upper classes
Social welfare due to Hammurabi’s law code
(ex: widows were taken care of via law code)
Indo-European invaders (far more diverse)
Hittites
Made their large cities (Nineveh), so people could The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel (rebelled &
Assyrians marvel at their might Assyrians scattered them all over the empire -
assimilated and culture was lost)
Were a warrior culture (bas reliefs depicted
lions, war, hunting, ferocity of the Assyrians)
King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to make a showplace of Further suppressed the Hebrews:
Neo- the city (Ishtar Gate, The Tower of Babel and the Babylonian Captivity and destroyed The
Babylonians Hanging Gardens) – attracted tourists and tourists
would spend $
Temple of Solomon (later reconstructed in
the Persian Empire)
(Chaldeans)

1

Innovative Political International Scope
Used stone tools People during this time could cross over
Paleolithic Women made the move to sedentary agriculture to Alaska & Americas through the Bering
Era Strait
Polished stone tools for agriculture Developed city-states (city in the middle with
Neolithic Era Emergence of pastoral societies (followed a farmland surrounded it to supply the city with
set route for their animals) resources)
Some societies developed systems of writing or
systems of keeping track of records (ex: Incas)
The creation of the wheel – Potter’s Wheel was Warring city-states (ex: Sumer and Ur) Reached Persian Gulf & Indus River
Mesopotamia an important innovation (efficient to produce & Akkad was the first world emperor – conquered Valley (largely because of the innovation
and more uniform) – aided in transportation and war
chariots
Sumerian city-states – established the beginnings of
a bureaucracy
of boats)
Long-distance trade was vital for city-
Akkad Bronze Instituted a good taxing system states (all the way from the Indus River)
Boats (helpful for trade & transport) Enseis (kings communicated with the gods) –
Calendar (helped maximize crop yields and unlike the pharaohs in Egypt where the king was
ceremonial ritual calendars) partly god
Written language was cuneiform (wedge clay
tablets) for trading (ex: beer recipe)
Established the capital at Babylon Semitic peoples were the Babylonians
Babylonian Hammurabi (c. 1750 BCE) created – not originally from Mesopotamia, but
(Amorite) Hammurabi’s law code: different set of
punishments based on class – “eye for an eye” –
migrated from the Arabian Peninsula
Hebrews used this for their law code

They had iron technology Moved from the steppe region to Anatolia (attacked Hittites were Indo-European invaders
Hittites Created war chariots Anatolia and caused the fall of the Babylonian (Indo-Europeans) came from the steppe
Empire) – far more diverse than the Semitic
peoples
They were great builders – made their large (Started like Sargon): created a centralized state in The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel
Assyrians cities (Nineveh), so people could marvel at their Assyria and expanded westward (rebelled & Assyrians scattered them all
might Established the capital at Nineveh over the empire - assimilated and culture
Created the Great Library of Nineveh (where Able to build their empire due to terror was lost). The remaining two tribes did
we founded the Epic of Gilgamesh) psychology not rebel and kept their culture
Assyrian art: bas relief (carved out part of the The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel (rebelled &
stone to make it look three-dimensional): artistic Assyrians scattered them all over the empire -
themes were war & ferocity of the Assyrians assimilated and culture was lost)
(lions)
King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to make a Reestablished the capital at Babylon Babylonian Captivity (two remaining
Neo- showplace of the city (Ishtar Gate, The Tower King Nebuchadnezzar was the most famous ruler southern tribes of Israel – moved them to
Babylonians of Babel and the Hanging Gardens) –
attracted tourists and tourists would spend $
(wanted to make a showplace of the capital)
Destroyed the Temple of Solomon (later
Babylon)
Destroyed the Temple of Solomon
(Chaldeans) reconstructed in the Persian Empire) (later reconstructed in the Persian
Empire)
2


King Solomon was the last king of the Part of the Semitic peoples – migrated to the Contribution of ethical monotheism
Hebrews Hebrews/the kingdom of Israel – constructed Fertile Crescent (belief in one god)
the Temple of Jerusalem Hebrews settled into the promised lands – some Ten Commandments
moved to North (Ten Lost Tribes of Israel) and some In exchange for upholding the Ten
moved to their southern regions (Babylonian Commandments, God created a special
Captivity) bond (covenant)
During the Babylonian captivity, Hebrews
were allowed to practice their religions –
met in small groups (synagogues).
Scholars (during the Babylonian
Captivity) began to collect the stories of
the Hebrews – Torah (Old Testament)
Babylonian Captivity cements the
creation of Judaism
Were big on trading, because of their innovative
Phoenicians ships (sailed across the Mediterranean & Strait
of Gibraltar  Britain)
The first civilizations developed along the Nile Warriors were not as prominent as in Mesopotamia Gods were less capricious, because of
Ancient River Valley (less need for warfare) more consistent weather
Egypt Migrants moved to the Nile River Valley because
of temperature change (grasslands  Sahara)
Women had lower statuses – some straying from the
norm (ex: Hatshepsut)
Pharaohs claimed they were a descendant
of Amon-Re (associated with the sun)
Nile was more consistent in flooding Book of the Dead made a social distinction Akhenaten (wanted to make religion
More isolated geographically – less invasion (distinction of wealth) monotheistic – worshiped Aten)
Egypt traded with their neighbor (Nubia) – Egyptians believed their
brought ideas and goods (later would be leaders/pharaohs would have an afterlife
conquered) (mummification) – extended to
pharaoh’s family
Priests made the Book of the Dead –
made a “cheat sheet” to get to the afterlife
Migrated from the Niger River and intermarried Bantu religion was monotheistic, but not
Bantu and with the local population ethical monotheism – believed in
sub-Saharan Ruled by small clans – elders of each clan would be
in charge
ancestral spirits (emphasis on keeping
the ancestors happy)
Africa A need to keep the ancestors happy because of
their monotheistic beliefs
The coast is where majority of crops are grown – China is divided by dynasties (ruling family) –
Xia Dynasty the rest of China is mostly desert (Taklaman power is usually passed from father to son
Desert)
Civilization arose by rivers (Huang Ho and
Yangzi Rivers) – Yellow River was “China’s
Sorrow”
Tried to organize large-scale building projects to
control flooding
3

King Solomon was the last king of the Hebrews settled into the promised lands – some Part of the Semitic peoples – migrated
Hebrews Hebrews/the kingdom of Israel – constructed moved to North (Ten Lost Tribes of Israel) and some to the Fertile Crescent
the Temple of Jerusalem (wanted to make moved to their southern regions (Babylonian Moses moved to Egypt (leads people out
Jerusalem a showplace) Captivity) of slavery out of Egypt)  Red Sea 
Scholars (during the Babylonian Captivity) King Solomon was the last king of the Sinai Peninsula
began to collect the stories of the Hebrews – Hebrews/the kingdom of Israel – constructed the
Torah (Old Testament) Temple of Jerusalem
Great shipbuilders – made use of the cedar wood There were colonies that were politically separate
Phoenicians that they had – allowed them to trade (sailed from the Phoenician states, but maintained good ties
across the Mediterranean & Strait of Gibraltar  (ex: Carthage)
Britain) Carthage: became a huge trading rival to the
Creators of the alphabet (phonetic alphabet): Romans – later destroyed by the Romans during the
each letter represented a sound – made it easier Punic Wars
to write & convey complicated ideas (but had no
vowels) – Greeks picked up the alphabet and
added vowels
Pyramids were designed for tombs for the Pharaohs were divine (partly gods) unlike enseis in People who lived in the Nile River Valley
Ancient pharaohs Mesopotamia – were able to gain a lot of prestige were joined by migrants from
Egypt Hyksos invaded and brought with them bronze
technology
Pharaohs claimed they were a descendant of Amon-
Re (associated with the sun)
surrounding areas – brought the ideas of
pharaohs and divine kingship:
Had pretty good maritime technology, but did Divided into Upper and Lower Egypt migrations were due to a temperature
not do long distance trade like Phoenicians Hatshepsut was a famous female pharaoh – depicted change
Hieroglyphics (used to record histories of with a bear (symbol of glory) Egypt traded with their neighbor
pharaohs & religious writing) – pretty Akhenaten (wanted to make religion monotheistic (Nubia) – brought ideas and goods (later
impractical for day-to-day use – worshiped Aten) would be conquered)
Rosetta Stone Egyptians believed their leaders/pharaohs would Hyksos invaded and brought with them
have an afterlife (mummification) – extended to bronze technology
pharaoh’s family
Had access to metallurgy – introduced iron Migrated from the Niger River and intermarried Migrated from the Niger River and
Bantu and metallurgy throughout sub-Saharan Africa with the local population intermarried with the local population
sub-Saharan Bantu didn’t have a strong, central government –
small villages ruled by extended families (elders
Africa would be in charge)
First government arose by trying to create large- Civilization arose by rivers (Huang Ho and Yangzi
Xia Dynasty scale river projects to prevent flooding (like Rivers) – Yellow River was “China’s Sorrow”
Mesopotamia) First government arose by trying to create large-
scale river projects to prevent flooding (like
Mesopotamia)
Yu became emperor by trying to organize a building
project
China is divided by dynasties (ruling family)

4

Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty, Era of the Warring States

The Shang Dynasty is known as China’s “Bronze They were able to control society by sending out Ancestral veneration (keep ancestors
Shang Age” warriors happy so they could intervene on their
Dynasty Bronze and war chariots
Started many public works projects
Began a set of patriarchal values: ancestral
veneration – father had the extensive control over
behalf)
Writing evolved because of religious
Long distance trade within East Asia familial affairs purposes (rather than Mesopotamia for
trading) – oracle bones (told the
future)
At the top were king & appoints loyal subjects to The mandate of heaven was a way of
Zhou different pieces of territory (ex: dukes). Dukes were justifying the transition of power from the
Dynasty supposed to collect taxes & be loyal to the kings.
Dukes gave land to warriors (earls) – the vassal
Shang to Zhou.
patronage system (the dukes are vassals to the

kings, who were lords)
Era of the
Warring
States

5

Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty, Era of the Warring States (2)

