Christianity
Byzantine Empire
Early Russia and Mongol Conquest
Islam
Africa
Europe in the Middle Ages
Other
100

This person was a Christian theologian and philosopher. His writings influenced the development of Western philosophy and Christianity. Argued that the ideal state could not be realized on Earth, only in Heaven. One of his many works is The City of God.   

St. Augustine

100

This person was the leader of the Byzantine Empire. He attempted to and almost succeeded in reunifying the territories of the Roman Empire. He is best known for helping to Codify laws of Ancient Rome to create a handbook of civil law

Emperor Justinian 

100

What was the Kiev Russian state? 

The Kiev Russian state lasted from 800 to 1240AD. It was the first Russian state and it was very European oriented. It adopted Orthodox Christianity as its religion and attempted to emulate some of Byzantine culture. Its land lacked natural boundaries, which made it hard to secure borders. By 1240, the state would become compromised by weak leadership, making it vulnerable to conquest.  

100

What is The Qur’an? 

The Qur’an is the central religious text of Islam. It is considered by believers to be a revelation from God (Allah) to Muhammad. It also set the standards and foundations for the faith. 

100

This person saw African people as "different but equal." He reported that Europeans visited African kingdoms and were often impressed. It seems there were little to no attitudes of racial superiority during his day.

Herodotus

100

This person was crowned the Emperor of the Romans by the Pope in 800AD. He started the Carolingian Empire (a Christian Empire) and gained control of most of western Europe. Some described him as a conqueror who wanted to improve lives. Under this leader, the Carolingian Renaissance occurred. Many non Christians were converted to Christianity. An attempt was made to revive intellect, learning, and Biblical studies. Moral reform, education of clergy, and the establishment of schools was emphasized. Although this leader had a focus on reform, he did not practice religious toleration. 

Charlemagne

100

What is the date of your final exam? Will the final include a map test?

December 15th 2021. Yes there will be a map portion. 

200

The basis of Roman Catholic doctrine on papal primacy. This theory believes that Peter's successors are to decide doctrinal matters for the Church.

Petrine Theory

200

Who was Procopius?

Procopius was a Byzantine historian. He is known for writing several historical accounts on Justinian and Theodora. These accounts are the Wars of Justinian and The Secret History. The first account painted the pair in a kind light. The second account contradicted the first, attacking Justinian's reforms and libeling (publishing unproven statements) Theodora.

200

This event ended the Kiev state in Russia. It exposed Russia to Mongol culture and rule, mostly cutting the society off from a European orientation. 

Mongol conquest of Russia

200

This occurred after Mohammad was visited by the angel Gabriel with a message from God. The message said that God was unhappy with Arabic paganism, the harsh treatment of women, and the people's obsession with money. Mohammed believed he had been chosen to serve as a prophet for God. 

Mohammad’s conversion

200

This Kingdom in Sub-Saharan Africa rose up despite the hindrances to development. They had a distinctive architectural and artistic style. Their contributions were mentioned in Egyptian culture and they were even able to temporarily gain control of Egypt in 750BC.

The Kingdom of Kush

200

A sort of governmental system in Medieval Europe where kingdoms were divided into districts. Those districts would be under the rule of nobles who acted like kings. Peasants were required to live on their lord's land and give homage, labor, and a share of the produce, in exchange for military protection. 

European Feudalism

200

What are the five pillars of Islam?

The Five Pillars of Islam are:

- Shahada (witnessing) -> No God but Allah

- Salat -> 5 Daily Prayers

- Zakat (almsgiving) -> donations and charity

- Sawm -> fasting during Ramadan

- Hajj (pilgrimage) -> trip to Mecca during lifetime

300

This person was known as a Church Father. Best known for translating the Bible from Greek to Latin. 

St. Jerome


300

This person was the wife of Justinian. She often served as one of his chief advisors. She often helped her husband reform the empire. 

She is depicted different ways by different historians. One historian depicts her as a kind person in one work and as a woman who slept around and was controlling in another account. 

Empress Theodora

300

This person was a leader of the Kiev state. He is best known for converting the Russian state to Christianity, in order to consolidate his state. This exposed Russia to Orthodox Christianity, Byzantine culture, and the Cyrillic Alphabet, all of which would shape the future of the area. 

Prince Vladimir

300

Why was Mohammad forced to escape to Medina?

After his conversion, Mohammad preached the message he believed he received from God. He did so throughout Mecca. Mohammad's advocation for reform was seen by many powerful individuals as a potential threat, so they worked to have Mohammad kicked out of Mecca. In 622, Mohammad was able to escape to Medina. 

300

What were some hindrances to the development of civilization in Africa?

Sub-Saharan Africa developed slower than other areas due to developmental restraints. Some of these hinderances included diseases that affected both people and animals, the high temperature of the area, the lack of frequent rainfall, and the difficulty to begin farming. Sub-Saharan civilizations were also "cut off" from the rest of the world because of their natural boundaries. The area was surrounded by oceans and deserts. This protected the people from invasions, but prevented civilizations from receiving benefits of exposure. 

300

The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code.

Chivalry

300

A royal charter of rights agreed to by King John of England. It guaranteed liberties of Bishops and nobles, while limiting the power of royalty. It established that the king was not above the law and needed consent of the kingdom to impose taxes. The legacy of this document led to the creation of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Ideas from this document are seen echoed in later documents, like the Bill of Rights. 

