After Rome
What happened when Roman central authority collapsed in the West?
Loss of centralized government and imperial control
What became more important than citizenship during the Early Middle Ages?
Personal loyalty
Which religious figure promoted order through rules and routine?
Benedict of Nursia
Christianity differed mainly in what area, not in core beliefs?
Practice and authority
What geographic feature most shaped Arabian society?
Desert environment
One reason the fall of Rome was gradual rather than sudden.
Problems built up over time (economic decline, weak leadership, invasions)
Why did local authority matter more than distant rulers after Rome?
Central government could no longer protect or govern effectively
What was the main purpose of monastic life in the Early Middle Ages?
Spiritual discipline and stability
Why did disagreements within Christianity create political problems?
They weakened unity and stability
Why was tribal loyalty strong in Arabia before Islam?
Survival depended on the tribe
Name two Roman tradition or institution that continued after the empire fell.
Roman law, Latin language, roads, or Christianity
How did land and protection shape power in medieval society?
Landowners offered protection in exchange for loyalty and service
How did monasteries help preserve stability without political power?
By preserving learning, maintaining routine, and modeling order
What was the main goal of the Synod of Whitby?
To unify Christian practices and authority
How did trade connect Arabia to other regions?
Trade routes linked Africa, Asia, and Europe
What replaced Roman authority in many regions after the collapse?
Local rulers, landowners, or the Christian Church
Explain one way societies adapted to instability after Rome.
Shift to local rule, rural life, and reliance on the Church
Why were people drawn to structured religious life after Rome?
It provided certainty, order, and purpose during chaos
Name one key difference between Celtic Christianity and Roman Christianity.
Monastic-centered vs. bishop-led / local traditions vs. centralized authority
Why did Muhammad’s message challenge traditional tribal divisions?
It emphasized religious unity over tribal loyalty
Why did cultural survival matter even when political control disappeared?
It preserved identity, stability, and continuity despite political collapse
Why do institutions often last longer than political leaders?
Institutions are structured systems that survive beyond individuals
How did Benedict’s approach to order differ from political rule?
It relied on discipline and routine rather than force or authority
Why did rulers often prefer Roman (Catholic) Christianity?
Uniformity strengthened political control and unity
How did early Islam offer a new form of unity?
Shared beliefs and community replaced tribal divisions