The Shang Dynasty is known as China’s “Bronze Similar to the Akkadians in that the Shang was a Chinese pictographic writing would
Shang Age” clan (extended family) influence many other future Eastern
Dynasty Bronze and war chariots: were able to
conquer places because of ability to hook horses
They were able to control society by sending out
warriors
Asian societies
Long distance trade within East Asia
to war chariots (like the Hittites) Started many public works projects
Beautiful bronze carvings – ex: a lot of beer cups
Started many public works projects
Writing evolved because of religious purposes
(rather than Mesopotamia for trading) – oracle
bones (told the future) – writing was
pictographic & influential
The mandate of heaven was a way of justifying Zhou expanded so vastly that nomadic
Zhou the transition of power from the Shang to Zhou. groups began invading – led to the Era
Dynasty Ruled via a feudal system (a hierarchal system that
was decentralized), because they ruled over a larger
of the Warring States and the Zhou
were limited to a tiny portion of land
area than the Shang
At the top were king & appoints loyal subjects to
different pieces of territory (ex: dukes). Dukes were
supposed to collect taxes & be loyal to the kings.
Dukes gave land to warriors (earls) – the vassal
patronage system (the dukes are vassals to the
kings, who were lords)
Caused problems because vassals were disloyal
Zhou expanded so vastly that nomadic groups began
invading – led to the Era of the Warring States
and the Zhou were limited to a tiny portion of land
An idea of a bureaucracy arose – kings knew that
learned individuals were important for the
bureaucracy (ex: Confucius)
Creation of a number of methods of ruling to After nomadic invaders, Zhou Dynasty  Era of the
Era of the restore harmony: Daoism, Confucianism, and Warring States: people wanted to make sense of the
Warring Loyalism role of government
States

6

Different Philosophies During the Era of Warring States

Confucianism Legalism Daoism
Han Dynasty Qin Dynasty
Kong Fuzi founded Confucianism – was an Shang Yang and Han Feizi founded Legalism The founder of Daoism was Laozi
Founder educated bureaucrat and was angry at his lack of Collected the texts into the Daodejing
employment, because dukes were fighting with
each other rather than governing
Wrote down his beliefs in the Analects
Thought humans by nature were good and could Idea that human nature was bad and the only way Humans, by nature, were mean and
Human cultivate human’s natural goodness through you could force people to do the right thing was greedy – a person’s first instinct is to be
Nature education (both moral and secular): those who
were most educated should rule
through strong laws and harsh punishments mean
If humans retreated to nature and lived a
People have a natural inclination to be nice and simple life, they would achieve harmony
courteous if they were educated & balance: politics corrupted people (no
government is the best government)
Confucius believed that government is important Idea that human nature was bad and the only way No government is the best government,
Role of in cultivating the goodness in people you could force people to do the right thing was because politics corrupt human nature:
Government Government officials should be educated
Believed in hierarchy as well as reciprocity (like a
through strong laws and harsh punishments
All punishments were the same, regardless of social
retreating from society is the best way to
achieve harmony: yin yang
father and son – father supports the son, but son stature
is loyal)
Meritocracy (social standing is based on
individual achievements)
Believed in filial piety (very strong sense of The whole family was to be punished if one person Believed in a balance – yin yang
Society loyalty to the family and the ruler – ancestor did something wrong (collective punishment) Daoism appealed to the lower classes,
veneration): supported the idea of a patriarchal Everyone had to do a job in the society (applied to because they thought through the power
familial order the king to the loneliest peasant) of nature, they would be able to find the
People should be active in the community & treat All punishments were the same, regardless of social mystery of the universe
people with kindness and courtesy stature Thought they could find elixirs: Daoists
Meritocracy (social standing is based on Very little tolerance for divergences in opinion (ex: founded gunpowder, but not for war
individual achievements) Confucius’s ideas were frowned upon during the Qin (were trying to make an elixir)
Scholars  people with specialized skill  Dynasty – book burning)
farmers  merchants
Believed merchants were parasites

7

Qin and Han Dynasties

Shi Huangdi set to recover the economy by
Qin Dynasty improving infrastructure, standardizing coinage
Legalism and weights & written language
“Golden Age” of Chinese classical period Han Wudi helped institute the examination system
Han Dynasty Conquered the most regions and linked with the for government officials (made them study the
Confucianism Silk Road Analects – thought the texts would absorb the ideas
Expansion was good and bad for China – for a ideas of an ideal government)
expensive (money and time), but brought I Government officials didn’t have to pay taxes
revenue (trade and taxation) (caused a gap between rich and poor)
Scholar gentry – at the top of the social hierarchy
There were more and more merchants, but & didn’t have to pay taxes (women who married the
merchants were at the bottom of the social scholar bureaucrats are included in this class)
hierarchy (Confucianism regarded merchants as Patriarchal familial order: daughter-in-law was the
parasites) – dissatisfied with their low position worst position to be in
Ban Zhou’s Admonitions for Women
As time went on, the empire became more and epitomized the self-sacrifice for women
more expensive – scholar bureaucrats didn’t pay Confucianism reinforced filial piety and the family
taxes (relied on peasants) – poor rebelled (ex: serving as a microcosm for society
Yellow Turbans)
There were more and more merchants, but
Population growth merchants were at the bottom of the social hierarchy
(Confucianism regarded merchants as parasites) –
dissatisfied by their low position
8

Qin and Han Dynasties (2)

Terracotta Warriors built near the capital Imperial centralization to avoid what happened in
Qin Dynasty Xian – Shi Huangdi’s tomb was thousands of the Zhou Dynasty
Legalism terracotta warriors (all unique), guarding his Qin Shi Huangdi put Legalism to use – incredibly
body brutal and ruthless, but incredibly effective
Established capital at Xian
Abolished hereditary dukedoms (from the Zhou)
into unified districts: these districts would have to
supply soldiers & taxes or would be killed
People were sick of his ruthlessness and rebelled
Examination tests for scholar-bureaucrats Imperial centralization to avoid what happened in Han Wudi was the most powerful &
Han Dynasty Silk: very valued commodity (China had a the Zhou Dynasty most influential ruler – vastly expanded
Confucianism monopoly on silk – sole producer and seller of Founded by Liu Bang and ruled under the territory (Korea, Vietnam – all the
silk) Confucianism way into central Asia)
Paper Kept a lot of the remnants of the Qin Dynasty
Gunpowder (mostly for recreation, but “Golden Age” of Chinese classical period Threat of nomadic invaders during the
Western Europeans would later employ this for Han Wudi was the most powerful & most period where Han began to decline
warfare) influential ruler – vastly expanded the territory
Scholar-bureaucrats produced beautiful poetry Expansion was good and bad for China – expensive
during this period (cultural flowering) (money and time), but brought I revenue (trade and
taxation)
Wudi thought government should be interactive in
making the economy flourish (helped trade)
Wanted smart individuals for government
(examination system for government officials)
Government officials didn’t have to pay taxes
As time went on, the empire became more and more
expensive – scholar bureaucrats didn’t pay taxes
(relied on peasants) – poor rebelled (ex: Yellow
Turbans)
Eunuchs (special advisers/guards – castrated)
Scholar-bureaucrats became increasingly corrupt

9

Dravidians and Aryans

Indus River flooded frequently & was damaging
Dravidians Evidence of trade with Egypt and Sumer
Jobs determined the social hierarchy (ex: priests Upanishads give a description of classic Aryan Spoke Sanskrit (came around for
Aryans for brahmins) society religious purposes) to write the Vedas
Brahmins were very wealthy – everyone could Aryan society was broken up into a hierarchy: and the Upanishads.
only communicate with gods through them Brahmins (priests) The Upanishads are were we find
Kshatriyas (warrior class) evidence for the practices of yoga,
Castes are subdivided into political subdivisions Vaishyas (artisans/workers/handcrafts) mysticism and asceticism – we find the
(jati) – limited social mobility, because families Shudras (peasants) description of Aryan society in the
were supposed to marry only within their jati Untouchables: outside of the caste system – did Upanishads
jobs that were most polluting Brahmins (priests) were at the top of
India was very wealthy – had very productive Jobs determined the social hierarchy the social hierarchy
farmland and at the crossroads of trade routes Castes are subdivided into political subdivisions People began to engage in physical
(jati) – limited social mobility, because families practices (meditation, yoga, etc.) because
India had very fertile land, so it was capable of were supposed to marry only within their jati. they didn’t want brahmins to have all the
supporting a large population Sati: widow burning – if the husband dies, the power
Strategic location in the Eurasian landmass – widow is thought to be a burden (suicide): only Ramayana: Ravana has to commit sati
smack down in the middle women of the Brahmin caste would do this and walk through fire
(supported by the Ramayana)
India produced all the goods people wanted Children were married at very young ages to older Hinduism arose during the Vedic
(pepper, spices, gems and cotton cloth) men – men would die before wives, so a lot of traditions – became a much more
widows inclusive religion, a religion that could be
Trade was facilitated by the monsoon winds More acceptance of sexuality in Indian society practiced by everybody
(would blow in one direction) – people would (celebration of fertility): kama sutra Samsara (reincarnation) is described
stop by India in the Upanishads
People’s goal in life should be to fulfill the duties of Brahman: universal soul
Internal trade their caste (dharma – life path) in order to be Moksha: Brahmins could achieve
India benefitted from a steady rise in population reborn to a higher caste – you could decline in castes moksha and become detached from the
– able to supply for the extra people too world and not be reborn
People’s goal in life should be to fulfill the
India is politically divided, but socially stable duties of their caste (dharma – life path)
(because of Hinduism) in order to be reborn to a higher caste –
you could decline in castes too
Mahabharata: two rival clans and how

they fought with each other
Ramayana: told of female virtues
Both texts allowed for a more inclusive
religion – not just practiced by priests)
A whole pantheon of gods were revered
(manifestations of Brahman – Shiva,
Kali, Ganesh)
10

Dravidians and Aryans (2)

Dravidians had a very sophisticated culture Most important city-state was Harappa Evidence of trade with Egypt and Sumer
Dravidians or Had writing Organized city-states like the Greeks and the Aryans conquered the Dravidians –
Harappans Advanced city planning (indoor plumbing and
standardized bricks)
Mesopotamians came from the Khyber Pass from the
steppe
Ritual bathing centers – emphasis on water
Spoke Sanskrit (came around for religious Rajas (mini kings) constantly fought with each Aryans conquered the Dravidians –
Aryans purposes) other, so there was very little political centralization came from the Khyber Pass from the
Mahabharata: two rival clans and how they steppe
fought with each other Hard to control India with a centralized Were Indo-Europeans and spoke
Ramayana: told of female virtues government, because India is geographically and Sanskrit
religiously diverse
Created zero and the numerals we use today Chiefdoms and rajas governed independent There was a wave of invasions – Persians
nations – India is politically divided, but socially and then the Greeks through the Khyber
stable (because of Hinduism) Pass
Small regional kingdoms would compete with each

other
There was a wave of invasions – Persians and then

the Greeks through the Khyber Pass
After Alexander leaves, there is a power vacuum –
Chandragupta Maurya unites India under the
Mauryan Empire

