The Renaissance
What does the word “Renaissance” mean?
Rebirth
Where did the Black Death originate?
Central Asia.
What role did religion play in legitimizing rulers?
It justified their power and authority.
What was the Silk Road?
A network of trade routes connecting China, the Middle East, and Europe.
Who united the Mongol tribes?
Genghis Khan.
Where did the Renaissance begin and why?
Italy, due to trade wealth, classical heritage, and patronage from families like the Medici.
How did the Black Death spread to Europe?
Via trade caravans and ships, the Mongols, especially through the Silk Road and Mediterranean ports.
What were the Five Pillars of Islam?
Core beliefs and practices that structured daily life for Muslims.
What goods were traded from East to West?
Silk, porcelain, tea, and spices.
What was the Pax Mongolica?
A period of peace and stability that made trade safer across the Mongol Empire.
What is humanism?
A focus on human potential and achievements, emphasizing subjects like history and philosophy.
What were common symptoms of the plague?
High fever, vomiting, and painful swellings called buboes.
How did Christianity unify Europe in 1200 CE?
Through the Catholic Church’s influence over education, art, and politics.
Daily Double: Many cultures would learn and combine certain things from each other. What is this called?
Cultural Diffusion
What military tactic were the Mongols known for?
Horseback archery and psychological warfare.
Who is known as the “Father of Humanism”?
Petrarch
How did the Black Death affect the feudal system?
It collapsed due to labor shortages and rising demands from peasants.
What belief system shaped Chinese government and culture?
Confucianism
What technologies spread along the Silk Road?
Gunpowder, printing, and the compass.
What were the four Mongol Khanates?
Yuan Dynasty, Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, Chagatai Khanate.
What was a major change in art during the Renaissance?
Art became more realistic, with perspective and emotion.
What religious impact did the plague have?
Weakened Church authority and led to persecution of minority groups.
What was a major religious conflict during this period?
The Crusades between Christians and Muslims.
What negative effect did the Silk Road have?
Spread of diseases like the Black Death.
What was a major legacy of the Mongols?
They connected distant regions and helped pave the way for the Renaissance and global empires.