Multiple Choice
What was the Great Schism?
Permanent Split between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches
Who was Saladin?
The Muslim warrior who had conquered Jerusalem from the Crusaders and was known for his Chivalry
Primary Source on the Black Death
The mortality began in Siena in May [1348]. It was a cruel and horrible thing; and I do not know where to begin to tell the cruelty and the pitiless ways. It seemed to almost everyone that one became stupefied by seeing the pain...Indeed on who did not see such horribleness can be called blessed. And the victims died almost immediately. They would swell beneath their armpits and in their groins, and fall over dead while talking. Father abandoned child, wife husband, one brother another...And none could be found to bury the dead for money or friendship. Members of a household brought their dead to a ditch as best they could, without priest, without divine offices [last rites]. Nor did the death bell sound. And in many places in Siena great pits were dug and piled deep with the multitude of dead. And I, Agnolo di Tura, called the Fat, buried my five children with my own hands. And there were also those who were so sparsely covered with earth that dogs dragged them forth and devoured many bodies throughout the city. There was no one who wept for any death, for all awaited death. And so many died that all believed that it was the end of the world.
What are some key facts that this eyewitness to the Black Plague says that show that it is such a horrifying disease?
Describe how he lost all five children, the lack of sanitation, and the bleakness of society at this time
How was the Constantinople able to survive numerous invasions and last as long as it did?
The use of the Theodosian Walls, a chain across the Golden Horn, a powerful navy, and running water are just some examples.
Were the Crusades an offensive or defensive war on the part of the Christians? Explain your viewpoint.
That is up to you. The Crusades were defensive because the Muslims started them by attacking Christian pilgrims, constantly invading Christian land, being pirates on the Mediterranean Sea, and damaging the Church of the Holy Sepulcre. They were offensive because the Christians launched a full scale invasion of territories held by the Muslims. As Catholics we tend to agree it was self-defense.
What was Feudalism?
A system of government in which people are ranked and own land
Who was Charlemagne?
The Frankish Emperor who reunited much of Western Europe under his rule and spread the Christian faith
Primary Source on the Black Death
The mortality began in Siena in May [1348]. It was a cruel and horrible thing; and I do not know where to begin to tell the cruelty and the pitiless ways. It seemed to almost everyone that one became stupefied by seeing the pain...Indeed on who did not see such horribleness can be called blessed. And the victims died almost immediately. They would swell beneath their armpits and in their groins, and fall over dead while talking. Father abandoned child, wife husband, one brother another...And none could be found to bury the dead for money or friendship. Members of a household brought their dead to a ditch as best they could, without priest, without divine offices [last rites]. Nor did the death bell sound. And in many places in Siena great pits were dug and piled deep with the multitude of dead. And I, Agnolo di Tura, called the Fat, buried my five children with my own hands. And there were also those who were so sparsely covered with earth that dogs dragged them forth and devoured many bodies throughout the city. There was no one who wept for any death, for all awaited death. And so many died that all believed that it was the end of the world.
Why might the people living in Medieval Europe have thought that this disease was the end of the world or because of bad values?
All people were awaiting death according to your primary source, people did not weep and expected the end to come. Also, many people at this time believed the Black Plague was divine punishment
What led to the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453? Explain?
The creation of the cannon led to the fall of the Byzantine Empire by destroying large parts of the Theodosian Walls
What was Justinian's Code?
Roman law that was collected and organized into a few texts
Who was Pope Urban II?
He was the Pope who called for the 1st Crusade to defend the Byzantine Empire and retake Jerusalem
What were the Crusades?
A series of military campaigns to establish Christian control over the Holy Land
Who was Justinian I?
The Byzantine Emperor who liberated much of the Roman territory that was conquered by barbarians and the architect of Hagia Sophia Church
Who was Richard I?
King of England, main rival of Saladin, hero of the 3rd Crusade and the man who almost retook Jerusalem for the Catholics