World History & Geography I

Prehistory
SOL NOTES

Prehistory is the name given to the period before written language developed. Because there
was no written record, scientists must theorize as to the course of events. Three types of scientists
specialize in the study of prehistory:
anthropologists?…one who studies human cultures
paleontologists?…studies fossils and bones
archaeologists?…studies artifacts (man made objects)

Where did the first humans live?

The Leakeys- …believed the first humans lived in East Africa

WHY did humans migrate to other continents? …search for food, climate changes, and
population growth

What is a nomad? What was their life like?

Moves in search of food; traveled in small numbers, had a “chief” of some sort, moved often,
setting up temporary shelters

The Paleolithic Era (The Old Stone Age) When?

1) nomadic hunter-gatherers
2) invented the first tools and simple weapons (stone)
3) learned to make fire
4) lived in “clans”
5) developed oral language
6) created “cave art”, like what was found in Lasceaux, France
EXAMPLES:

The Neolithic Era (The New Stone Age) When?

1) developed agriculture
2) domesticated animals
3) used advanced tools
4) made pottery
5) developed weaving skills
EXAMPLES: Catal Huyuk and Jericho, both found in the Fertile Crescent region of the
Middle East
What is civilization? Groups of people living in larger, permanent, organized communities
Where did the first civilizations develop? WHY? RIVER VALLEYS- water for food and travel
 The Ancient River Valley Civilizations
SOL Condensed Notes
Civilization brought new developments in several areas of life:

1) Developments in Social Patterns:

a. Heredity rulers, such as dynasties, and pharaohs
b. A rigid class system where slavery was accepted

2) Developments Political Patterns:

a. First city-states develop in Mesopotamia under the Sumerians
b. Kingdoms and Empires follow in succession
c. Centralized governments form with religious authority- theocracy
d. Written law codes are developed- Hammurabi, Ten Commandments*

3) Developments in Economic Patterns:

a. Metal tools and weapons made of bronze and iron*
b. Agricultural surpluses due to plows, tools, and irrigation
c. Increased trade along rivers
d. First cities with urban planning, like Harrappa in the Indus Valley
e. Specialization of labor

4) Developments in Religious Traditions:

e. Most early religions were polytheistic- Egyptians, Sumerians, etc.
f. The Hebrews were monotheistic*

5) Developments in Language:
a. Pictograms- earliest written symbols
b. Hieroglyphics- ancient Egypt
c. Cuneiform- ancient Sumerians
d. Alphabet- the Phoenicians*

* information will be covered in Unit 3 in more detail

 Ancient Greece
SOL Condensed Notes

The Physical location of the Balkan Peninsula and Aegean Basin shaped the
economic, social, and political development of Greek civilization.

Economic and Social Development:

- Agriculture limited due to a lack of arable land
- Commerce helped to spread the Hellenic Culture
- Shift from barter economy to money (coins)

Political Development:
- Mountainous terrain helped AND hurt the development of independent city-
states
- Greek cities were designed to promote civic and commercial life
- Colonization began as need to relieve overpopulation and provide food
sources (wheat) for Greek people

The Greeks developed a unique religious system. Greek Mythology

- Greek religion was polytheistic
- Used religion to explain natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events
- Major Greek gods and goddesses include: Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Artemis,
Athena, and Aphrodite
- Greek mythology is symbolized today in western ART, LITERATURE,
ARCHITECTURE, and POLITICS

The Greek City-States developed highly organized social and citizenship structures.
- The polis was the main Greek political unit. (city and surrounding area)
- Citizens (free adult males) had political rights and responsibility for
participation in government. (lottery)
- WOMEN, foreigners, and slaves had NO political rights!