11

Philosophies during the Aryans

People, especially merchants, were popular advocates of new religions, because they believed they should have a higher social status if they were
wealthy.
Jainism Buddhism
Believed in a very pure form of asceticism – living very simply Founder was Siddhartha Gautama (“Buddha”) – wanted to
Principles Through suffering, you could gain clarity and purity find the path to alleviate suffering
Believed in karma – all living creatures could feel pain Four Noble Truths: basis of Buddhism
In order to gain good karma, you had to avoid causing any living All life contains suffering – way to eliminate suffering is through
creature pain eliminating desire (material goods, ideas, etc.)
Ahimsa: non-violence – Mahatma Gandhi took this idea and Eight Fold Path: right views, intention, speech, action,
established peaceful protesting (later influenced Martin Luther livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration
King Jr.) Reincarnation system – Gautama wanted to escape the
This idea of non-violence became very extremely practiced reincarnation system – end of reincarnation is by reaching
You had to either be a monk, or if you weren’t a monk, had to enlightenment or a state of nothing – not heaven, but nothing
supply for the monks
Jainism believed the cast system itself could cause pain, so they
rejected it
Women were interested in Jainism – could be nuns Women were interested in Buddhism, because it allowed for
Followers Allowed for freedom within the convent women the ability to choose their religious destiny – could be
Merchants nuns
Allowed for freedom within the convent
Merchants
As time went on, there were changes in Buddhism
Changes • Buddha began to be revered as a god – marked the transition
from a philosophy to a religion
• Nirvana was perceived as a heaven
• In order to clear your karma, you had to (1) spread
Buddhism and (2) help the monks my feeding them
There was a split in Buddhism: Mahayana and Theravada
12

Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Empire, Classic Greece

Ashoka converted to Buddhism and
Mauryan actively promoted Buddhism – didn’t
Empire make it the official religion, but
sponsored the building of monasteries
On the top of buildings, Ashoka carved

edicts with his philosophy of ruling –
heavily influenced by Buddhism
Bactria Empire: located at the crossroads of Gupta Empire: You see the push
Post- trade and controlled much of what went on towards the eradication of Buddhism –
Mauryan Gupta Empire: promoted trade and the
there is a flowering of Hinduism and a
decline of Buddhism
Empire population grew As the Muslims invaded India, they
sacked the monasteries (easy to pilfer),
which made Buddhism harder to practice
Economic revival following the Dark Ages of Adult men were considered full citizens.
Classic early Greece – a huge population growth Half Citizens were women and children.
Greece Kept economic records through writing from the
Phoenicians
Non citizens were resident aliens and slaves
Citizenship was only for a select group
Colonization occurred during this time, because The colonies that Greece took over were treated as
in order for Greece to thrive, they needed to take equal citizens
over other colonies (ex: Byzantium for their
grain)
Colonization upset local farmers – had greater
competition with cheaper farmers
Farmers sought help from tyrants, because the
government didn’t help – tyrants treated the
common people well and the rich badly
Cleisthenes was a tyrant that overthrew the
government and gave his power to the people –
father of Athenian democracy
Very limited democracy

13

Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Empire, Classic Greece

Erected around his kingdoms giant, stone pillars After the power gap after Alexander, Ashoka extended the territory very far
Mauryan at the top of which was a piece of his empirical Chandragupta Maurya unites his neighbors to south
Empire symbol (four lions facing different directions) create the Mauryan Empire
Believed the most effective government was a
centralized government where all people were loyal
to the king
His grandson was one of the greatest heroes of the
Indians – Ashoka
Ashoka extended the territory very far south –
converted to Buddhism
There were smaller kingdoms after the Mauryan Gupta Empire finally declined because
Post- Empire: of the political organization –
Mauryan Bactria
Kushan Empire
decentralized, so the rajas were fighting
with each other & unable to effectively
Empire Gupta Empire organize a resistance to the White Huns
Gupta Empire finally declined because of the
political organization – decentralized, so the rajas
were fighting with each other & unable to effectively
organize a resistance to the White Huns
Writing comes from the Phoenicians – record Greece was very rocky and mountainous – emerged Colonization (ex: Byzantium)
Classic keeping from trade as city-states or polis. Persian Wars over Ionia (Anatolia) –
Greece Cleisthenes created democracy Each polis had a separate political institution (some
were monarchies and some were democracies):
Ionians fought against the Persians:
Athens and Spartans ally for the plight
Greece was separate polises – polises developed
separately
Colonization (ex: Byzantium)
Most of the polises were ruled by:
Monarchies (ruled by one)
Oligarchies (ruled by few)
Democracies (ruled by the people)
Cleisthenes was a tyrant that overthrew the
government and gave his power to the people –
father of Athenian democracy
Very limited democracy
Athens was a democracy, but Sparta was an
oligarchy

14

Athens and Sparta

Athens had a diversified economy based on all Cosmopolitan society (art, music, science – well Socrates questioned the Greek religion,
Athens sorts of goods rounded) because he didn’t know if the gods existed
Dependent on trade and their colonies (Ionia – was put to death
and Byzantine)
Led the Delian League – asked people to pay
tribute, but used the tribute for themselves
Athens loses the Peloponnesian Wars & is forced
to give up all colonies and join the
Peloponnesian League
Strictly agricultural Sparta only emphasized warrior culture
Sparta Self-sufficient (no colonies), but relied on slave
labor
Led the Peloponnesian League

Cosmopolitan society (art, music, science – well Democracy Persian Wars over Ionia (Anatolia) –
Athens rounded) Persian Wars over Ionia (Anatolia) – Ionians Ionians fought against the Persians:
Realism becomes the main type of art – able to fought against the Persians: Athens and Spartans Athens and Spartans ally for the plight
make people look more realistic ally for the plight
Showed people in perfection & in action Led the Delian League in response to Persian
Architecture – symmetry was very important: Wars
precision and symmetry Peloponnesian Wars: Athens gives troops to
Literature became a very art form (drama – Corcyra to attack Sparta – “elephant fighting the
tragedy and comedy) wale”
Sophocles – Oedipus (tragedy) Forces Athens to give all their colonies & join the
Aristophanes – famous comedic writer Peloponnesian League
(Lysistrata) Pericles comes to power as the leader of Athens –
Socrates (Socratic method) falls under the plague & at a loss of population
Plato – wrote the Republic Oligarchy Persian Wars over Ionia (Anatolia) –
Sparta Aristotle (base your knowledge off of proof) Ally with Athens for Persian Wars Ionians fought against the Persians:
Herodotus – was a “historian” Led the Peloponnesian League – in response to Athens and Spartans ally for the plight
Thucydides was the first actual historian Athens’s Delian League (angry that they were using Allies with Persia for the Peloponnesian
the funds) Wars – Persia agreed to help if Greece
Peloponnesian Wars: allies with Persia & wins promised to give Ionia
Forces Athens to give all their colonies & join the
Peloponnesian League
Sparta becomes dominant power

15

Famous Figures during Greece

Major Beliefs Achievements
Was the leader of Athens during the Peloponnesian Wars, but fell to the
Pericles plague – majority of the population fell under the plague
Spartans win the wars
Most famous tragedy writer – wrote Oedipus: story about a man who
Sophocles killed his father and fell in love with his mom
Tragedies pointed out flaws – flaws were pointed out in tragedies – his
flaw was his lack of knowledge and fate
Most famous comedic writer and wrote the Lysistrata
Aristophanes Satirical (mocking)
Known for his rational questioning (Socratic method)
Socrates Belief is to question everything
Socrates questioned the Greek gods – how do we know they exist (was
considered to be outrageous and was put to death)
He thought democracy was a bad idea, because people were too stupid Was a student of Socrates
Plato Thought that an educated person should make the decision – Wrote the Republic
philosopher/king
Envisioned himself as the perfect philosopher/king
Completely anti-democratic
Platonic ideal: the ideal that he set was everybody should strive to be
(ideal forms of Truth, Beauty, etc.)
Sought to base your knowledge off of proof and if you couldn’t prove it,
Aristotle then it didn’t exist
In order for things to exist, there had to be empirical evidence
Limited government would be the best because people could make
decisions for themselves
Was a “historian” but really was a story teller
Herodotus Wrote The History of Persian Wars, but wasn’t really accurate – he
didn’t look at both sides of the story and didn’t look at primary sources
– wrote it years after the Persian Wars occurred
First actual history
Thucydides Looked at both sides of the story – emphasis on accuracy

16

Persian Empire

Innovative Political International Religious
Scope
Called the Hellenistic Age, because great Philip of Macedonia united Greece. Alexander is the first world Alexander believed he
Persian Greek culture exchange – between the Alexander the Great is the first “world emperor – empire stretched was a demi-god – can be
Empire diverse cultures & Greek cultures
(intermarriage)
emperor” – Philip’s son.
Alexander believed he was a demi-god – can
from the Mediterranean to
India – conquered Syria,
seen in his character (very
ruthless and fearless)
Alexandria in Egypt (very be seen in his character (very ruthless and Palestine, and Egypt Alexander allowed for
cosmopolitan) fearless) Greeks didn’t just stay in freedom of religion –
Art was very cosmopolitan (ex: Greeks Alexander is the first world emperor – Greece – migrated all over didn’t impose his culture
worshipping the Buddha) empire stretched from the Mediterranean to
Science: after the Hellenistic Age, there India – conquered Syria, Palestine, and
was a big concern to understand nature & Egypt
the universe After Alexander’s death, his empire was split
Archimedes: Pi, specific gravity, into three new empires: Antigonids,
geometry, density Seleucids, and Ptolemis (all to his war
Ptolemy: theory to understand the generals)
motion of the planets (geocentric
theory of planets) Alexander didn’t impose his own culture
Hippocrates: famous for the study of upon his conquered territories – allowed
medicine (basis of four humors – four freedom of choice
liquids in your body: people who were
sick were given leeches) After Alexander’s death, led to chaos  new
Galen: famous for studying the human philosophies arose
body – not accurate, but important for
later discoveries
After Alexander the Great died, it led to chaos – new philosophies arose
Major Beliefs Major Beliefs
Philosophy was developed by Epicuris – he believed that after The belief that everything should be accepted with
Epicureanism death, there was nothing Stoicism honor
Believed there was nothing to be afraid of after death, because Similar to the caste system in Hinduism (Hindus
death leads to nothing believed that whatever caste you are put into, he or she
Enjoy the current life by moderation should accept it without complaining
Similar to Buddhism (believed in moderation) and live life
without things (asceticism)
Idea that to become free of anxiety, you have to constantly Greeks are only concerned with their own polis rather
Skepticism question what you think is true Greek than their entire race (ex: Athenians saw themselves as
Believed nothing could be proved with 100% certainty – although
you could never reach an ultimate truth, you would be less
Particularism Athenians) – why Greece wasn’t united until Philip of
Macedonia
anxious as you understand more
17