Magna Carta

400

A Christian who was best known for composing rules that gave order and disciplines to monks. His monasteries set the standard for Christian monasteries of that time. 

St. Benedict

400

What was the Code of Justinian and why was it significant?

The Code of Justinian was the codification of laws of Ancient Rome. Before the Code of Justinian, the laws were a confusing and unusual mess. Legal experts worked together to compile the law and create a handbook of Civil Law, which became the Code of Justinian. This code was significant because it preserved Roman Law and became the foundation for some western law systems. 

400

Who was Genghis Khan?

Genghis Khan (Temujin) was the man who united the Mongol tribes. He was the founder of the Mongol Empire, launching Mongol invasions and conquering a large portion of Eurasia. 

400

What were the rights of women like under Islam?

Throughout Islamic communities, the status of many women changed. Many women received the right to education and business operation. Female infanticide was abolished. Women could contract their own marriage, receive a dowry, and get inheritance. In the early years, there were also prominent female leaders who held authority and even commanded troops. Women still experienced some inequality. Most women found themselves still under control of elder males, male testimony was often seen as more useful than females, and over time some societies attempted to take the aforementioned rights away from their women. 

400

This was part of the kingdom of Kush. It was seen as a power base of the kingdom and eventually was known as the Iron working center of Sub-Saharan Africa. It was also known as the first black industrial city in S.S.Africa.

Meroe

400

A conflict between the church and the state in medieval Europe over the ability to choose and install bishops.

Investiture Controversy

400

What was the Impact of Arab scholarship on the world?

Arabic scholarship had an immense impact on the world. During the Middle ages, Arabic societies often overshadowed Western societies. In Arabic societies, intellectual studies were greatly encouraged by the state, with a focus on Hellenistic rational inquiry. An emphasis was also put on creating Arabic translations of every ancient text, therefore preserving ancient culture for future generations. The goal was to reclaim the wisdom of the Greeks and move it forward. A sort of early education system was also developed, in which, a student would follow and mentor a master until they mastered a topic. Literacy became widespread for its time, only further stressing the importance of education. Skill, rather than birth, color, or class, became the most important factor in one's career. 

500

Explain the role Women in early years of the Christian church

Women in the Christian churches often had their own convents/monasteries. Some women even became heads of monasteries. In the early church, women played important function, such as presiding over ceremonies. Women could also be found having leadership roles in the church. Over time, the view of women in the church began to change. This was partially because of the writings attributed to Paul which caused some confusion and partially because of the developing male view of women as "temptations." Because of the change, women would eventually loose most of their leadership positions in the church. 

500

This was an event that broke up the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Followers of the Orthodox church and from the Catholic Church differed over concepts of leadership, clerical marriage, ceremonies, and some theology. One main issue was whether or not the Pope should have domination over the Church. 

The Great Schism of 1054 

500

Who was Ivan III and why was he significant?

Ivan III was the man who was able to liberate Russia from Mongol rule. Ivan took influences from the Mongol, Byzantine, and Orthodox traditions, rather than traditions from Europe, for setting up Russia state rule.

500

What was the Origin of the rift between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

The origin of the rift between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims began after the death of Mohammad. Groups had different views about who should be the successor to Mohammad. This led to sects developing within the religion. The faith was able to grow despite the division.

500

What was the impact of the slave trade on African and the world?

Demand for labor in the "New World" was increasing and farms wanted cheap labor. They had planned to utilize the Native American populations until they started to die from European diseases. Settlers soon turned towards the African population for workers because of their immunity towards European diseases and their experiences in farming. 

In Africa, slavery had existed, but it was much different than the slavery associated with the Americas. Slaves in Africa were allowed some rights, opportunities for social mobilities, and some even married into the families they served. Race was not a factor in this type of slavery.

Once slavery began in the New World, settlers made it race based and hereditary. This change was significant and people attempted to find ways to justify it to themselves. Many claimed it was just due to some nonexistent superiority. As New World slavery became more commonplace, Settler's attitudes towards people with darker skin colors began to change. 

Originally, African leaders played a willing role in cooperating with Europeans. They would capture Africans of different tribes and sell them to Europeans. African leaders would eventually realize that this New World slavery was much different (more horrific) than the slavery that existed in Africa. They also began to notice the damage it was causing to their own civilizations.

African leaders noticed the impact of New World slavery in a variety of ways. First, families were being torn apart. Second, guns were introduced into the continent, which changed things greatly. Finally, numerous cultures had lost generations of their fittest members. 

In the New World, the impact of slavery was seen with increased expert labor, along with the introduction of a variety of new cultural practices. The New World also saw the rapid spread of racist ideas. 

500

Who was Henry II and what did he do?

Henry II was ruler of England. He is known for the idea of common law being developed under his rule, along with the concept of "trial by jury." Henry II is also known for the appointment of Thomas Becket as the archbishop of Canterbury and his subsequent death.

500

A bubonic plague pandemic occurring in Afro-Eurasia from 1346 to 1353. It is the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history, causing the death of 75–200 million people. The plague created religious, social and economic upheavals, with profound effects on the course of European history.

The Black Death