ATHENS:
- Athenian government developed in three stages:
o Monarchy…Aristocracy…Tyranny…Democracy
- Two tyrants who worked for reform were Draco and Solon
- Several of our democratic principles developed in Ancient Greece:
o Direct democracy-
o Public debate-
o Duties of Citizens-

SPARTA:
- Sparta was an oligarchy (ruled by a few)
- Rigid social structure
- Sparta was militaristic and aggressive (this limited their social development)
Wars with Persia and within the Greek Peninsula brought changes in Greek life.
PERSIAN WARS: (499-449 B.C.)
- Wars with Persia (from Mesopotamia) served to UNITE the otherwise
independent and rival city-states of Athens and Sparta
- Athenian victories over the Persians at Salamis and Marathon left the Greeks
in control of the Aegean Sea
- Athens continued to thrive in government and culture

PELOPONNESIAN WAR: (431-404 B.C.)

- Caused by the competition and rivalry between Athens (the Delian League)
and Sparta (Peloponnesian League)
- This war slowed the cultural advances and weakened the political power of
the Greeks

Height of the Greek Empire

SOL Condensed Notes
The Golden Age of Pericles occurred mostly between the Persian and
Peloponessian Wars.
- Pericles extended democracy (most adult males had equal voice)
- The Parthenon was one of many building projects accomplished by
Pericles and his reconstruction of Athens

The Greek culture made many contributions to western culture:

- Drama: Aeschylus, Sophocles
- Poetry: Homer (Iliad and Odyssey)
- History: Herodotus, Thucydides
- Sculpture: Phidias
- Architecture: Corinthian, Ionic, and Doric (Parthenon) columns
- Science: Archimedes, Hippocrates (medicine?)
- Mathematics: Euclid, Pythagoras
- Philosophy: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle

The Macedonian conquest of Greece followed the weakening of Greek

political structure during the Peloponessian Wars.
- Phillip II of Macedon conquered most of Greece

Alexander the Great adopted Greek culture and spread Hellenistic

culture throughout his vast empire.
- Established an empire that extended from Greece to Egypt and east
to India
- Extended Greek cultural influences
Hellenistic Culture consisted of a mixture of Greek, Middle Eastern,
and Oriental elements.

The Romans- The Classical Civilization

SOL Summary/Review NOTES
Physical Location of Rome
Italy is centrally located in the Mediterranean Basin, and distant from other
Mediterranean powers.
The Alps protect Italy to the north. The sea provides protection to the east,
west, and south. The sea also provided a way of trade.
Identify the following on the map:
Alps
Mediterranean Sea
Rome
Latium

Roman Mythology was based on the Greek polytheistic religion.

Mythology provided explanations for natural phenomena, human qualities,
and life events.
Major gods and goddesses included:
Jupiter
Juno
Apollo
Diana
Minerva
Venus

The significance and influence of Roman mythology is still seen in literature,

monumental architecture, and politics.

Social Structure in the Roman Republic

There were three positions of social standing:
Patricians- powerful nobility (few in number)
Plebeians- artisans, merchants, etc. (majority)
Slaves- NOT based on race

Citizenship was granted to patrician and plebeian MEN and selected

foreigners.
Rights and responsibilities included taxes, military service.

Political Structure in Rome

Rome was a representative democracy (republic)
Assemblies were representative bodies elected by the people
The Senate was the “highest” house of the government
Consuls were selected to serve as executives
 The Twelve Tables contained the laws of Rome. (concepts such as equality
before the law, and innocent until proven guilty)

Rome dominated the Mediterranean Basin following its victory in the Punic
Wars.
The Punic Wars: Rome vs. Carthage (264-146 B.C.)
Rome and Carthage competed for trade in the Mediterranean
Sea.
Hannibal invaded the Italian Peninsula resulting in three wars.
Rome’s victory expanded their trade and wealth.

