Vocab
In European history, the term “Dark Age” refers to
A. A time of great cultural and scientific progress
B. A period of decline and instability after the fall of the Roman Empire
C. An age when Europe was ruled by a single powerful emperor
D. A time when Europe discovered new trade routes to Asia
B. A period of decline and instability after the fall of the Roman Empire
What event marked the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
The fall happened when barbarian tribes like vandals and Visigoths conquered Rome and removed the last emperor from power.
What was the House of Wisdom, and where was it located?
A major center of learning in Baghdad, where scholars studied and translated works in science, math, medicine, and literature.
What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?
A primary is a first-hand account of an event, created by someone who experienced it or witnessed it directly. A secondary is created by someone who did not experience the event directly.
Why was Jerusalem important to Muslims, Christians and Jews?
Muslims:
Christians:
Jews:
Conflicts between citizens or groups within the same country is called
Civil wars
Why do historians call the period after Rome’s fall the “Dark Ages”?
Because learning, culture, and strong government declined, and there was less written record of progress.
Name three fields that saw great advancements during the Islamic Golden Age.
Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, architecture.
Provide 3 examples of primary sources?
Primary:
Diary, letter, photograph, artifact, speech, official document, eyewitness account.
What would a “Golden Age” look like compared to the “Dark Ages”?
A Golden Age would be a time of peace, strong government, learning, and cultural progress — the opposite of decline.
What is “corruption” in government?
A. When leaders use their power honestly and fairly
B. When leaders focus on helping the poor
C. When leaders use their power for personal gain or take bribes
D. When citizens vote in elections
C. When leaders use their power for personal gain or take bribes
What happened to education and learning after the empire collapsed?
Schools closed, fewer people could read or write, and knowledge from Rome was partly lost.
What role did trade play in the Islamic Golden Age?
Trade across Asia, Africa, and Europe brought wealth, ideas, and new technologies.
3 examples of secondary sources?
Secondary:
Textbooks, biographies, documentaries, research articles, encyclopedias.
Why might some historians think “Dark Ages” is an unfair label for this time period?
Because there were still important developments, like the inventions that came out of the Islamic empire
A shortage of food that leads to hunger and starvation is referred to as…
Famine
What were some major reasons the Western Roman Empire became weak?
Political corruption, economic troubles, civil wars, and constant barbarian invasions.
Why might the Islamic Golden Age be considered one of the most important periods in world history?
Because it preserved and expanded knowledge that influenced science, math, medicine, and culture worldwide.
Use the following source to answer the question
Source:
Excerpt of a Letter from a Muslim Soldier (c. 1099, during the First Crusade)
“In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Dear Father,
The Christian armies have arrived at our gates, and the city of Jerusalem trembles under their siege. Each day brings fierce fighting, and many of our brothers have fallen defending our homes and sacred places. We stand firm, for Allah guides our hands and strengthens our hearts.
The walls of the city are old but resilient, and the people pray tirelessly for protection. I long for peace, yet I am proud to defend the holy city that has been entrusted to us. May Allah protect us and grant victory to those who remain faithful.
I think often of home and the comforts of our village, but duty calls me to Jerusalem. I pray that one day, God will allow us to live in safety once more.
Your devoted son,
Ahmad, Soldier of Jerusalem
What is the origin of the source? Is it a primary or secondary and why?
It is a letter written by Ahmad, a Muslim soldier defending Jerusalem, c. 1099. This is a primary source since it is written by the soldier experiencing the events himself.
What does “Crusade” mean?
A Crusade is a religious war, mainly between European Christians and Muslims in the Middle East during the Middle Ages.
A fast-spreading and deadly disease that affects many people….
Plague
How did the fall of the Roman Empire change daily life for people in Europe?
Life became harder — trade stopped, cities shrank, money lost value, and people struggled to survive
What was the effect of the Mongol invasion on Baghdad and the Islamic Golden Age?
It destroyed Baghdad, killed many people, and caused the loss of countless books, which weakened the Islamic Golden Age.
Use the following source to answer the question
Source:
Excerpt of a Letter from a Muslim Soldier (c. 1099, during the First Crusade)
“In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Dear Father,
The Christian armies have arrived at our gates, and the city of Jerusalem trembles under their siege. Each day brings fierce fighting, and many of our brothers have fallen defending our homes and sacred places. We stand firm, for Allah guides our hands and strengthens our hearts.
The walls of the city are old but resilient, and the people pray tirelessly for protection. I long for peace, yet I am proud to defend the holy city that has been entrusted to us. May Allah protect us and grant victory to those who remain faithful.
I think often of home and the comforts of our village, but duty calls me to Jerusalem. I pray that one day, God will allow us to live in safety once more.
Your devoted son,
Ahmad, Soldier of Jerusalem
What is the purpose of the source?
To inform family of the events and express devotion. The targeted audience is his family members as this was directly written to them.
How did the Crusades contribute to cultural exchange between Europe and the Islamic world?
They introduced European Christians to Middle Eastern knowledge, foods, and technologies, such as new crops, mathematics, and architecture.