Rome (Classical to Octavian)

Very fertile for grapes, olives and wheat – vey flat and fertile Patricians (wealthy class) ruled and the poor class The Etruscans influenced
Classical Growing tensions between plebeians (poor) and patricians (plebeians) Greece in their gods and
Rome (wealthy) – creation of the Senate and tribunes
Economic power still lay in the hands of the Senate (the
Republic – not a direct democracy (white
landowners elected a governor and the governor
goddesses
wealthy) – taxed the plebeians chose who ruled)

Romans conquered Greeks & Carthaginians in the Punic Plebeians revolted – had to serve in the army, but
Wars – further hurt the farmer plebeians could not participate in government (people refused
Economic disparity grew – plebeians lost their land and had to serve in government)
to move to Rome – unemployed were called proleteriat Led to the creation of the Senate & tribunes
Had positive trading relationships without tariffs and taxes Economic power still lay in the hands of the Senate
Patron-client system: patron supported the client in (the wealthy) – taxed the plebeians
exchange for their votes Romans were nicer to the people they conquered –
Corruption within the government – plebeians rebelled granted them full/half citizenships
(Gracchi brothers – took land from patricians & gave it to Economic disparity grew – plebeians lost their land
plebeians, but were murdered) and had to move to Rome – unemployed were called
proleteriat
Patron-client system: patron supported the client
in exchange for their votes
Dictators were fighting for power (against Marius). Marius Civil war (plebeians against patricians) – Marius
Rome during didn’t have the loyalty from his army – employed personal was called as dictator.
their Civil armies to fight for him
Many landless farmers enrolled in the army (were loyal to
Marius passed laws giving him more power &
plebeians less
War the general like the patron-client system) Many landless farmers enrolled in the army (were
Generals began gaining a lot of power – had their own loyal to the general like the patron-client system)
armies (standing armies). The army was paid through
war booty, so emphasis on conquest

18

Rome (Classical to Octavian)

Latin alphabet (brought by the Italian Peninsula is a very open and accessible – no idea of Open (allowed Rome to unite) and
Classical Etruscans) isolationism, so the Roman Empire was very unified whereas Greece Italian Alps in the North, which
Rome Arches (Etruscans influenced
Greece)
was isolated
Had the Italian Alps in the North – developed safely from the
developed safely from the Huns
Latins, Indo-Europeans (from Scythia)
Huns or the steppe
Etruscans conquered Rome around 600 BCE – assimilated into
their culture
509 BCE: the Romans overthrew the Etruscan leaders and
developed an aristocracy (ruled by the wealthy class/patricians)
Republic – not a direct democracy (white landowners elected a
governor and the governor chose who ruled)
Plebeians revolted: the creation of two houses (the Senate and the
tribunes)
Senate: two consuls (later one had to be a
plebeian) – consuls commanded the army &
directed the government – not a lot of power
Tribunes: 12 elected members of plebeian
assembly and had the power to veto
Punic Wars – conquered the Greek and the Carthaginians
Romans were nicer to the people they conquered – granted them
full/half citizenships
Had positive trading relationships without tariffs and taxes
Patron-client system: caused corruption within the government
Corruption within the government – plebeians rebelled (Gracchi
brothers – took land from patricians & gave it to plebeians, but
were murdered)
Moves towards an aristocratic government
In the Roman constitution, claimed that a dictator could rule in
Rome during times of warfare – civil war broke out (plebeians against patricians)
their Civil – Marius was called as dictator
Marius passed laws giving him more power & plebeians less
War Dictators were fighting for power (against Marius)
Generals began gaining a lot of power – had their own armies
(standing armies). The army was paid through war booty, so
emphasis on conquest
Julius Caesar was a general who came into power
Julius Caesar claimed he was dictator for life – people accused him
of being like a king & assassinated him:
Led to another battle for power (Marc Antony & Cleopatra
versus Octavian)
19

Rome Post-Civil War (Up to the Split)

There was economic stability, because there was People voted for whoever provided the There was a great deal of tolerance between other
Rome Post- political stability (due to Octavian) – pax most entertainment – bread and nations – didn’t force people to worship Rome’s
Civil War romana
Greatest territorial height under Trajan
circuses
Reliant on slave labor, because when
pantheon of gods
The emperor did force people to worship him like a god
Wanted people to want to be part of the empire the plague hit, they had a sparse work (monotheistic religions rebelled against his rule) –
– aqueducts, baths, roads, etc. force exiled Jews
The pantheon of roman gods were based off of Greek
Romans began hiring people to work in their Women were given more prestige – gods, just named different names
army – led to a problem, because nomadic vestal virgins
groups weren’t loyal to Rome, but to the Roman society began with an Origins of Christianity:
paycheck emphasis on stoic values, but are soon Founder of Christianity was Jesus of Nazareth –
A big consumption culture lost (especially with the upper class) – Jewish and Christianity began as a reform movement
Reliant on slave labor – main reason to expand sybaritic values (pleasure) – within Judaism
was to recruit more slaves degenerated to excess (hedonism) 1. Emphasized equality & promoting the poor –
made the religion popular among the lower classes
& women
2. Government saw Jesus as a threat when he said he
was going to establish a new kingdom of heaven
on Earth – thought Jesus wanted to create a new
empire
Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, condemned Jesus
to death – crucifixion (used also against slaves)
Jesus’s most ardent followers claimed he was alive and
ascended into heaven – disciples of Jesus (led people to
believe he was the messiah)
Paul of Tarsus made Christianity a universal religion
(not just a subsection of Judaism)
20

Rome Post-Civil War (Up to the Split)

Aqueducts, Roman baths, roads Octavian came into power (won against Marc Antony) – Greatest territorial height under Trajan
Rome Post- politically astute, because he made it appear like other people Roman empire extended to Egypt, he
Civil War had power, although he had all the power
Pax Romana
Middle East, Europe, and all around the
Mediterranean Sea – still survived
Greatest territorial height under Trajan despite crazy emperors
The emperor did force people to worship him like a god
(monotheistic religions rebelled against his rule) – exiled Etruscan and Greek influences:
Jews pantheon of gods were based off of Greek
Good bureaucracy – based on meritocracy, regardless of gods
culture/religion
Hired local officials – knew the area, so more respectful
People voted for whoever provided the most entertainment –
bread and circuses
Romans began hiring people to work in their army – led to a
problem, because nomadic groups weren’t loyal to Rome, but
to the paycheck
Roman Empire begins to fragment – in 476 CE, the last
western emperor was depose, but the Byzantine Empire
remains
One of the main issues was that the empire was too big, so
they split into two different empires (western half wasn’t as
wealth or urbanized as east)
21

Era of Division to the Tang Dynasty

China is separated into separated dukedoms China loses cultural hegemony or dominance of China Buddhism became very popular – arose
Era of – nomads conquered lands and ruled their own – western China becomes influenced by western in China during the end of the Han
Division sectors of China
Economy suffered – not a big demand for
nomads (ex: Mongolia)
Women were more integrated into the economy,
Dynasty (brought by merchants)
Mahayana Buddhism became very
Chinese goods because nomadic economy – allowed to play polo and popular because it:
1. Invasions from the White Huns in India ride horses 1. Downplayed class distinctions
2. Roman decline 2. Emphasis on peace & moderation
Warfare made merchants unable to travel for Peasants were unable to grow crops – warlords raised Daoism increased in popularity
trade (warlords raised taxes for the peasants to taxes against them to fund for war Confucianism didn’t go away entirely, but
fund for warfare) – peasants were unable to lessened in popularity – too closely
grow crops associated with Han Dynasty
Periods of warfare are not periods of economic
growth
They kicked out nomads and built a lot of Forced peasants to do labor
Sui economic infrastructure – lowered taxes on A continuation of western, nomadic influence
Dynasty peasants and began building the Grand Canal
1. Grand Canal would link northern and
southern China together
Forced peasants to do labor
Had vassal kingdoms (ex: Korea and The scholar gentry class increased, because Tang Tang rulers favored Buddhism (ex:
Tang Vietnam) focused on increasing the scholar bureaucracy – led to Empress Wu sent monks to India to
Dynasty A period of territorial expansion
Ended the construction of the Grand Canal –
corruption within the government (marriage into the
scholar class.
collect sacred texts for Buddhism)
Scholar bureaucrats were skeptical of this
allowed foods, supplies and goods to travel expansion of Buddhism – monks became
from north to south Buddhism challenged conventional women values – corrupt & monasteries lush and lavish
The economy flourished despite chaos women were supposed to be in the house (couldn’t in Monks had roles in government – scholar
1. Had regional & international trade (Grand convents) bureaucrats felt threatened
Canal) Concubines: slave-wives (ex: Yang Guifei) Anti-Buddhist Backlash in the Later
2. Silk Roads reopened throughout Central Yang Guifei changed the standards of beauty for Tang
Asia – all of the Middle East and India women 1. Monasteries were shut down &
3. Maritime trade (Chinese junks were great 1. She stayed indoors and tried to look good wealth was taken
ships) – large cargo capacities 2. Rounder image (health and wealth) 2. Confucianism reemerges, but the
4. Led to unprecedented growth of cities At first, women had freedom – allowed to play sports influences of Buddhism do not die
(large population in Chang’an) & be physical out – Neo-Confucianism (a mix)
The creation of paper money (flying cash) 1. Neo-Confucianism reestablished the familiar
helped the Tang economy – easier to carry than hierarchy – lowered women’s status
coins and eliminate I-Owe-You’s – led to Upper-class men could have more than one wife
inflation (concubines), but women could not
22