Rome’s Expansion to An Empire

The Roman Republic declined due to changes in social and economic
conditions:
Slavery spread throughout the agricultural system
Migrating farmers pack cities increasing unemployment
Internal conflict to challenge the power of Julius Caesar
Inflation- (devaluation of the Roman currency

The Origin and Evolution of Imperial Rome (Empire)

The first triumvirate increased the power of the executive and
weakened the Senate.
Julius Caesar seized absolute power, but would be
assassinated by the threatened Senate in 44B.C.
Augustus Caesar was Rome’s first Emperor (defeated Marc
Antony)
The Empire unified and enlarged the Roman influence
The Empire failed in its inability to provide peaceful
succession of Emperors

Imperial rule brought about the Pax Romana

The Pax Romana was over 200 years of peace and prosperity
within the Empire
The Empire expanded and solidified especially in the near East
Economic Impact- a unified system of money, safe travel and
trade (Roman Roads), prosperity and stability
Social Impact- stability in the class structure, emphasis on the
family
Political Impact- civil service, and uniform rule of law

Christianity was introduced and flourished during the Roman Empire.

Christianity had its roots in the monotheistic religion of Judaism.
Christianity was led by Jesus of Nazareth, who was
proclaimed the Messiah.
Christianity conflicted with the polytheistic beliefs of the
Roman Empire.
Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Christianity.
Monotheism
Jesus as both Son and incarnation of God
 ROME- SOL Review Notes – page 3

Life after death

New Testament, containing accounts of the life and teachings
of Jesus, as well as writings of early Christians
Christian doctrine established by early church consuls

Spread of Christianity
Carried by the Apostles, including Paul, throughout the
Roman Empire
Slowed as a result of persecution by Roman authorities
Adopted and legalized by Emperor Constantine

Impact of the Church of Rome (Roman Catholic Church) on the late Roman
Empire
The Church became an example of moral authority
Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to
the Emperor.
The Church became the main unifying force of Western
Europe

Contributions of Ancient Rome

Art and Architecture: Parthenon, Colosseum, Forum
Technology: Roads, Aqueducts, Roman Arches
Science: Ptolemy
Medicine: Public Health-baths, water systems, medical schools
Language: Latin, Romance languages
Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid
Religion: Roman mythology, adoption of Christianity as imperial religion
Law: principles of “innocent until proven guilty.

The Decline of the Western Roman Empire

Economy- the cost of defense and the devaluation of Roman currency
Military- Army membership starting to include invaders, resulting in less
discipline
Moral Decay- People’s loss of faith in Rome and the family
Political Problems- civil conflict and weak administration (leaders)
Invasion- attacks on the long borders

The Division of the Roman Empire

Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, renaming the city
Constantinople.
The Western Roman Empire lasted until 476 AD
The Eastern Roman Empire survived as the Byzantine Empire
 Ancient African Civilizations
SOL Summary/Review NOTES

Early African civilizations developed in sub-Saharan, west, and east Africa.

A. Sub-Saharan Africa
1. Zimbabwe, a Bantu kingdom located between the Zambezi
and the Limpopo Rivers, grew in southern Africa.
2. “Great Zimbabwe”, meaning “stone house”, was the capital
of this prosperous empire.
3. Zimbabwe mined rich deposits of copper and gold, and
traded through East Africa with the Middle East and Asia.

B. East Africa
1. The greatest of the East African kingdoms was Axum, located
east of the Ethiopian Highlands along the Red Sea.
2. Axum traded ivory for the cotton cloth, brass, copper, and
olive oil from Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia.
3. Axum also became a “Christian” kingdom as a result of its
contacts.

C. West African kingdoms

1. Ghana, Mali, Songhai empires flourished south of the
Sahara along the Niger River.
2. Trans-Saharan trade (trade across the desert) brought needed
salt to West Africa for gold, which was found in large
deposits in West Africa.
3. The city of Timbuktu became a center for trade as well as
learning.
4. Animism was replaced by Islam by the AD 700s.

The regional trade that developed in the Eastern hemisphere brought important
economic, cultural, religious influences to Africa.
D. A major trade developed across the Sahara as valuable materials
such as salt, olive oil, cotton cloth, etc.
E. These European and Asian goods were exchanged for copper, gold,
and ivory found throughout Africa.
F. The Red Sea served as a trade route between East and Central
Africa and the Middle East and Asia.
G. Christianity and Islam would spread through parts of Africa with
the goods that were traded.
 H. Languages, customs, science, and architecture would also be
“traded”.

What physical obstacles had to be conquered in order to promote trade

across Africa??????