Era of Division to the Tang Dynasty

Western nomads brought horses After the Han Dynasty collapsed – there’s an era of 300 years of no Western nomads conquered parts of
Era of and camels (ex: Mongolia) and ruling power (Era of Division) western China (brought with them ideas
Division introduced them to Asia when
they conquered western China
China is separated into separated dukedoms – nomads conquered
lands and ruled their own sectors of China
of horses and camels, etc.) – ex: Mongolia
Polychrome sculptures:
shows the western nomadic Warlords raised taxes against peasants to fund for war
influence (sculptures were of
camels and horses)
China is unified under the Sui Unification
Sui Only two rulers, but managed to reunify China
Dynasty Kicked out nomads and rebuilt a lot of the economic infrastructure
Reestablished the Confucian education system – wanted the
government to be educated
Forced peasants to do labor
Chinese junks were the best Adopted Legalism as well as Confucianism – kinder and gentler Sui Western Influence: the emperor’s dress
Tang ships of its time – allowed for Dynasty was not as elaborate, because the founder
Dynasty maritime trade (large cargo
capacities)
Founded by Li Yuan (Duke of Tang)
A period of territorial expansion (vassal kingdoms like Korean and
of the Tang Dynasty was from the west
A period of territorial expansion – made
Vietnam) vassal kingdoms (ex: Korea and
Bridge building and irrigation Funded territorial defense (repairing the Great Wall) and positioned Vietnam)
systems troops on the periphery
Gunpowder (used for fireworks, Capital of the Tang was Chang’an (built on the ruins of Xi’an)
not warfare) Finished the Grand Canal
Tea and kites Focused on building the government bureaucracy – scholar-gentry
Compass (for sea navigation) increased (marriage to the scholar gentry): corruption within the
Abacus (an early calculator) government
Block printing Tang rulers favored Buddhism (ex: Empress Wu sent monks to
Not very useful for them, but India to collect sacred texts for Buddhism)
would help the Europeans Scholar bureaucrats were skeptical of this expansion of Buddhism –
later monks became corrupt & monasteries lush and lavish
Astronomical clock – celestial Monks had roles in government – scholar bureaucrats felt threatened
movements and told time Anti-Buddhist Backlash in the Later Tang
Xuanzong marks the downfall of the Tang – became lazy &
interested in Yang Guifei (concubine)
Provincial governors began setting themselves up like kings due to
the neglect of Xuanzong

23

Song Dynasty

Scholar gentry grew – money waste, because Scholar-bureaucrats were at the top of the social Neo-Confucianism reestablished
Song they didn’t pay taxes ladder – Song government gave scholar-bureaucrats Confucian ideals with other Chinese
Dynasty 1. Tax burden fell on the peasants
The economy flourished despite chaos
the most power (didn’t want the same mistakes with
the provincial governors as seen with the Tang)
philosophies
1. Book learning was the path to
2. Had regional & international trade (Grand Neo-Confucianism established a hierarchy morality
Canal) 1. Respect for men – daughter-in-law was the 2. Emphasis on tradition, rank,
3. Silk Roads reopened throughout Central worst position to be in obligation and deference (enforced a
Asia – all of the Middle East and India Renaissance man (well rounded and educated) – hierarchy)
4. Maritime trade (Chinese junks were great what the scholar gentry were supposed to be Hostility towards Buddhism continued
ships) – large cargo capacities
Led to unprecedented growth of cities (large Women had low status, because of Neo-
population in Hangzhou) Confucianism
The creation of paper money (flying cash) 1. Reestablished the familial hierarchy – declined
helped the Tang economy – easier to carry than women’s status
coins and eliminate I-Owe-You’s – led to Upper-class men could have more than one wife
inflation (concubines), but women could not
Foot binding served as a status symbol Foot binding – like veiling in that hindered
women’s mobility: served as a status symbol

People thought looking to the past would solve Capital at Hangzhou Khitan Mongols invaded from the
Song all problems – prohibited innovation Never as powerful as the Tang northern borders
Dynasty The scholar gentry produced beautiful works of
art – Renaissance Man ideal
Taizu founded the dynasty – determined to not
make the same mistakes as the Tang: gave power to
Jin Kingdom attacks from the north
and seizes most of the Yellow River Basin
Chinese junks – good for maritime trade (had the scholar-bureaucrats instead of the provincial Mongols would later gain control and
large cargo capacities) leaders (more corruption) establish their own empire – Yuan
Bridge building and irrigation systems 1. A mistake because provincial governors didn’t Empire
Gunpowder (used for fireworks, not warfare) know how to rule military
Tea and kites
Compass (for sea navigation)
Abacus (an early calculator)
Block printing
Not very useful for them, but
would help the Europeans
later
Astronomical clock – celestial movements and
told time
24

The Fall of the Roman Empire

Because of the population decline, Romans There was a population decline, because of disease – Christianity emphasized the afterlife –
The Fall of relied on mercenaries (from nomadic groups) relied on mercenaries people were waiting for the apocalypse
Roman 1. They were incredibly expensive – loyal to
money, not loyal to Rome
Cultures develop separately (east from the west)
There is a shift in Roman values:
1. Began prosecuting other religions
that weren’t Christianity
Empire The tax revenue declined because of lack of 1. From mutual participation to short-term Archbishop of Rome paid Attila the
people immediate gratification, especially with Hun off to save Rome
People fled from cities Christianity (emphasized the afterlife) 1. Gave the pope a great amount of
Under Hadrian, shifted from an offensive to prestige – considered the savior of
defensive – took a toll on the economy, because Rome
they relied on war booty from the places they
conquered (lost that revenue)
After Diocletian split the empire – not equal,
because East was wealthier
Barrack emperors were bad for the economy:
pillage the places they conquered

Government relied on mercenaries because of Relied on mercenaries from nomadic
The Fall of population decline groups
Roman Rome was too big to be governed effectively
Under Trajan, Rome was under its greatest,
Under Trajan, Rome was under its
greatest, territorial extent
Empire territorial extent Visigoths were threatening the western
Hadrian: shifted to more of a defensive portion of the empire
Diocletian split the Roman Empire into two The western empire had many invasions
sectors (East and West with co-emperors) 1. Attilla the Hun – great warriors
Constantine reunites the empire temporarily
Quality of rulers declined (ex: Nero)
1. Able to maintain its structure, because the
Roman Empire had a well-formed government
Barrack emperor: emperors who ruled on
violence (army commanders)
Patricians retreated from governmental affairs as
the emperors called the shots
Pope increased power because of paying off Attila
the Hun – considered the savior
Last western emperor deposed at 476 CE
The Byzantine Empire continues to thrive
25

Rome During the Early Middle Ages

Economic Social International Scope
Monasteries became very important economic Not all Roman culture died out – religion remained
Early Middle tools and integrated with Germanic culture
Ages 1. They made things and sold them
Byzantine Empire remains a center of learning Feudal system because peasants are scared of
and trade their resources
In the West, economy suffered – economic Serfdom – a new class of peasants, because
depression because no long distance trade peasants didn’t have economic security
Feudal system because peasants are scared of
their resources
Serfdom – a new class of peasants, because
peasants didn’t have economic security
Innovative Political & Religious

Monasteries had a lot of innovation After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Christian Church established itself as the major rulers of
Early Middle 1. Literacy rates were high in monasteries – Rome
Ages helped with technology
2. Recopied Latin texts
1. Arranged itself into a hierarchy like the Roman government
2. Parish (community unit) – would be led by a priest  diocese (a bunch of parishes) – a
bishop would lead the diocese  province (a bunch of dioceses) led by an archbishop 
the most senior archbishops were patriarchs (archbishops of the most flourishing cities of
Alexandria, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Antioch, and Rome).
a. The Pope was the patriarch of Rome – only archbishop in the western empire
Was good for disseminating information – the Church just contacted the person below them.
Monasticism (growth of monasteries) helped the church
1. St. Benedict of Norcia was a monk in Italy – came up with a set of rules to govern life in
the monasteries: Benedictine Rule
a. Monasteries became very important economic & innovation tools
There’s a loss of central government control and the western half fragments – ruled by Germanic
tribes (ex: the Franks and the Visigoths)
1. Clovis was the king of the Franks – controlled the Merovingians
a. Emperors had power based on warrior excellence
2. Trial by ordeal – relied on torture to release information
Byzantine Empire combined religious and political rule: caesaropapism
26

Classical Japan (Taika, Nara, Heian Periods)

Tributary conquest under China – in The geography of Japan was in archipelago – Yamato clan gained legitimacy of their
Classical exchange for presents and riches, Japan gave formation of little groups of islands rule because of the indigenous religion of
Japan their loyalty (kowtow)
1. Exchanged ideas and goods
1. Much of Japan’s culture was developed from
Korean culture
Shinto – claimed they were descendants
of Amaterasu, sun goddess
Taika Period Japan did not have very arable lands Borrows a lot of culture from China because Chan Buddhism became popular (Zen
Nara Period Chinese language was the language for business tributary state Buddhism)
Heian Period Women used the Japanese vernacular whereas men 1. Emphasized simplicity & nature (ex:
spoke in Chinese rock gardens)
Heian court was very sophisticated & civilized – Mahayana Buddhism became popular
opportunities for upper class women too
1. Men and women wore layers of kimonos Buddhist monasteries became huge (ex:
2. Women had a lot of power – wrote books Todaji temple in Nara)
(Lady Murasaki’s The Tale of Gengi and
Sei Shonagon’s The Pillow Book)
3. Lower-class women had little freedom
The Tea Ceremony (emphasis on simplicity)

Chinese language stuck to the culture – Chinese The geography of Japan was in archipelago – Gained a lot of its cultural from China
Classical language was used for business, but Japanese formation of little groups of islands (tributary conquest)
Japan vernacular was more informal (women used it)
1. Women wrote books – Lady Murasaki’s
1. Much of Japan’s culture was developed from
Korean culture
Taika Period The Tale of Gengi and Sei Shonagon’s Hard for unification – mountainous
Nara Period The Pillow Book Clans ruled their kingdoms and fought for power
Heian Period (like Greece)
Yamato clan established themselves as the main
power
1. Claimed they could rule, because of the
indigenous religion of Shinto – claimed they
were descendants of Amaterasu, sun goddess
Tried to establish a bureaucracy (learned from the
Chinese), but did not work
Capital at Heian
Heian court was very sophisticated & civilized –
opportunities for upper class women
Fujiwara clan ruled behind the scenes – married
daughters off to Yamato clan: emperor has no real
power
27

Feudal Japan & Kamakura Shogunate

The bushi raised their own taxes: the samurai In the country side, local lords called bushi served
Feudal Japan were their enforcers as governments
The samurai were the bushi’s local enforcers – were
very feared
The daimyo gave the samurai a plot of land – The daimyos want as large of an army as possible – Bushido was based on a religious system
Kamakura samurai would want to protect the land, so gains recruited peasants to serve in army
Shogunate loyalty in return
Peasants decline economically – often their
1. Peasants were easy targets because they didn’t
know how to fight
crops were razed when raided, so there was Samurai’s position became a position of honor:
economic uncertainty 1. Bushido: individual and collective honor – a
code of behavior was made to celebrate the
samurai culture
2. Seppuku: suicide practice of purification
when there was shame or dishonor (extreme)
3. How you behaved outside of the battlefield –
were supposed to e respectful of women
Women had less status – were trophies of war and
were supposed to commit suicide if captured

The samurai evolved very effective weaponry Rival clans got angry at the emperor (solely a Samurai are the only people to defeat the
Feudal Japan 1. Samurai armor (lightweight and flexible) – figurehead while the Fujiwara was in power) Mongols
made of leather instead of plates of metal In the country side, local lords called bushi served
2. Two long swords as governments
1. They raised their own armies and taxes
2. They had enforcers – the samurai
The bushi eventually break off all together from the
central government – a warlord from Kamakura
gains enough power and claims his empire: calls
himself a shogun
The shogun had relatively no power
Kamakura The bushi became known as the daimyo
Shogunate 1. The daimyo gave the samurai a plot of land –
samurai would want to protect the land, so
gains loyalty in return
28

Islam
Bedouin were part of the nomadic, desert Blood feuds because there was an emphasis on Umayyad gains control of Mecca – made
Islam culture – made their living off of trade routes familial values their money off of tourism
1. Goods were difficult to transport, because 1. People were trying to protect their honor – 1. Ka’ba Shrine: people came to
of the Sahara Desert violence between clans worship the shrine
Two main cities: Mecca and Medina The status of women was higher – Bedouin women 2. Hijra: Muhammad’s flight to
Umayyad gains control of Mecca – made their were not veiled Medina
money off of tourism 1. Respect for women because of Khadijah Muhammad allows for religious freedom,
1. Ka’ba Shrine: people came to worship the Christians and Jews were known as the People of but gives incentives for conversion –
shrine the Book – preferential tax treatment many people converted anyways (all over
Arab Muslims got war booty & no taxes the Arabian Peninsula)

Islam develops around the Arabian Peninsula Islam spread all throughout the Arabian
Islam Two main cities: Mecca and Medina Peninsula
Clans were competing for power – the Krash tribe was the
overarching tribe
Blood feuds because there was an emphasis on familial values
Umayyad gained control of Mecca
Umayyad plot to kill Muhammad – he flees to Medina
Muhammad makes no distinction between church and state
Muhammad allows for religious freedom, but gives incentives for
conversion
Muhammad died without a successor – plunged Mecca and
Medina into chaos
Founder Beliefs
The life of Muhammad: Umma: idea of the community of the faithful
The Muhammad was a merchant – married Khadijah (immense Universal religion – practiced by everyone in the world
Foundations respect for women)
1. Received revelations by archangel Gabriel – wrote
The Five Pillars of Islam:
There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet
of Islam down the revelations in the Qur’an (Koran) Pray 5 times per day, facing Mecca
2. Islam becomes popular – Umayyad plan to kill Fast during the holy month of Ramadan
Muhammad and he flees to Medina: hijra Zakat: tithe for charity
Erupts into civil war & Muhammad wins – he makes no Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca once in your life
distinction between church and state (is the ruler of both
realms)
29

SUNNI: SHIA:
Origins When Muhammad died, he didn’t train a successor – Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s nephew took over the
throne. He died and needed another caliph
Umayyad clan wanted one of their own people to be elected as caliph – supporters of Ali wanted him to
be caliph. Ali won and became the first caliphate (caliph, but hereditary)
The followers of Ali attacked the Umayyad clan (Hussein led the attack), but was killed in the Battle
of Karbala – seminal event, which created the second sect of Islam: Shia Islam
Primary locations Nearly everywhere Iran, Iraq, Yemen
Did Muhammad designate No Yes
a successor?
The successor Abu Bakr, father of Muhammad’s favored Ali ibn Abi Talib, husband of Muhammad’s daughter
wife, Aisha (elected by the people of Fatimah (designated by the Prophet?)
Medina)
Qualifications for ruler Tribe of Muhammad (Quraysh) later any Family of Muhammad
qualified Muslim
Mahdi: savior figure Will come in the future Was already on Earth – is currently the “hidden imam”
who works through leaders to interpret the Qur’an and
will return at the end of time
Religious authority other Consensus of Muslim community – Hadith Infallible imams: religious leaders within Islam and
than the Qur’an solely human prayer leaders – Shiites claimed they had
a special relationship with God
1. Believed in twelve imams and the twelfth
vanished and they are waiting for him to return
30

Islam: Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphate

Conquered places not for conversion, but for Only Arab Muslims were considered first class Didn’t want people to convert – wanted to
Islam tribute and war booty – discouraged citizens gain tribute and war booty and wanted
Umayyad conversion, because Muslims didn’t pay taxes 1. People became angry they didn’t get full revenue – Muslims didn’t have to pay taxes
Caliphate Moved capital to Damascus (middle of trade rights – couldn’t get certain bureaucratic
routes, etc.) positions
Used the idea of People of the Book but
applied it generously (ex: Hindus were people of
the book)
1. Didn’t want the new conquered lands to feel
suppressed
Women’s status decreased as they conquered
more land – didn’t have to do with religion
Non-Arab Muslims were called Mawali
2. The Mawali were angry at their lack of
power – united with the Shiites (led by Abu
al-Abbas) and overthrew the Ummayad
Changed the capital to Baghdad – made it a The status of women declined – veiled and First caliphate that encourages conversion
Islam glittering city in competition with conserved Ulama: orthodox scholars of Islam –
Abbasid Caliphate Constantinople and Chang’an Harem: a house full of women worked with quadi (Islamic judges) to
There was an increase in trade (ex: China) – 1. Elite women had power behind the scenes – produce the sharia, Islamic law
exchange of trade and culture able to influence rulers in the Harem
Trade was huge – dhows were Muslim ships because young boys were raised Madrasas: schools – Islam emphasized
education (improved literacy rates) – charity
schooling
Sufis helped spread the religion – Sufis and
Ulama came into conflict when Sufis claimed
scholars weren’t needed – Sufis spread
religion to India and SE Asia
31

Islam: Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphate

Umayyad clan won and killed Ali & Hussein – set up a Conquered Byzantine territories of Syria,
Islam hereditary caliphate western Iraq, Palestine, and Egypt
Umayyad 1. Great success in spreading faith and extending empire Defeated the Persians, central Asia, North
Caliphate 2. Didn’t want to convert people at first (wanted tribute Africa and Spain – dominated the
and war booty) and wanted revenge Mediterranean
Moved the capital to Damascus – signaled a change from
Bedouin/nomadic culture to a sedentary
The Mawali were angry at their lack of power – united with

the Shiites (led by Abu al-Abbas) and overthrew the
Umayyad – established their own caliphate
Dhows were Muslim ships Turned on the Shiites right after they won – were even
Islam Mosque and palace building worse than the Umayyad
Abbasid Caliphate Rounded arches and mosaics Changed the capital to Baghdad
Abbasid architecture relied more on Caliph takes on a new chief adviser – wazier (vizier) – the
geometric design (ex: peaked arches vizier becomes more powerful than the caliph
rather than rounded) – influenced
Gothic architecture “The Golden Age” of Islamic culture because different rival
groups were fighting to produce the best art, scholarship and
Literature was written in Persian – a science
language of high culture
The Rubiyat & 1001 Arabian
Nights
Trigonometry and Algebra
Experts in medicine – figured how the
body circulates
Skilled astronomers and cartographers
Great mapmakers
32

Post-Classical Southeast Asia

Trade was beneficial to the Indian Women’s status declined – some women Islam arrived in 711 CE when the Umayyad conquered
Post- economy performed sati Northwest India
Classical 1. Monsoon winds made India in
the middle
Delhi sultanate really opposed Buddhism because they
were attracted to the monasteries’ wealth
Southeast 2. Manufacturing grew – Majority of the population remained Hindu
emporia along the coasts 1. Merchants converted to Islam – Arabic allowed for
Asia (textile manufacturing common language & Muhammad was a merchant
especially) 2. Women & lower class converted because they liked the
egalitarian

Reverted back to no centralized government when Turkic nomadic invasions from the North
Post- the Gupta Empire ended
Classical Delhi sultanate – nomads stayed and set up the
capital at Delhi – called themselves “sultans” like
Angkor Wat shows diversity of religion
– first was a Buddhist temple then a
Southeast the Seljuk Turks Hindu
Established control under the Mughal Dynasty –
Asia political fragmentation and invasion
33

Byzantine Empire
Had a solid economic base – agriculture Women had power behind-the-scenes, but Caesaropapism: emperor had control over secular and
Byzantine and trade were typically veiled. Lower class women religious matters
Empire Controlled land that was very fertile
Constantinople was in a very
worked in the fields Ψ Constantine in the Councile of Nicaea – ideas of
Christianity were hammered out
strategic location – good for trade and Priests are more integrated into the society Had a very strong missionary tradition
easy to defend – are allowed to marry Ψ Cyril and Methodius were important missionaries –
went to the Slavs and taught them the Cyrillic
Had different views of each other – East alphabet
thought the west as uncultured & unable to Emphasized the beauty and mysticism of ritual (incense
fight but West thought the East as prissy and décor) – many people were illiterate
Pope claimed he was superior because of the Petrine
Theory
Priests are more integrated into the society – are allowed to
marry
Iconoclasm: Eastern portion wanted to get rid of icons,
but pope said it was okay
1054 CE: The Great Schism – finally split (Eastern
Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism)
Innovative Political The Crusades