The Indian Empires

SOL Summary/Review NOTES
Physical Features of the Indian Subcontinent
Locate the following on the world map:
1. Indus River, Ganges River, Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Indian
Ocean
2. The mountains served as protection to the north (Hindu Kush,
Himalayas); The Indian Ocean served as a barrier to the
south.
3. Indo-Aryan invaders used the mountain passes of the Hindu
Kush to dominate the region. They brought with them a rigid
social system (caste system) based on heredity.

India’s Golden Age

India flourished under the Gupta empire.
Advancements were made in mathematics, new textiles, and literature.

Hinduism
The caste system of social structure involved religious law based on
occupation
Hinduism believes in many forms of 1 deity. (polytheistic)
Hinduism believes in reincarnation- the cycles of rebirth experienced
by all.
Karma is the concept that ones future position is based on their present
behavior.
The Vedas and the Upanishads are the sacred writings of Hinduism.

Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism after he became dissatisfied
with Hinduism. He searched for enlightenment.
Gautama (Buddha) taught the Four Noble Truths as an explanation
for suffering.
The suffering could be defeated by following the Eightfold Path to
enlightenment.
Asokas (of the Mauryan Empire) sent missionaries to spread Buddhism
to China and Southeast Asia. Asokas practiced religious tolerance as a
ruler.
Buddhism split into two major groups:
4. Theraveda- saw Gautama (Buddha) as a great teacher
 5. Mahayana- Gautama was a god

China’s Flourishing Civilization

SOL Summary/Review NOTES

China’s civilizations developed on the Huang He River (Yellow River) in northeast

China.
The fertile soils, good rainfalls, and water from melting snow made for
good agricultural conditions.
With the mountains to the west and the sea to the east, China was most
vulnerable from the north.
The Great Wall was built by Qin Shi Huangdi as a line of defense
against northern invasions.

Chinese Government
China was ruled by dynasties, or families of rulers. (Shang, Zhou, Qin,
Han)
Chinese rulers were considered divine, having the Mandate of
Heaven, but only as long as their rule was just.
The Silk Roads encouraged trade and contact between China and other
cultures as far away as Rome.

Contributions of Classical China

The civil service system in which people were appointed to positions
in government based on exams.
Paper and printing techniques were also developed by the Chinese.
Porcelain, a very fine pottery, was developed in China.
Silk would make Chinese trade very desirable to the West.

Confucianism helped to form Chinese social order.

Confucianism began with a belief that humans were good, not bad.
Confucianism taught respect for elders and ancestor worship.
Confucianism taught politeness, which is still part of the society today.
Confucianism emphasized education.

Contributions of Daoism
Central features of Daoism included humility, simple life and inner
space, and harmony with nature.
Yin and Yang were used to represent opposites for Daoism as well as
Confucianism.

** Chinese forms of Buddhism also spread throughout Asia**

 The Byzantine Empire
SOL Summary/Review NOTES
**REVIEW SOL 6k for the information on the division of the Roman Empire.

I. Constantinople was chosen as the capital city of the Eastern Empire

(Byzantium).
A. The location of Constantinople offered:
1. protection of the eastern frontier
2. distance from Germanic invaders in Europe
3. a crossroads at trade routes (meeting point of Europe and
Asia)
4. an easily fortified site on a peninsula (Bosporus) bordering a
natural harbor
B. Constantinople served as the seat (capital) of the Byzantine Empire until the
Ottoman conquest.
C. Constantinople preserved classical Greco-Roman culture.

II. The greatest of the Byzantine Rulers was Justinian. (“The Emperor Who
Never Slept”)
A. Justinian codified (organized) Roman law, which would later be passed to
European culture. (and later to the United States)
B. Justinian led the reconquest of former Roman territories. (General
Belisarius)
C. Justinian expanded trade to the East and Far East.

III. The Byzantines made many advancements in art and

architecture.
A. The inspiration for art was provided by Christian religion and imperial
power. (Church and Politics)
B. Icons (religious images) were an important subject for the Byzantines.
C. Mosaics were a major art form. (Define mosaic: )
D. Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine domes church, was an example of Byzantine
architecture. (see textbook pg. 249 insert)

IV. Byzantine culture was a rich mixture of Greek and Roman cultures.
A. The Greek language was the language of the Eastern Empire (Byzantium),
while Latin remained the language of the Roman Empire.
B. Orthodox Christianity (a split or schism from Roman Christianity) was
practiced in Byzantium.*
C. Greek and Roman knowledge was preserved by the Byzantines in libraries.

V. * The Eastern and the Western Christian Churches would take different
paths.
A. The Eastern, or Orthodox Church was:
1. Centered in Constantinople
2. Close to the seat of power after Constantinople after it became
the capital
 3. Using the Greek language in its liturgy (writings)

B. The Western Church:

1. Was centered in Rome
2. Was farther from the seat of power in Constantinople
3. Used the Latin language in its liturgy

C. The Division, or schism, occurred because:

1. The authority of the Pope was accepted in the West, but not
the East
2. Practices, such as celibacy, were accepted in the West.
**What is celibacy??**

VI. The Byzantine Culture had influence on the cultures of Eastern Europe and
Russia.
A. Trade routes between the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea carried Byzantine
culture throughout Eastern Europe to the Slavs.
B. Russia and much of Eastern Europe (Armenia and Georgia for example)
would accept Orthodox Christianity.
C. The Greek alphabet was adapted to the Slavic languages by St. Cyril (a
missionary) to form Cyrillic. This encouraged the spread of Christianity in
Eastern Europe.
D. Church architecture and art would also spread. (the “onion-shaped” domes)

VII. The Byzantine Empire declined and would fall by the mid-1400s AD.
A. Mongol armies
1. Invaded Russia, China and Muslim states in Southwest
Asia, destroying cities and countryside
2. Created an empire

B. Constantinople
1. Fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire
2. Became capital of the Ottoman Empire
 The Islamic World
SOL Summary/Review NOTES
● REVIEW charts and information on comparative religions

I. The Origins of Islam

A. Muhammad, the prophet, developed Islam after receiving a revelation.
B. Mecca, Muhammad’s birthplace, and Medina, the city where Muhammad
began Islam, are the two most religious cities of Islam. Both cities are found
on the Arabian Peninsula, in present day Saudi Arabia.
C. Islam spread across Asia, North Africa, and into Europe (Spain).
D. Muslim advances into Europe were stopped at The Battle of Tours in
southern France.
**STUDY the map on pg. 280 in your text.

II. Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Islam

A. Islam is a monotheistic religion, worshipping Allah, the Arabic word for
God.
B. The Quran (Koran) is the holy book of Islam.
C. Muslims practice the Five Pillars of Faith:
1. Profession of faith
2. Giving of alms
3. Regular prayer
4. Fasting during Ramadan (holy month)
5. Pilgrimage, called the hajj, to Mecca

D. Muslims accept the Judeo-Christian prophets, including Moses and Jesus.

III. Geography and Islam

A. Geography influenced the development and spread of Islam.
1. Diffusion along trade routes from Mecca to Medina
2. Expanded in spite of physical obstacles- great distances,
desert environments, and mountain barriers.
3. Spread through the Fertile Crescent, into Iran and Central
Asia, aided by weaknesses in the Byzantine and Persian
Empires.

B. Geography influenced the economic, social, and political development.

1. The political unity of the Muslim empire was short-lived.
2. The Arabic language spread with Islam and encouraged trade
across Islamic lands.
3. Slavery in the Islamic world was NOT based on race!

The Islamic World- SOL Review Notes – page 2

 IV. Key Points In The History of Islam
A. The Shia (Shiite) Muslims split from the Sunni Muslims in AD 680 because
of disputes over leadership. The Sunni (Followers of the Way) are the
majority group.
B. The Muslims conquered Jerusalem in the early AD 600s.
C. Muslim advances into Europe were halted by Charles Martel at the Battle
of Tours in AD 732.