Justinian’s reign is know for the Reverted back to the citizen/soldier complex – paid taxes and In the Battle of Manzikert, the
Byzantine Hagia Sophia cathedral – you contributed in times of warfare Byzantines lost the holy lands to the Seljuk
Empire can see the Roman influence by
rounded domes and Islamic
Capital city was Constantinople founded by Constantine
1. Was in a very strategic location
Turks – appealed to the pope
Pope responded by calling the Crusades
influence (minarets) Strong, centralized bureaucracy (like the Roman Empire) with Ψ Only the First Crusade sort of helps
learned administrators – no testing, but education was still gain the Holy Lands (temporarily)
emphasized Ψ Fourth Crusade was a disaster –
Caesaropapism: emperor had control over secular and Venice convinces crusaders to go to
religious matters Constantinople and sack it – turns
 Constantine in the Councile of Nicaea – ideas of into a civil war about money, which
Christianity were hammered out – Constantine was not weakens the Byzantines
Christian himself, but felt the need to intervene It was difficult to get to Jerusalem by
Byzantine law code was modeled after the Roman law code walking or by sea – hard on the offensive
Justinian was a controversial ruler – married to Theodora –
people rebelled and he put down the rebellion
1. Established the corpus lurius Civilis: a comprehensive
law code
The Ottoman Turks invade Constantinople in 1453 CE –
transform their capital from Constantinople to Istanbul
Ψ Doesn’t destroy Byzantine monuments, but transforms
already existing ones to their advantage
34

Africa (Before and After Islam): Kingdom of Axum, Kingdom of Ghana, Mali
The Sahara Desert – desertified (before it was a Bantu Migrations – Islam came to Africa through trading routes –
Africa grassland) – people moved eastward to find from West Africa and Social structure in became a popular religion
(before land: they brought their culture with them
Africa limited the extent the people they could
then spread to the
southern tip of Africa:
Western Africa
before and after
Idea of divine kingship
Religion was animistic – spirits of ancestor
Islam) spread (rainforests with sleeping illness bugs) intermarried with the Islam: populated the Earth (a belief in witchcraft)
Camels and horses became huge – horses were people they encountered Many were
adopted by Africans by the Arabian Peninsula People were closer to matrilineal (had
Bantu Migrations – from West Africa and their age group rather more freedoms) –
then spread to the southern tip of Africa than family had freedom of
 Spread their knowledge of iron tools and  There were rituals dress
sedentary culture – helped clear much of that celebrated the
the rainforest transition of age Slavery was used
People who were accused – became a wider
of witchcraft were phenomenon after
children (most Islam, but still
vulnerable) existed before.
Was located in the Ethiopian highlands Showed the diversity of Women and Axum adopted Christianity ~350 CE
Kingdom of Trade was connected with the Red Sea – spices Africa children were The Queen of Sheba had the Ten
Axum and other precious goods: showed how
important and interconnected all of trade was.
enslaved:
Concubines and
Commandments and brought it to Ethiopia
Increased interactions between Islamic
1. Increased interactions between Islamic eunuchs communities and the Christian communities
communities and the Christian (castrated men because of trade
communities because of trade that served as
Was very rich because trade routes went through Islam becomes a religion guards) In the 10th century, Ghana king converted to
Kingdom of Ghana & Ghana taxed other nations for the elite – only the Europeans would Islam – only the king & elite convert to Islam:
Ghana 1. Traded valuable goods: gold and salt – a
lot of salt which was very valuable
elite convert later increase
slavery – needed
becomes an elite religion
Most people remain animistic
Islamic kings liked Islam, because it provided Even though there was a more slaves than Islamic kings like that it allowed for the
access to learning, technology and ideas – access lot of wealth, majority of they could supply legitimacy of their rule – Islam was
to the Islamic islands the population were poor monotheistic, so claiming he was semi-divine
Ψ African cities became major, cosmopolitan & farmers – only applied was controversial
cities that attracted many people: to the rich class 2. Islamic kings would change parts
Timbuktu and Jenne
Even though there was a lot of wealth, majority
of the population were poor & farmers – only
applied to the rich class
Derived its wealth from agriculture and trade – Mansa Musa was a famous figure (made the
Kingdom of became known as the richest place in the world Hajj to Mecca) – distributed gold along the
Mali Had a lot of gold (Mansa Musa) way
35

Africa (Before and After Islam): Kingdom of Axum, Kingdom of Ghana, Mali
Bantu Migrations spread their Developed into smaller, community groups
Africa knowledge of iron tools & sedentary Stateless societies: small-scale leadership – elders were
(before agriculture & language in charge
Adoption of the idea of divine kingship: king had a special
Islam) relationship with god
Located in the Ethiopian highlands Increased interactions between Islamic

Kingdom of The Queen of Sheba had the Ten Commandments and communities and the Christian
Axum brought it to Ethiopia
Capital city was Meroë
communities because of trade
African cities became major, In the 10th century, Ghana king converted to Islam Islamic kings liked Islam, because it
Kingdom of cosmopolitan cities that attracted many Islamic kings like that it allowed for the legitimacy of their provided access to learning, technology
Ghana people: Timbuktu and Jenne
 The Great Mosque of Jenne:
rule – Islam was monotheistic, so claiming he was semi-
divine was controversial.
and ideas – access to the Islamic islands
had distinctive architecture – Ψ Islamic kings would change parts of Islam

made of sand and mud and had They were conquered by the Almoravids in 1076 CE, because
rounded arches they didn’t want to pay taxes
Began as part of the kingdom of Ghana, but broke away
Kingdom of Mansa Musa – most famous leader of Mali
Mali  Threw out gold & bragged of the riches of Mali –
distributed so much gold it plummeted the world
market
Swahili States
Economic Social Religious Political Innovative
Utilized the Indian Ocean trading Islam was adopted by Adopted Islam through Wealthiest of Swahili city-states Developed Swahili,
Swahili network – trading through the the elites – the vast trading relations – religion were: which is a mixture of
States monsoon trading patterns
Kilwa: rich from gold
majority of the
population were
of the #1 trading partners so
it was logical
Kilwa and Malindi and
Mombasa
Arab and African
(general) Malindi and Mombasa: rich animists Islam helped create a

from agricultural land cosmopolitan culture –
emphasis on trade,
education and scholarship
36

Middle Ages in Europe

Population decline, food deficits – led to serfdom – Population decline Pope crowned Charlemagne – equal exchange (rulers
Early Middle felt a lack of security People increasingly complied to got political authority and pope got economic assurance)
Ages Long-distance trade declined
Intensification of feudalism
serfdom – felt a lack of security
Feudalism – very decentralized
The pope wanted land and money, but relied on ruler to
get those
Ψ The king split up empire – dukes were in and became hereditary The Roman Catholic Church is the dominant,
charge of those lands & had workers, so he Chivalry: a person’s duty to uniting force in Europe
could concentrate on warfare – was supposed serve the king (a moral Ψ Monasteries helped people convert – became
to be loyal to the king in exchange for land component as well) economic and religious centers
Manorialism developed because of increased Manorialism – peasants lived The Pope gained a lot of power & wealth
feudalism together in their familial part of Ψ People thought they would gain moral prestige if
Ψ Goal was to be self-sufficient – disincentive to land they gave to the pope – also gained a lot of prestige
trade because of Attila the Hun (savior)
Monasteries became economic centers as well Ψ Gregory the Great came up with the Petrine
Theory – influenced the Great Schism
New technological innovations allowed Europe to Universities sprung out of Built beautiful new churches (ex: Notre Dame
Later Middle produce more crops – crop rotation cathedral schools – students Cathedral) – now had more Gothic architecture rather
Ages Ψ Three fields system allowed for maximum
production without soil depletion
became irreputable (associated
with drinking, etc.)
than Romanesque
Ψ Mordblow plow: allowed people to get

deeper into soil (helpful if rocky) – allowed
animals to pull it
Ψ Horseshoes, fertilizers, etc.
Regional trade began to revive – towns grew
 Towns held fairs – economic and cultural
centers. Bishops tried to attract visitors –
would spend money on tourism
Economic revival – contact with Byzantine & Muslim Towns were often unpleasant – Banking conflicted with religious ideas – came up with
High Middle worlds through trade disease-ridden and dirty a theological justification, which increased banking
Ages Crusades helped – English people saw things they
never saw before – increased demand (carpets,
Guilds – were economic and
social fabric of the city:
Increased tensions between the pope and emperor:
about priests, bishops and taxation of church
jewels, pepper, etc) merchant guilds and craft Vestiture controversy: pope ex-communicated the
Italy revives its economy first – Italian city-states guilds king
through Mediterranean trade  Craft guilds did everything Second Babylonian Captivity: decline of pope’s
 Gained most of their wealth from trade together – saw each other as power (Philip the Spider took the pope hostage) – moves
 Borrowed ideas for trade – idea of banking – friends, not competitors: his papal palace from Rome to France
conflicted with religious ideas allowed for greater United under the Crusades – pope saw this as a
Guilds – became social as well as economic specialization unification (united to defeat Muslims)
Hanseatic League showed the degree of revival –  Looked out for one another
went all the way to Russia
37

Innovation Political International Scope

General cultural digression – not the same Political fragmentation Charlemagne owned a lot of the land
Early Middle degree of literacy and culture Warfare and fragmentation known as Gall
Ages Charlemagne Renaissance
Ψ Made schools to train next bureaucrats
Charlemagne briefly unites the two portions of the
empire – crowned by the pope There was a new wave of invasions by the
 Charlemagne calls himself the grand vizier Vikings who came from the North –
Places that were invaded (ex: Russia) had Pepin the Short deposed the last king and Normans: looted and pillaged and then
great maritime technology because the places Charlemagne is the descendant of Pepin fled
that conquered them brought those ideas Pope crowned him “the Emperor of the Romans” Some nomads stuck around and
Scriptoria (monks recopied texts) in Charlemagne’s empire was too big – created the assimilated (ex: northwest France and
monasteries beginnings of a bureaucracy Russia) – converted to Eastern
Ψ Counts were the tax collectors and he appointed Orthodoxy
people (missi dominici) to check up on the Magyars went to Hungary
counts The Muslims raided Spain, Italy and
Ψ Sponsored schools to train bureaucrats England
After Charlemagne died, three sons wanted to inherit
the land – split it up into three portions (partible
inheritance)
Crop rotation – three fields system allowed Beginnings of new monarchies (ex: France, England, Invasions ended
Later Middle for maximum production without soil and Holy Roman Empire – Germany) – would later
Ages depletion
Mordblow plow: allowed people to get
conflict with the Pope
deeper into soil (helpful if rocky) – allowed

animals to pull it
Horseshoes and fertilizers
Notre Dame Cathedral – more Gothic than
Romanesque (lights and windows – flying
buttresses)
Revival of learning – cathedral schools and
universities
Ψ Trained priests and government
administrators
Revival of intellectual life during the High There were no kings in Italy, just small city-states: People participated in the crusades
High Middle Middle Ages some were ruled by dukes because of primogeniture (needed to
Ages Ψ Aristotle wanted to find reason in
religion – scholasticism
Monarchs liked cities because it limited the power of
the lords – people gave monarchs their taxes
make a living)
Ψ St. Thomas Aquinas used Third Crusade was the King’s Crusade (Richard
scholasticism the Lionhearted fought) – his son took over, but was
corrupt
Ψ Forced to sign the Magna Cart – established
that the king is not above the law (went again of
the divine right of kings)
38