V. Muslim Cultural Contributions

A. Contributions included:
1. Architecture- best example is the Dome of the Rock
2. Mosaics
3. Arabic alphabet
4. Universities
5. Translation of ancient texts into Arabic

B. Scientific Contributions included:

1. Arabic Numerals- adapted from India and used for trade;
included “zero”
2. Algebra
3. Medicine
4. Expansion of geographic knowledge, including improvements
to the astrolabe (better sea travel)

Study the picture on page 288 of an Mosque. How does this architecture differ from
Byzantine architecture. (dome?)

examples of Islamic architecture- domes mosques

 The Rise of Medieval Europe
SOL Summary/Review NOTES

I. The Foundations of Early Medieval Society

A. Early medieval society had its beginnings in three sources:
1. The classical heritage of Rome; movement to agricultural
manors.
2. The roots and spread of Christianity.
3. The customs and influence of the Germanic tribes.

B. The Roman Catholic Church would become the unifying force in Europe
as governments weakened.
1. In the later years of the Roman Empire, the government of
Rome declined as the Church grew in its authority.
2. Monasteries were vital to this period and later history as they
preserved the achievements of the Greco-Roman cultures.
3. Missionaries carried Christianity and the Latin alphabet to
the Germanic tribes. (This would help Europe become more
united later)
4. The Pope anointed Charlemagne the first Holy Roman
Emperor in 800 AD.
5. Parish priests served the religious and social needs of the
people.

II. The Decline of Roman Influence Led to the Development of the

Feudal System.
A. As the Roman influence decline, people were left with little
protection from foreign invasions. (The Magyars, Vikings,
Germanic tribes)
B. People entered into feudal agreements with land-holding nobles
who promised them protection.
C. Feudal society brought changes in class structure:
1. Lords/Nobles- possesses land in the name of the
King in exchange for protection to the King.
2. Vassals- servants who served the Nobles or Lords.
3. Serfs- or peasants worked the land for the Lords.
● Under this system each level was responsible
for service to the next level. Serfs worked the
land as Lords protected them. Lords protected
the land for a King, etc.
D. The Manorial System of social structure developed as the feudal
society grew.
1. This entailed a rigid class structure based on the
agricultural society.
 2. Manors were self-sufficient since trade was
extremely dangerous.

III. The Age of Charlemagne

A. The Franks (modern France) emerged as the force in Western
Europe.
B. The Pope crowned Charlemagne the Emperor of the Holy
Roman Empire making the Church and government closer.
C. The power of the church was established in political life.
D. The power of the Church fueled a revival of Roman culture.

IV. Invasions by Angles, Saxons, Magyars, and Vikings Disrupted

the Social, Economic, and Political Order of Europe.
A. The Areas of Settlement
1. The Angles and Saxons came from continental
Europe to England.
2. Magyars came from central Asia to Hungary.
3. Vikings came from Scandinavia to Russia.

B. Influences of the Angles, Saxons, Magyars, and Vikings.

1. Manors with castles provided protection from
invaders, reinforcing the feudal system.
2. Invasions disrupted trade, towns declined, and the
feudal system was strengthened.

World History & Geography

Nation-States, Crusades, and the Renaissance
SOL Summary/Review NOTES
I. In the late Medieval Period European Monarchies began consolidating
power and forming nation-states.
A. England, on the island of Great Britain.
i. William the Conqueror led the Norman Conquest of England in
1066 AD. Following the Battle of Hastings, William united most
of England.
ii. Henry II began the English concept of common law.
iii. In 1215 AD, King John signed the Magna Carta, limiting the
king’s absolute power.
iv. England was further defined as a nation through the Hundred
Years’ War fought with France.
 B. France, the former Roman province of Gaul.
i. Hugh Capet established the French throne in Paris, and his
dynasty expanded their control over most of France.
ii. The Hundred Years’ War, fought with England, defined France
as a nation.
iii. Joan of Arc emerged as a leader during this time period, and
unified France behind her.
C. Spain emerged independent after nearly 700 years under Muslim control.
i. Ferdinand and Isabella unified the country and expelled the
Moors (Muslims) in 1492 AD.
ii. The Spanish Empire expanded into the Western Hemisphere under
Philip II.
D. Russia
i. Ivan the Great defeated the Mongols, centralized power in
Moscow, and expanded the Russian nation.
ii. Power was centralized in the hands of the tsar, or czar, a name
taking from the Romans (Caesar).
The Orthodox Church influenced the unification and growth of the nation.