The Mongol Empire

Chinggis Khan was very open to other cultures and religion – Open to all religions – cosmopolitan
Mongol Empire cosmopolitan
The military was based on a hierarchy on how good you were, not
just on family connections
Abbasid Empire Tried to print paper money, but
led to inflation
Settled in the lands they conquered and assimilated (ex: converted
to Islam)
Converted to Islam
Golden Horde Mongols had little interest in

Russia – cold without pastures:
The leader of Russia adopted Islam
of Russia had people collect taxes
Printing money was a failure (did not Mongols discouraged assimilation

China know the Chinese) Created a very cosmopolitan court
Chinese did not assimilate – a lot of resentment from the Chinese
A rise of the merchant class (usually Confucians)

Expert horsemen The founder was Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan) Attacked places that were already
Mongol Extensive use of spies to find out Mongols lived in extended family clan groups – involved warfare breaking down: Abbasids, Byzantine
Empire weaknesses of places and intermarriage
Chinggis Khan was good at conquering, but not at administrating
Empire, Russia, and the Song
Dynasty
Ψ A good diplomat Mongols swept away remnants of
New capital at Karakorum dynasties – allowed new empires to rise
Used psychological warfare, like Assyrians – terror psychology Were not successful in conquering Japan
At Chinggis Khan’s death, the empire was split into four regions and Java
Ruled by Hülegü
Abbasid Controlled Persia/Near East
Empire Wanted to go further into northern Africa, but stopped by the
Egyptian Mamluks
Hired local leaders to rule, because were ill-equipped
The leader was Batu – adopted Islam
Golden Horde Mongols didn’t have much interest in Russia – stayed out of their
of Russia way except to collect taxes
Ivind Moneybags – was a very good tax collector
 Used his wealth to weaken his rivals and raise his own army
Kubilai Khan oversaw China (the Yuan Dynasty)
China Moved the capital to Beijing
He did not like Confucianism – Confucian bureaucracy was
deemphasized
Hired international bureaucrats, because didn’t want local
bureaucrats to be corrupt (became corrupt anyways)
39


Not many domesticated animals except They had no contact with the Old World, so they
The llamas were susceptible to disease (smallpox)
Americas Pastoralism was not practiced
Traded extensively (in produce and with Important gods included Quetzalcoatl (the
Teotihuacan slaves) – evidence of trade with the Southwest god of rain) – relied on water
Agricultural society
Hierarchy: merchants, warrior class, the king Had a religion with a cosmic creator &
Mayans and the priests were at the highest of the social separated into avatars (like Hinduism)
hierarchy (Mayans were a warrior culture) Human sacrifice continue the aspect of
fertility
Had to hire mercenaries (some from the Continued to sacrifice humans
Toltecs Aztecs) because there were invaders from the
North
Tenochtitlan was the center for trade Warriors, kings and priests had high status The king was considered divine – the king and
Aztecs Gained revenue through tribute Women had higher status – had to do more the priests had to keep the gods happy
work, but had power behind the scenes
Were forced contact with other regions (others
Incas had things they needed)
Promoted self-sufficiency: city-states & trade

Technology was low, because didn’t trade with
The others (no exchange of ideas)
Americas Mayans and Aztecs had pictographic writing, but
the Incas did not (kept track of records by quipu)
Built step pyramids Traded with surrounding areas
Teotihuacan Innovative in art – had two-dimensional bas
reliefs
Pictographic, written language Organized into city-states, but city-states worked
Mayans Mayan calendar was cyclical together as an empire
Were very militaristic Were invaded from the North – had to hire
Toltecs A smaller group that managed to overcome a mercenaries (one of the lands was from the
number of their neighbor tribes & assemble a Aztecs)
tributary empire
Language they spoke was Nahuatl (a glyph Capital was Tenochtitlan – center for trade &
Aztecs language) government
Ruled through tribute
Spoke Quechua Weren’t able to build a large empire because it was difficult People in the Andes had to work together –
Incas Mummies to trade, etc. – were good bureaucrats unlike the Aztecs they produced things other lands needed
Capital at Cuzco
Was a tributary empire (in the form of cloth or labor)
40

The Black Death

There was a temporary Ice Age – agricultural Moved away from feudalism and serfdom People began accusing Jews and single
The Black production decreased (weakened immune system) Moved to cities to find food women (witchcraft) as the cause
Death Serfdom became less popular and people moved
away from feudalism
Dramatic population decline
Peasants demanded more rights
People looked to the Church (either to
accuse or were more devoutly religious) –
Moved to cities to find food People began accusing Jews and single flagellants were people who whipped
Peasants wanted greater rights, since there wasn’t women (witchcraft) themselves
more of a workforce – rebellions Some people wanted it up & party

People began bloodletting – increased Political instability because of plague Hundred Years War occurred – English was
The Black the spread of disease People could take portions of land because of the trying to get the French throne – warfare made
Death Led to the Renaissance – people
began wondering why people existed
plague (ex: Tamerlane could take over because
Mongol rule was weakened)
people more susceptible to plague
Mongols ruled during this time – increased
Famous artwork showed desperation – New Turkic empires were able to rise because of plague because it was a cosmopolitan society
Dance of the Death (showed the decreased populations – Ottomans, Salavids and
plague affected all classes) Mughals
St. Sebastian (protector of the people
– he was praying)
41

The Renaissance
Characteristics Famous Pieces of Artwork
Ψ Similar to the ancient Greeks – of men doing physical things (ex: Ψ More realistic – ex: El David by Michelangelo – more realistic and
man throwing a discus) proportionate: showed a man engaged in thought rather than
Ψ Humanity instead of divinity physical – 1st
Ψ Added background with a focus of a subject Ψ Mary and Jesus was a main focus – Michelangelo carved a sculpture
Ψ Blue: signified wealth (blue was derived from a semiprecious stone) of Mary and Jesus (showed emotion – characteristic of
Ψ Portraiture became very famous Renaissance) – 3rd
Ψ Giotto created the first Renaissance painting – added perspective
and tried to make it a 3D portrait (4th painting)
Ψ Leonardo da Vinci painted a portray of Mary and Jesus and
added a background – were supposed to be in a specific place – 2nd
Ψ The Book of Hours had a lot of blue – you were wealthy if you
had it

42


Peasants were economically struggling – rebelled Peasants were economically struggling – 1517: The Protestant Reformation –
Early against the nobles in 1524: used Luther’s ideas to rebelled against the nobles in 1524: used Martin Luther published the 95 Theses
Modern support their rebellion Luther’s ideas to support their rebellion Ψ It was a rethinking of God’s relationship
with the individual – attacked the Church
Europe – mad about indulgences
The Church built St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
– asked for money (Martin Luther thought this
was selling Heaven)
Ψ Martin Luther claimed you could have a
direct rel. with God by reading the Bible
People who followed Martin Luther –
Lutherans
Peasants used Luther’s ideas to support
rebellion – Luther claimed his ideas were only
for secular affairs, not political
Calvin took Luther’s ideas a step further – his
followers were called Huguenots/Puritans
Luther: Calvin:
1. “Priesthood of all believers:” The priest is not required to 1. The concept of predestination: the “elect” would go to
be the intermediary of the individual and God: the Heaven. It was a scary idea – God had already chosen who
individual can understand God directly – literacy. Luther goes to Heaven and who is not. Calvin claimed if you were
helped this transition by translating the Bible to German living a good and righteous life, you were probably going to
2. Only two sacraments mattered: baptism and Heaven.
communion. 2. He claimed that people should still act good and righteous,
3. Justification by faith alone: He claimed that what makes so people would think you’re part of the elect.
you a Christian was your belief in God and nothing else 3. Calvinists rejected all of the outward trappings – churches,
matters – in the Catholic tradition, you had to show your house of worships, etc. were very austere and didn’t believe
devotion to God through good works, but according to in the worship of saints and didn’t believe of decoration in
Luther, the only thing you needed was your acceptance to churches (ex: Presbyterian churches tend to be more stark)
God. 4. Calvin’s ideas took hold in Switzerland, France, Scotland,
4. Lutheran’s ideas became dominant in Northern Germany and the Puritans in England.
and Sweden
43


Humanism was practiced during this period – Hapsburg family began to dominate the position of Netherlands and the Dutch become
Early focused on this, earthly life the emperor – controlled the electors major powers as a result from the 30
Modern Erasmus of Notre Dame – Praise of Polly
– was a famous humanist scholar: able to create
Ψ Electors got angry – saw Martin Luther as an
opportunity: erupted in civil war – The Peace
Year War
Europe a more updated version of the Bible of Augsburg was seen as a solution – electors
Thomas Moore wrote the book Utopia – could practice any religion but all their people
ideal world (how to get an ideal world) under him had to follow his religion
Shakespeare was one of the quintessential 1534: Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon
humanist writers – explored psychological (Spain) – fell in love with Anna Bolin – pope was
motivations – drew inspiration from history against the divorce
Gutenberg created a movable, typing press Ψ Henry VIII made his own church – Church of
Paper was innovated = printing was cheaper England/Anglican Church
Catherine Parr raised Edward as a Puritan –
Elizabeth took the throne after her (Puritan) –
allowed for religious freedom so long as they didn’t
plot against her
Ψ Elizabeth executed Mary, Queen of Scots (saw
her as a threat) – her son, James I, took over so
long as he promised to rule Protestant
Catherine de’ Medici – queen of Italy and French
king: ordered all French Huguenots be slaughtered –
led to civil war
Ψ Henry IV of France issued the Edict of
Nantes – allowed religious toleration
30 Year War broke out – between Catholics and
Protestants
Ψ 1648: 30 Year War Ends and the Peace of
Westphalia – balance of powers in European
politics
44

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