II. The Crusades were the Christian attempts to win back the Holy
Land (Jerusalem) from Muslim control. (9 Crusades in all)
A. Key events of Crusades
1. Pope Urban’s speech in 1096 calling for the first Crusade
2. The capture of Jerusalem in 1099 only to see the Muslims
take it back
3. Founding of Crusader states in Europe
4. Loss of Jerusalem to Saladin, the Muslim leader, in 1187
5. Sack of Constantinople by western Crusaders in 1204

B. Effects of Crusades
1. Weakened the Pope and nobles; strengthened monarchs
2. Stimulated trade throughout the Mediterranean area and
the Middle East
3. Left a legacy of bitterness among Christians, Jews, and
Muslims
4. Weakened the Byzantine Empire
C. Economic Effects of the Crusades
1. Increased demand for Middle Eastern products
2. Stimulated production of goods to trade in Middle Eastern markets
3. Encouraged the use of credit and banking
D. Important economic concepts
1. Church rule against usury and the banks’ practice of charging interest
helped to secularize northern Italy.
2. Letters of credit served to expand the supply of money and expedite
trade.
3. New accounting and bookkeeping practices (use of Arabic numerals)
were introduced.
III. The Revival of trade following the Crusades introduced a devastating plague on
Europe.
A. Impact of the Black Death
1. Decline in population
2. Scarcity of labor
3. Towns freed from feudal obligations
4. Decline of church influence
5. Disruption of trade
IV. Church Scholars worked throughout the Middle Ages to preserve Greek and
Roman culture.
A. What was the role of Church Scholars?
1. Were among the very few who could read and write
2. Worked in monasteries
3. Translated Greek and Arabic works into Latin
4. Made new knowledge in philosophy, medicine, and science available in
Europe
5. Laid the foundation for the rise of universities in Europe

V. The Renaissance in Europe revived the Greek and Roman cultures and led to an
explosion in the arts, science, technology, and education.
A. Florence, Venice, and Genoa
1. Had access to trade routes connecting Europe with Middle Eastern
markets
2. Served as trading centers for the distribution of goods to northern
Europe
3. Were initially independent city-states governed as republics
B. Machiavelli’s The Prince
1. An early modern treatise on government
2. Supported absolute power of the ruler
3. Maintains that the end justifies the means
Advises that one should do good if possible, but do evil when necessary

C. Renaissance Art and Literature

Medieval art and literature focused on the Church and salvation;
Renaissance art and literature focused on individuals and worldly matters, along
with Christianity.
1. Leonardo da Vinci—Mona Lisa and The Last Supper
2. Michelangelo—Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and David
3. Petrarch—Sonnets, humanist scholarship
 D. Humanism
1. Celebrated the individual
2. Stimulated the study of Greek and Roman literature and culture
3. Was supported by wealthy patrons
E. Northern Renaissance
1. Growing wealth in Northern Europe supported Renaissance ideas.
2. Northern Renaissance thinkers merged humanist ideas with Christianity.
3. The movable type printing press and the production and sale of books
(Gutenberg Bible) helped disseminate ideas.
4. Northern Renaissance writers
a. Erasmus—The Praise of Folly (1511)
b. Sir Thomas More—Utopia (1516)
** Northern Renaissance artists portrayed religious and secular subjects.

Early American Civilizations

SOL Summary/Review Notes
I. The Mayan Civilization (AD 300 – AD 900)
A. The Mayan civilization was located in the rainforest of Mexico and Central
America.
B. Chichen Itza was the capital city. Many ruins of the life of the Maya survive
there today.

The Temple of the Ancient Ones, Chichen Itza, Mexico

C. The Mayan Empire consisted of a group of city-states ruled by a king.

D. Mayan economy was based on agriculture and trade.
E. Mayan religion was polytheistic. They built pyramid-like temples.

II. The Aztec Civilization

A. The Aztec civilization was centered in an arid valley in central Mexico.
B. The capital of Tenochtitlan exemplified the empire.
C. The civilization was ruled by an emperor.
D. Aztec civilization’s economy was based on agriculture.
E. Their religion was polytheistic, with great rituals and centered on warfare.
Aztecs also built pyramid-like temples.
 III. The Incan Civilization
A. The Inca were located in the Andes Mountains of South America.
B. The most important Incan city was Machu Picchu.
C. The Inca civilization mastered high-altitude agriculture.
D. The Incan religion was polytheistic.
E. The Inca built a massive road system through the mountains.

IV. Achievements of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca

A. Calendars
B. Mathematics
C. Writing systems

The Height of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

SOL Summary/Review NOTES

I. The Crusades stimulated TRADE by introducing Europeans to many desirable

products.
 A. This TRADE promoted frequent contacts with the Byzantine and Muslim
Empires.
B. The economic effects of the Crusades were found in the following areas:
● Increased demand for Middle Eastern products
● Stimulated production of goods to trade in Middle Eastern markets
● Encouraged the use of credit and banking
II. New economic institutions developed during the Renaissance.
A. Church rule against usury and the banks’ practice of charging interest helped to
secularize northern Italy.
1. Letters of credit served to expand the supply of money and expedite trade.
2. New accounting and bookkeeping practices (use of Arabic numerals) were
introduced.
B. Explain that wealth accumulated from European trade with the Middle East led to
the rise of Italian city-states. Wealthy merchants were active civic leaders.
III. The benefit of geographic location to northern Italian cities during the Renaissance.
A. Geographic location to northern Italian cities during the Renaissance period
helped these cities achieve importance and develop politically:
Florence, Venice, and Genoa
1. Had access to trade routes connecting Europe with Middle Eastern
markets
2. Served as trading centers for the distribution of goods to northern
Europe
3. Were initially independent city-states governed as republics
B. Machiavelli observed city-state rulers of his day and produced
guidelines for the acquisition and maintenance of power by absolute rule.
C. Machiavelli’s ideas about power as defined in his book, The Prince.
1. An early modern treatise on government
2. Supported absolute power of the ruler
3. Maintains that the end justifies the means
4. Advises that one should do good if possible, but do evil when
necessary

IV. The Renaissance produced new ideas that were reflected in the arts, philosophy,
and literature.
A. Patrons, wealthy from newly expanded trade, sponsored works of art which
glorified city-states in northern Italy.
B. Education became increasingly secular.
C. Medieval art and literature focused on the Church and salvation; Renaissance
art and literature focused on individuals and worldly matters, along with
Christianity.
D. Prominent Italian Renaissance artists and writers included:
1. Leonardo da Vinci—Mona Lisa and The Last Supper
2. Michelangelo—Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and David
 3. Petrarch—Sonnets, humanist scholarship
E. Classical knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans fostered humanism in
the Italian Renaissance. Humanism:
1. Celebrated the individual
2. Stimulated the study of Greek and Roman literature and culture
3. Was supported by wealthy patrons

V. With the rise of trade, travel and literacy, the Italian Renaissance spread to northern
Europe. The art and literature changed as people of different cultures adopted
Renaissance ideas.

A. The ideas of the Italian Renaissance changed as they became adopted in northern
Europe:
1. Growing wealth in Northern Europe supported Renaissance ideas.
2. Northern Renaissance thinkers merged humanist ideas with Christianity.
3. The movable type printing press and the production and sale of books
(Gutenberg Bible) helped disseminate ideas.
B. The important artists and writers of the Northern Renaissance included:
1. Erasmus—The Praise of Folly (1511)
2. Sir Thomas More—Utopia (1516)

C. The Northern Renaissance artists portrayed religious and secular subjects.